SALISBURY, Md. — One of the fastest-growing sports in the country now has a new home in Wicomico County.
Dill Dinkers has opened its doors in Salisbury — marking the first location of the franchise on the Eastern Shore.
For players like Wayne Perdue of Fruitland, the sport is more than just a hobby.
“When pickleball first started in this area, I went to a Y on a trial membership and I was asked to play pickleball,” Perdue said. “I said, what's that? Well, I got so addicted to it. I was playing 12 hours a day.”
But for some outdoor players, the Eastern Shore's weather can make it hard to play consistently.
"The weather here is kind of unpredictable. We get a lot of wind. We get rain sometimes," said Nancy Rodriguez-Wayne, a local pickleball player.
That's where Dill Dinkers comes in. The facility offers indoor courts, giving players a weatherproof option to enjoy the game year-round.
Alex Kukich, a regional developer and co-owner of Dill Dinkers, said Salisbury was the right fit for the expansion.
"So we look at this as a great area with a lot of people who can get here close by, a lot of full time residents, but also an amazing community of pickleballers already who go to Harmon,” Kukich said. “There's people playing there, at Cork, at the Y, in Berlin, at Ocean Pines. …Really all over the place. And we just felt this is a good opportunity to see if we could build a little bit bigger of the community and mix those communities into one larger melting pot of fun and camaraderie."
Just days after opening, players said the courts are already bringing people together.
"Everybody who plays pickleball, I have to tell you, are the nicest people,” said Denise Rowe, who plays at the new facility. “They will take you under their hat. They will help you out. They want to build your, you know, fundamentals. They want to build your skill sets. And they really are a group… I have a whole new [group of] friends because of this.”
Dill Dinkers offers leagues at varying skill levels, welcoming everyone from first-time players to seasoned regulars.
Kukich said management wants to partner with local schools and community groups to make the sport more accessible, especially for people who have never had the chance to play. Charity tournaments are also planned for this summer.
There will be a charity tournament benefitting breast cancer awareness July 25 and July 26 at Dill Dinkers.
Dill Dinkers is located at 260 Tilghman Road in Salisbury.
