If there’s one sound that defines mornings at The Preserve, it’s the cheerful pop-pop of pickleballs echoing across the courts. What began as a backyard experiment nearly 60 years ago has grown into one of Florida’s favorite pastimes — and a signature part of life at our community. A Little Slice of Pickleball History Pickleball was invented back in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when a few friends wanted a fun game the whole family could play. Using paddles, a wiffle ball, and a lowered badminton net, they created something entirely new. The name “pickleball” came from the family dog, Pickles, who loved chasing after the ball — and the…
