Coastal Bend Concierge
Your game. Your getaway.
Let’s plan your Coastal Bend day. Find pickleball, local seafood, beaches, fishing, kayaking and family fun around Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Rockport and Corpus Christi.
Find your game
Discover local courts, inquire about private lessons and join organized games across the Coastal Bend.
Explore the coast
Explore beaches, kayaking, fishing spots and family attractions near where you’re staying.
Plan with Ruben
Plan professional fee-based programs for resorts, HOAs, schools and parks with Ruben Zuniga, IPTPA Level 1 instructor.
COMMUNITY PROPOSAL • FOR DISCUSSION
Aransas Pass: Gateway to the Coastal Bend
Imagine a family coastal recreation destination that brings residents, visiting pickleballers and Winter Texans together—with play, local seafood and waterfront experiences connecting Aransas Pass to Port Aransas, Rockport and Corpus Christi.
Why study pickleball? SFIA’s 2026 Pickleball Single Sport Report, released June 4, reports 24.3 million U.S. participants in 2025, up from 4.2 million in 2020. Of these, 7.5 million played eight or more times during 2025. Ages 13–24 had the highest participation rates, supporting a vision that serves multiple generations.
The opportunity deserves careful study: SFIA’s August 20, 2026 update reported that pickleball growth slowed to 1.3% in the first half of 2026. National participation supports evaluating this idea; it does not establish local demand or guarantee financial success. Measure resident use, visitor interest, seasonal demand and operating costs before choosing the court layout.
A pavilion built for play
Study a dedicated pickleball layout at Shrimporee Pavilion with the maximum practical number of courts, safe spacing, fencing, wind screens, lighting and accessible family seating. Compare dedicated pickleball with the mixed-use approach using demand, cost and maintenance data.
Explore industry sponsorships, grants and public-private partnerships, including outreach to regional petrochemical employers. No funding or sponsorship commitments have been secured.
The next step: place the concept on a future council agenda for public discussion and a feasibility review of court layouts, demand, costs, operations, waterfront constraints and funding options.
Concept only—not an approved City of Aransas Pass project. Court count, beach feasibility, dining arrangements and funding remain undetermined.
Proposed by Ruben Zuniga • Coastal Bend Pickleball • IPTPA Level 1 instructor.
Coastal flavor & family time
Chicken N Pickle offers a useful example of combining pickleball, casual dining, a bar, yard games and gathering spaces. Aransas Pass could explore its own locally operated coastal version: covered courts beside fresh local shrimp, fish and seasonal seafood, shaded family seating and refreshments. Players and nonplayers could spend time together, giving visitors another reason to stay for a meal. Start by evaluating concessions or rotating local vendors, with a permanent seafood venue as a later option if demand supports it. This is inspiration, not an affiliation or commitment from Chicken N Pickle. Operator selection, public access, costs and food/beverage approvals would require review.
A waterfront connection
Evaluate an improved kayak launch and waterfront access. A beach is an idea to study, not an established possibility. Consider how this vision might complement future Conn Brown Harbor planning.
Where Pickleball Meets the Coast
For Ruben Zuniga, pickleball is more than a sport—it's a bridge to community. From the sun-drenched courts of Coastal Bend to the vibrant streets of Winter Texas, this game has brought friendships, activity, and a shared passion for the Gulf Coast lifestyle. Join us as we build a thriving pickleball culture where every match is a connection.
Clinics & Events
Contact Ruben for current clinic dates and organized play. Confirm schedules before attending.
Community News
Stay informed about the latest updates, community events, and stories from the Texas Gulf Coast pickleball scene.
