REFERENCE TITLE: pickleball; official state sport

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-seventh Legislature

Second Regular Session

2026

SCR 1021

Introduced by

Senator Carroll

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

declaring pickleball as the official state sport of Arizona.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Whereas, invented in 1965, pickleball is deeply rooted in Arizona's communities and has become a defining recreational activity across this state, played by residents of all ages and abilities; and

Whereas, Arizona is a national and global hub for pickleball with the highest number of dedicated pickleball courts per capita in the United States, reflecting the sport's extraordinary growth and adoption statewide; and

Whereas, health and wellness are central to Arizona's identity, and pickleball uniquely supports physical fitness, mental well-being and social connection in an accessible, low-impact format suitable for lifelong participation; and

Whereas, the sport's national governing body is headquartered in Arizona, making this state the epicenter of pickleball and further solidifying this state's leadership role in the growth and development of pickleball; and

Whereas, pickleball has a significant presence throughout Arizona, including active adult and retirement communities, municipal parks and recreation programs, elementary schools, high schools and universities and community centers and public facilities; and

Whereas, pickleball promotes inclusivity and accessibility with organized participation across youth programs, disability and adaptive sports, underserved communities and community-based programs such as correctional facilities; and

Whereas, pickleball strengthens intergenerational engagement, bringing together families, neighbors and communities in a shared active environment.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature recognize the cultural, social and health contributions of pickleball to Arizona communities and declare pickleball as the official state sport of Arizona.