Move over, pickleball: In this L.A. neighborhood, another game reigns supreme

In Pacific Palisades, pickleball may have gained momentum, but bocce is the kingpin of community sports. More than 900 people have joined the Palisades Bocce Club since it started in June 2021. Prizing community over competition, the league brings neighbors of all generations together for outdoor fun. On a recent chilly morning, commissioner Jimmy Dunne offered strategic tips before the games began, emphasizing the club's focus on camaraderie rather than winning.

The league's spring season just wrapped up with 542 players participating. Games are held three times a week, fostering a relaxed atmosphere where players like the 90-year-old Roger Stewart and the ladies of La Bocce Vita focus more on socializing than intense competition. Founded by Dunne, a songwriter and longtime Palisades resident, the club emphasizes the joy of connecting with neighbors. "It's about celebrating the wonder in our backyard and the simple pleasure of having friends in town," Dunne said.

Bocce's rise in popularity mirrors a national trend, with leagues and tournaments gaining traction across the U.S. Alex Gara of the American Bocce Company notes a surge in interest post-COVID. In Pacific Palisades, bocce's appeal lies in its accessibility and community spirit. With temperate weather allowing year-round play, the game provides a perfect excuse for seniors to get outdoors and for younger players to unwind. Dunne's vision of creating a public bocce community has transformed Veterans Gardens into a beloved local hub, offering a space where friendships and connections flourish.