National pickleball craze takes over Fairfield Glade

Fairfield Glade, Tenn. (WATE) — Pickleball is becoming a massive sport across the United States. However, it’s especially growing in the Fairfield Glade community.

“As of probably the end of this year, we should have over 1,000 pickleball players here in the community,” said William Taylor, Fairfield Glade’s Director of Racquet.

The sport has become a hit for many reasons, but the biggest draw for people returning is the social aspect.

“When I moved here, I didn’t know anybody,” said Chuck Black. “Now, I know hundreds of people. Very social. Very friendly.”

One of those friends is Mark Cunningham. Cunningham became a pickler for much more than the social aspect.

“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s almost seven years ago,” said Mark Cunningham. “I really think it was a God thing that I found pickleball right at the same time I got diagnosed.”

For Cunningham, the pop when the paddle meets the ball helps bring peace.

“I think on the court. I don’t even really feel like I have it,” said Cunningham. “My doctors would say that definitely there is a lot of data out there that pickleball and large movement kinds of activities have been proven clinically to slow down the progression.”

So Cunningham plans to stay on the court and keep the rally going.

“It’s definitely a sport for life,” he said. “I want to play it as long as I can.”

Cunningham is a perfect example of how the sound of pickleball can bring life to those who step between the lines.

Fairfield Glade Pickleball Ambassadors hold fundraisers to help different foundations. One of those was the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which helps fund research for a cure of Parkinson’s.

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