Born on Bainbridge Island Part II – Pickleball Founders’ Court Groundbreaking Ceremony

Margaret Millmore | Posted on October 14, 2019 |

Living on, and writing about, Bainbridge Island has introduced me to so many amazing people, places and things—Pickleball ticks each of those boxes: you really do play with amazing, fun people! Battle Point Park, where the games are played regularly, is a gorgeous place to play! Pickleball is a thing, a really big thing and its getting bigger and bigger on both a national and international level, it’s also an important part of island history.

When I wrote my article about Pickleball in July (you can read it here), I was so impressed with the community’s love and support of the game—and although its gained an enormous amount of worldwide momentum over the years, its still a hometown, fun family sport, but alas, dedicated Pickleball courts were only a dream—until now!

With the enormous and unending support of BI’s dedicated Pickleball community and the BI Parks & Recreation Department, the Founders Court Project is finally happening. Phase I of the project will entail the building of the new courts alongside the existing tennis courts at Battle Point Park. Phase II will see the creation of a park-like entrance honoring the founders and history of Pickleball with displays and kiosks.

Pickleball Founders’ Court Groundbreaking Ceremony – October 20, 2019 at 2pm

The ceremony will take place at Battle Point Park (next to the tennis courts), and will include a representative from the BI Parks & Rec Department, who will give an overview of the project and an approximate time-line for completion; Scott Stover, a relative of the last living Pickleball founder, Barney McCallum, will give a brief history of the game and introduce Barney, as well as the family members representing the other co-founders of Pickleball; Clay Roberts, one of the “de facto” leaders of the BI Pickleball group, will share the evolution of the Founders’ Court Project, as well as honoring and acknowledging those that made it possible.

Following the presentation, there will be an official donning of hardhats and spading of earth—the ceremony will conclude with a social hour and light refreshments.

Everyone is welcome to attend, bring your paddles and join in the celebration of the first official public Bainbridge Island Pickleball Courts!