Story Behind the Story: How Deal was Sealed for the Emergence of a New Indoor Pickleball Facility in Poulsbo

Six or seven months ago, Clay Roberts, Bainbridge Island’s Pickleball ambassador of goodwill, heard through the grapevine that the Office Max store in Poulsbo might be available as a potential site for a regional indoor Pickleball facility.

Roberts, one of the main forces behind the formation of the Founders Courts at Battle Point Park on Bainbridge Island, moved quickly. He approached Jeff Ozlmek, the City of Poulsbo’s Director of Parks and Recreation, and floated the idea of creating a private-public partnership, similar in scope to the Bainbridge Island Recreation Center.

He then met with the owners of the building. “When I approached them their first response was, ‘Pickleball, really’?” Roberts recalls. Not long afterwards, he had a one on one with Poulsbo Mayor Becky Ericksen, who he came to quickly respect. “I love Becky Ericksen,” he says unabashedly, “and my wife knows it. … She looks for ways to make things happen.”

Sensing an opportunity to open an indoor facility – the dream of many local Pickle ballers, especially in the winter months – Roberts pulled together representatives from 12 regional Pickleball organizations last April and held an open house in the empty Office Max building. He was hoping for a few representatives from each group. Instead, some 60 people showed up, including Mayor Ericksen.

“She took a bunch of pictures,” Roberts says, “and posted them (on Facebook) and said, ‘we’re going to do this.’ ” A few months later, the tide turned when Pickleball Kingdom, the world’s largest indoor Pickleball entity, announced that it was interested in expanding into Poulsbo and remodeling the Office Max building (and the adjacent Big 5 facility), both located at or near 21800 Market Pl NW, in Poulsbo, into a Pickleball emporium.

When Roberts, Ericksen and the Poulsbo City Council heard about the Pickleball franchise’s interest, they were elated. “She said, ‘if they want to pay for it, let them do it,’ ” says Roberts of Ericksen’s reaction.

Led by the franchise duo, John and Mara Hylton, the new venture “will introduce a premier indoor pickleball facility to the area and also become a destination in its own right, as the closest facility to the birth of Pickleball on nearby Bainbridge Island,” says Ace Rodrigues, Founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom.

“There’s no better place to have a Pickleball Kingdom (facility) than in Poulsbo, which is right by Bainbridge Island, where pickleball was created,” adds Rodrigues. “John and Mara Hylton have a passion for the sport and are committed to provide Poulsbo with top-tier facilities and a welcoming environment, making it especially meaningful to serve a community so close to pickleball’s birthplace.”

“We are so excited to be bringing Pickleball Kingdom to Poulsbo,” says Mara Hylton. “We are honored to be opening a few miles away from Bainbridge Island – and the birthplace of the sport – and hope to be playing indoors towards the end of 2024 or early 2025. We look forward to adding to the entire Kitsap community with 12 indoor courts at the former Office Max and Big 5 (stores).”  Big 5 decided not to renew its lease at its Poulsbo location, making it available for the Pickleball crowd.

Roberts says the owners of the buildings, including Terry Lein and others “went from being doubters to believers and (helped) move (the whole process) forward.”

“We can’t thank Clay enough for being a part of bringing this to life,” added Mara Hylton. “We were also fortunate to (have met) with Scott Stover and (had the opportunity to) visit the original Pickleball court on Bainbridge Island last week.”

The Hylton’s, who are siblings, are deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest.  According to Roberts, they were raised with a sense of adventure and community by their father, a retired Alaska Airlines captain. As owner and CEO of their franchise, John Hylton brings more than two decades of experience in owning, developing, and managing real estate projects throughout the region. Mara, head of operations, leverages her nine years as a business owner in the tech industry, excelling in HR, marketing, and business development, Roberts notes.

Founded with the mission to promote the sport of Pickleball and foster a community environment for players, Pickleball Kingdom has swiftly become the premier indoor Pickleball brand globally, says Rodrigues. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, the pay as you play clubs offer climate-controlled indoor courts, cozy lounge areas, and exceptional training programs. Eventually, the 31,500 square feet former OfficeMax location, will include a restaurant and bar and possibly a “museum type featured area” displaying one of a kind, original pickleball equipment and paraphernalia.

Among other amenities, the Poulsbo Club will feature:

State-of-the-Art Indoor Courts: Engineered to deliver the best playing conditions, combining outdoor court surfaces with indoor benefits to ensure perfect play regardless of the weather.

Professional Coaching and Clinics: Catering to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players.

Youth Programs: Inspiring the next generation to take up and enjoy the sport.

Leagues and Tournaments: Designed for players seeking competitive play opportunities.

Community and Corporate Events: Promoting a sense of camaraderie and community among members.

“It’s going to be a first-rate facility,” Roberts explains. “I think it’s going to be well received and well used. … It’s something that’s been needed on Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula(s) for some time now.” Furthermore, it will be located across from the emerging Poulsbo Event and Recreation Center, and in Roberts’ mind transform the underused retail mall into a “health and fitness center for Poulsbo.”