We are a nonprofit organization devoted to America’s fastest-growing sport. Specifically, we promote a healthy lifestyle by promoting the sport of Pickleball in West Michigan. We achieve this by utilizing safe environments to play and multiple opportunities to learn and improve our game.
The purpose of our club is to provide you with current and relevant information about our various programs and local area venues. Seasons change and so do the venues and various programs. Whether you are local or a guest, you are welcome to join us as we gather new friends, laugh a little, improve our cardio, and just enjoy the sport that is sweeping our nation.
Consider joining us on our Pickleball journey!
What is Pickleball?
It is a fun, social, and friendly sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes as double or singles. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. The beauty of pickleball is that it can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.
Pickleball fun facts:
- Pickleball was invented in 1965 just outside Seattle on Bainbridge Island by three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – who decided to create some summertime fun for their kids.
- Despite the name, pickleball has nothing to do with actual pickles. Some claim that the name “pickleball” came from Pritchard’s cocker spaniel, whose name was Pickles. However, that family dog made his debut two years after they invented the sport, and got his name from the game.
- Pickleball is almost equally as popular among men and women, with 53% of players being male and 47% being female.
- More than 3 million players play pickleball in the United States and that number has been growing by more than 10 percent each year over the past decade.
There are some great benefits to joining our club!
If you’re ready to jump on the courts and connect with our local community of pickleball players, sign up today!
Board of Directors, 2024-25
President – John Gabalis
Vice President – Chip Gilbertson
Treasurer – Shelly Finkhouse
Secretary – Debra Smith- Andersen
Members At Large
Angelo Marasco
Randy Dicks
Sam Ventocilla