This week, dozens of amateur, beginner and casual pickleball players are at the La Barra Pro-Am Pickleball Invitational at the Hyatt Recency Hotel in Monterey
"Step by step we're really moving toward fulfilling this promise we made of reimagining this park in Damon's memory and really turning a moment of community tragedy into one of hope," said 2nd District Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend to the attentive crowd.
As the fastest-growing sport in America, according to the Sport and Fitness Industry Association, it only makes sense that pickleball is gaining more of a foothold in the Santa Cruz area. It is home to the Santa Cruz Pickleball Club, which began in 2013 and hosts weekly matches at Brommer Street, Willowbrook and Sergeant Derby parks.