Newport developer LeFrak has transformed the Newport Skates arena into a series of pop-up pickleball courts. The courts are free to use and open to the entire community. The courts are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that’s part tennis, Ping-Pong, and badminton rolled into one. Players hit a plastic wiffle-like ball that’s less bouncy than a tennis ball and doesn’t fly as fast through the air. Meanwhile, the paddle is shorter and lighter than a tennis racket, which makes it easier to handle. The court area is significantly smaller than that of a tennis court and players can play as doubles or singles.
LeFrak is planning to build permanent pickleball courts in the neighborhood in the near future.
