Racquet sports are sweeping the nation, and pickleball is leading the charge with an explosion in popularity. From coast to coast, players are embracing the fast-paced, social nature of the game. Now, one coastal Florida community is making it easier than ever for its Members to dive into the pickleball craze. Orchid Island, a private golf and beach club community in Vero Beach, recently opened a 2.2-acre Sports Complex. Complete with new pickleball courts, a playground, and more, this dynamic facility has quickly become the heart of community connection and spirited competition. Let’s explore how Orchid Island is swinging into the future of sports.
Family Fun Awaits at the Sports Complex
The new amenities at the Sports Complex create a welcoming retreat for Members of all ages. Children can let their imaginations run free on the playground, while the basketball court invites casual pick-up games. For those who enjoy a more leisurely pace, the two bocce courts and full-sized croquet lawn provide the perfect setting for relaxed afternoons. A central pavilion is complete with a bar, tables, and a lounge area ideal for parents and grandparents to relax, enjoying a beverage while watching their kids play nearby. Whether it’s a lively game or a quiet moment, the Sports Complex is a versatile space where Members can gather, unwind, and create lasting memories together.
Embracing the Nation’s Fastest-Growing Sport
The Sports Complex also embraces the nation’s fastest-growing sport with the addition of six pickleball courts. Thoughtfully designed with high-tech cushioned surfaces, the courts significantly reduce the strain on players’ knees and joints that often come from the fast-paced, high-energy nature of pickleball. This not only enhances the comfort of players but also encourages participation from all ages.
Kainoa Rosa, the Director of Racquets at Orchid Island, has observed the courts filling up with Members almost daily. “We opened in late May and the pickleball courts were immediately all taken in the mornings, said Kainoa. “I think these are the first padded courts on the island, which Members appreciate. There’s no noticeable difference in the ball bounce, but your knees will feel it.”
New Sports Programming Begins Soon
Kainoa Rosa and his team of professional staff are excited to roll out a variety of new programming for Members within the Sports Complex. The community events calendar features designated open play pickleball hours each week for intermediate to advanced players, allowing them to hone their skills and engage in spirited matches. For those new to the game, weekly “Fundamentals of Pickleball” classes provide a welcoming introduction to the sport. The lineup also includes mixers, annual doubles championship tournaments, and professional exhibitions, fostering a vibrant sense of community and competition. Additionally, the bocce courts and croquet lawns will host engaging events like “Bocce and Brews” and “Wine and Wickets,” ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“We’ve seen a tremendous surge in pickleball,” said Rosa. “More and more people are getting into the game, and there’s a growing demand for pro-run clinics and pickleball-themed social events. We’re excited to offer Members fresh programming at the Sports Complex’s courts, along with expanded bocce and croquet programs.”
Resort-Style Amenities With Seaside Charm
Located on a natural barrier island in Vero Beach, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club offers Members a chance to immerse themselves in a serene coastal Florida lifestyle. Beyond the Sports Complex, the Club features an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, renowned for its captivating views of coastal landscapes and abundant wildlife. The West Indies-style Beach Club serves as a social hub, where generations gather to enjoy a seaside pool, a spa and nail salon, and multiple dining options. In addition to the Sports Complex, fitness enthusiasts also enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center and eight Har-Tru tennis courts.
Vero Beach Homes with Golf, River, and Ocean Views
Each of Orchid Island’s 375 residences surrounds Members in the best of Florida’s natural beauty. With many homes located directly on the water or overlooking Orchid Island’s championship golf course, each home features West Indies architectural designs, panoramic natural vistas, and the secluded privacy of living in a gated oceanfront and riverfront golf community. Luxurious oceanfront condominiums and oceanfront estates are spacious and bright with open Atlantic Ocean views. A wide array of single-family riverfront estates offers open Indian River views and many feature private docks. Golf course homes and cottages are tucked away on private cul-de-sacs and winding streets to maintain open views of the lush fairways and sparkling lakes of its distinctive Arnold Palmer course.
With demand for this highly sought-after community at an all-time high, inventory is limited at Orchid Island. To stay updated on new real estate listings, register your interest at OrchidIslandFL.com. A complimentary copy of the Orchid Island Magazine is available online, showcasing the surrounding area and lifestyle of the community. Call 772.388.3888 for more information or to schedule a private community club tour.
