Pickleball’s Rise in Popularity

Pickleball, a hybrid sport combining elements of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis, has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. Between 2019 and 2021, the sport grew by an estimated 40 percent, attracting over 8.9 million players nationwide. Its accessibility and inclusivity have made it a favorite among people of all ages and abilities.

The Decline of Shopping Malls

While pickleball’s popularity has soared, America’s shopping malls have faced a decline. As more consumers turn to online shopping, malls have struggled to maintain foot traffic and revenue. This has led to an increase in vacant storefronts, creating an opportunity for pickleball courts to fill this void.

Pickleball Courts in Vacant Storefronts

Developers are capitalizing on pickleball’s popularity and the availability of vacant mall space by converting former retail stores into pickleball venues. These spaces offer several advantages:

• Ample space: Malls typically have large, open spaces that can accommodate multiple pickleball courts.
• Convenient location: Malls are often located in central areas with easy access for players.
• Existing amenities: Malls often provide amenities such as restrooms, seating areas, and parking.

Examples of Pickleball Court Conversions

Several malls across the country have successfully converted vacant storefronts into pickleball courts. Notable examples include:

• Paddle Up Pickleball Club in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, occupying a former Bed, Bath & Beyond store.
• All-Stars Pickleball Club in Concord, New Hampshire, located in the former space of Old Navy at the Steeplegate Mall.
• Massive indoor pickleball venue in Stamford, Connecticut, planned for the site of a former Saks Off 5th in the Stamford Town Center shopping mall, with 28 courts, a cafe, and a childcare area.
• Proshot Pickleball in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, operating in the former Burlington Coat Factory store at the Harbor Square Shopping Center.

Benefits of Pickleball Court Conversions

The conversion of vacant mall space into pickleball courts offers several benefits:

• Increased foot traffic: Pickleball players bring new customers to malls, boosting revenue for other businesses.
• Community engagement: Pickleball courts provide a space for people to socialize, exercise, and connect with others.
• Revitalization of malls: Pickleball courts can help malls adapt to changing consumer trends and attract a new generation of shoppers.

Pickleball’s Accessibility and Inclusivity

Pickleball is an accessible sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Its easy-to-understand scoring system and reduced running requirement make it a great option for beginners and those with limited mobility.

Pickleball also promotes inclusivity by providing a welcoming environment for players of all backgrounds and identities. It has been embraced by communities as a way to foster connection and build stronger relationships.

Conclusion

The rise of pickleball and the decline of shopping malls have created an opportunity for developers to repurpose vacant retail spaces into pickleball courts. These conversions offer benefits such as increased foot traffic, community engagement, and mall revitalization. Pickleball’s accessibility and inclusivity make it an ideal sport for these new venues, providing a fun and welcoming environment for players of all ages and abilities.

The Buzz: A Novel Approach to Vacant Lot Revitalization

Detroit’s vast expanse of vacant lots has long been a challenge for the city. But a new project, funded by the Knight Cities Challenge, is taking an innovative approach to transforming these underutilized spaces. “The Buzz” pairs local barbers and landscape contractors to bring a touch of artistry and community pride to Detroit’s vacant lots.

Barbershop Roots and Landscape Vision

The inspiration for “The Buzz” lies in the vibrant barbershop culture of Detroit, where barbers are not just hair stylists but also community connectors and artists. Erin Kelly, program manager at Detroit Future City, recognized the potential for barbers’ design skills to translate into landscape design.

“Barbers have a vision and customize it to make it appealing to that particular person,” says Dorothy Grigsby, owner of Shep’s, one of Detroit’s oldest barbershops. “Those design ethics will carry right over to the manicuring of lawns and shrubs.”

Collaboration and Community Involvement

The Buzz project brings together barbers and landscape contractors through a series of workshops and collaboration sessions. They share their expertise, brainstorm ideas, and work together to create unique designs for vacant lots.

“This partnership could be used to introduce a sense of localness and neighborhood-based expression,” says Kelly. “We aim to showcase the talent and the ideas that already exist in Detroit.”

Transforming Vacant Lots into Community Spaces

The project aims to not only beautify vacant lots but also transform them into functional and inviting community spaces. By incorporating local designs and engaging the community in the process, “The Buzz” hopes to foster a sense of ownership and pride in these spaces.

