Pop, click, clack. That’s the sound of pickleball games that will be coming to Leesburg’s recreation complex between South Palmetto and Second Streets.

Leesburg City commissioners Monday approved a $983,870 million contract for a builder to design and build 8 to 12 courts next to the Lakefront TV studio, hopefully within a few months. The contract goes to Eco Contracting in Mount Dora.

The new courts arrive at a site with recent history. The former Leesburg Shuffleboard Club property on South Palmetto Street, in the same area as where the pickleball courts are planned, was at the center of a contentious city vote last year. In August 2025, city commissioners approved donating the shuffleboard courts to the Forward Paths Foundation to build 10 tiny homes for youth aging out of foster care.

The nearby tennis courts are also scheduled for resurfacing.

“I’ve been here 12 years now and the number one request has been pickleball,” says Travis Rima, director of recreation for the city.

No wonder. It has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for five consecutive years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. About 24.3 million people played matches in 2025, up 22.8 percent in a single year and 171.8 percent over three years.

“There’s hundreds of courts in The Villages,” Travis says, and players line up to play at Lake County’s Pear Park every day.

Many believe it’s primarily a sport for retirees.

“That’s not the case,” Travis says. “It encompasses virtually every age group.”

The move is the latest in a series of recreation improvements in Leesburg. Work is underway to add 14 wet boat slips at the marina, offices and restrooms.

The $2 million project will blend in with the adjoining Venetian Center. Neighboring Pat Thomas Field has already had a facelift with an archway, wrought iron fence and other improvements. But the biggest boost – $11 million – is coming at the Susan Street Complex.

Gone are four baseball diamonds. In their place are six multi-purpose fields that can be used for 7-on-7 football, Pop Warner football, soccer, rugby or other sports. In October, the Susan Street Complex will host an international lacrosse tournament.

The project is not costing the city $11 million, but $4.5 million, Travis says. The county chipped in about $1 million in tourist tax money and additional funding came from grants, community redevelopment funds and the last of the federal COVID-19 recovery money.

Travis says it’s not just Bikefest that is bringing tourists to Lake County. Mission Inn hosts major golf tournaments and there are top fishing tournaments, soccer, basketball and other events.