Registration is now live for the spring indoor league at Ted Whitlock while the Recreation Advisory Board pushes for a 16-court outdoor facility.
Palm Bay, FL – The City of Palm Bay is launching its Spring Adult Pickleball League this February, aiming to accommodate a local player base that has officially outgrown its current indoor space. As registration opens for the 48-team league, the focus is shifting toward the city’s long-term Master Plan, which promises to transform Fred Poppe Regional Park into a premier destination for the sport.
League Registration and Details
Registration for the Spring Adult Pickleball League is now open and will close on January 28, with the season officially kicking off on Wednesday, February 4. The league is open to participants ages 16 and older, with games held on Wednesday or Thursday evenings at the Ted Whitlock Community Center.
The team fee is $50 for the first two players, with an additional $5 charge for up to two extra players (maximum of four per roster). Teams will be grouped into Yeti (beginner), Skunk Ape (intermediate), and Bigfoot (competitive) divisions to ensure balanced play. Residents can secure their spot by visiting the official registration page on the Palm Bay WebTrac portal.
Capacity and Community Demand
The momentum behind this expansion is driven by undeniable participation numbers. Since indoor open play launched in late 2022, attendance at the Ted Whitlock Community Center (TWCC) surged to a peak of 135 players in May 2024. A recent open gym night in July 2024 demonstrated the strain on current resources, with nearly 40 players in attendance and a full “paddle rack” of 20 players waiting for space on the four available courts.
While the indoor league provides a temporary home at Ted Whitlock, players have expressed a desire for dedicated facilities to avoid the net height and width issues found on shared-use tennis courts. The current 48-team cap for the spring season highlights the immediate need for the expanded capacity promised in the city’s long-range planning.
Strategic Vision for Fred Poppe Park
The Recreation Advisory Board has completed the Master Plan for a dedicated outdoor complex at Fred Poppe Regional Park. The proposed facility would feature 16 dedicated courts with professional lighting, representing a significant investment in the city’s recreational infrastructure. Final approval of this plan is currently awaiting council action to enable the commencement of construction.
This planned expansion is designed to be funded strategically through the use of impact fees—monies collected from new development specifically to increase city capacity. As of the end of March, the city reported $2,798,331 available in the 32907 zip code and $3,933,835 in 32908, providing a clear path for expansion without drawing from the general fund. The structured environment of these leagues serves as a vital proof-of-concept for the necessity of this regional hub.