“People need to take ownership of the landscape,” says Nina Bassuk, a professor at Cornell University’s Urban Horticulture Institute. “It’s going to take everyone to understand how we better manage our land in Detroit.”

Addressing Civic Challenges

“The Buzz” is part of a broader effort to address the civic challenges facing Detroit. By revitalizing vacant lots, the project aims to improve the city’s overall appearance, boost property values, and create opportunities for community engagement.

“Land is one of the biggest potential liabilities in Detroit, but it’s also one of our biggest potential assets,” says Kelly. “We need to find innovative ways to manage our land and make it a source of pride for our city.”

Embracing Change and Local Talent

The project highlights the importance of embracing change and utilizing the talents of the local community to address urban challenges.

“In order to keep up with the new trends, you have to be able to change,” says Grigsby. “The Buzz project showcases the creativity and resilience of Detroiters.”

Final Vacant Lot Mowing Pageant

The culmination of “The Buzz” project will be a “vacant lot mowing pageant” in September, where the final designs will be presented to the broader community. The event will celebrate the collaboration between barbers and landscape contractors and highlight the transformative power of vacant lot revitalization.

Innovative Public Library Programs: Meeting the Needs of Changing Communities

Public libraries have evolved far beyond their traditional role as book lenders. Today, they are vibrant community hubs that offer a wide range of innovative programs and services to meet the needs of 21st-century society.

Using Libraries to Improve Wikipedia Accuracy

One groundbreaking initiative is the Knight Foundation-funded project from the Online Computer Library Center. This project aims to make library resources available to Wikipedia editors, empowering them to create more accurate and reliable entries. Additionally, librarians are being trained to become Wikipedia editors themselves, ensuring that quality sources are used to inform the vast body of knowledge on this popular online encyclopedia.

Training High School Students as Community Journalists

Another Knight Foundation winner, the Dallas Public Library’s community journalism class, partners students with professional journalists and librarians as mentors. Through this program, students learn to use library resources effectively for journalism and nonfiction writing. By fostering a deeper understanding of information sources, the project seeks to cultivate engaged community members and uphold the vital role of quality journalism.

Connecting Children with Incarcerated Parents through TeleStory

The Brooklyn Public Library’s TeleStory project provides a lifeline for children with incarcerated parents. Through free video visits at the library, kids can connect with their loved ones despite physical barriers. These visits not only promote literary engagement but also foster a sense of togetherness amidst challenging circumstances.

Lending Gardens at the Library: Promoting Food Literacy

The Northern Onondaga Public Library’s LibraryFarm is a unique initiative that promotes food literacy by offering rentable garden plots to library patrons. This program empowers individuals to learn about where food comes from and how it’s grown. It also provides a free and healthy way for local residents to improve their diets and access fresh produce.

Creating Kids-Only Spaces in Libraries: Fostering Creativity and Discovery

Recognizing the need for safe and engaging spaces for older children, Norway’s Biblo Toyen library is designed specifically for ages 10 to 15. With its vibrant and interactive atmosphere, Biblo Toyen features a converted kitchen truck, a ski gondola hangout space, and colorful, moveable bookshelves. Books are organized by themes rather than traditional genres, encouraging creative exploration and discovery.

Library Vending Machines: Extending Access to Books

For those who face barriers to traditional library access, the Swedish Bokomaten library vending machine offers a convenient solution. Located in high-traffic areas like metro stations, Bokomatens dispense books with the swipe of a card. This innovative approach extends the reach of libraries and makes books more accessible to a wider population.

Electronics Petting Zoos: Bridging the Digital Divide

To address the digital divide, libraries across the country are offering “electronics petting zoos.” These spaces allow patrons to try out technologies like tablets and e-readers before purchasing them. Especially beneficial for seniors, these petting zoos provide a low-pressure environment to explore new devices with the guidance of library staff.

Making 3D Printing Accessible to Everyone

The Cleveland Public Library is among many libraries that offer 3D printing services. Patrons can design and print their own creations using the library’s 3D printer for a nominal fee. This service democratizes access to 3D printing technology, enabling individuals to bring their ideas to life regardless of financial constraints. Workshops are also available to introduce beginners to the technique.

These innovative library programs are just a few examples of how public libraries are adapting to the changing needs of their communities. By embracing technology, fostering community engagement, and providing access to resources and opportunities, libraries continue to play a vital role in promoting literacy, education, and social well-being.