Lots of History in Pickleball’s Founders Tournament, which is Right Around the Corner; Still Plenty of Time to Register to Play

The Founders Tournament – held every August at Battle Point Park – is a Celebration of Pickleball’s origins.

In 2018, Bainbridge History Museum (BHM) board member Jim McNett saw an opportunity to bring Pickleball’s story full circle. With the sport booming across the globe (there’s an estimated 4 to 5 million playing the sport around the world these days), McNett proposed a tournament that would honor Bainbridge’s unique role in Pickleball history, raise funds for the museum, and bring the community together. The result was the Founders Tournament.

The inaugural event was held in August 2019 at Bainbridge High School and the tennis courts at Battle Point Park. At the time, there were no dedicated Pickleball courts on the island. Sean Megy, another BHM board member and passionate Pickleball player, helped coordinate with the local playing community. He brought in Clay Roberts, a long-time player and eventual board chair of the nonprofit Bainbridge Island Pickleball (BIP),
to support planning efforts.

The tournament’s early success led to a vision for something more lasting—a set of permanent courts. Though the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks Department had already finalized its budget for the year, the Pickleball community mobilized and raised $45,000 to fund what would become the Founders Courts at Battle Point Park.

A maintenance agreement was established: the community would host an annual fundraiser to support upkeep of the new courts. In 2019, the Founders Tournament became that fundraiser, with 30% of net proceeds committed to the Parks Department. Bainbridge History Museum remained the lead sponsor, organizer, and financial
steward.

Meanwhile, the Founders Tournament has evolved into a vibrant, weeklong event featuring sanctioned competition, player clinics, exhibition matches, and even a nostalgic wooden paddle competition. With more than 400 participants annually, it has become a key summer event on the island and a highlight in the larger Pickleball calendar.

The collaboration behind the tournament reflects the community’s spirit. Bainbridge Island Pickleball organizes volunteers and spreads the word. The Parks Department provides venue access and operational support, while BHM handles everything from marketing and logistics to referee compensation and facility rentals.

Pickleball’s story is a quintessential Bainbridge tale—humble beginnings, community spirit, and grassroots growth. What started with a bored family on a summer day has become a sport beloved by millions, yet Bainbridge Island remains its heart and soul.

The Founders Tournament is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of history, community, and play. Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, museum staff, and players, the tournament ensures that Bainbridge Island is not only recognized as the birthplace of Pickleball but remains a beacon for its future.

So whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious spectator, stop by the Founders Tournament August 13-17 at Battle Point Park. Grab a paddle, hear the "pop" of the ball, and step into a living piece of sports history—right where it all began.

Learn more and register for the 2025 Founders Tournament here:
https://www.bainbridgehistorymuseum.org/upcoming-events/2025-founders-tournament And consider joining a 2-day RISE Pickleball Camp prior to the Tournament to help the 3.0 – 3.5+ players improve their game by focusing on fundamental strategies and mechanics that will help reduce unforced errors and improve consistency in their game at the Bainbridge Island Battle Point Park Founders Courts. More info:
https://www.bainbridgehistorymuseum.org/upcoming-events/rise-pickleball-camp

To learn more or to support the Bainbridge History Museum and its efforts to preserve local stories like this one, visit BainbridgeHistoryMuseum.org. And don’t forget to visit the museum’s Pickleball exhibit while you’re there!

Source material courtesy of the Bainbridge History Museum

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