Pickleball’s History at Bainbridge Island: Bainbridge Island, the birthplace of pickleball, is a cherished destination for enthusiasts of the fast-growing sport. On a brisk December day, with temperatures in the high thirties, the courts were bustling with activity. Local players, clad in dry-fit athletic gear, shared the courts with college students home on break, who sported basketball shorts and flannel pajama pants. The atmosphere was lively, accompanied by a soundtrack that featured Roy Orbison, David Bowie, Shania Twain, and more, blending seamlessly with the rhythmic sound of games being played on six courts.
The Heart of Pickleball: Founders Courts
As a Seattle native, Clay Roberts, a driving force behind the Founders Courts, spoke about the deeper impact of these courts: “I didn’t really get it when we started trying to build courts, I just thought we were building courts,” he said. “Turns out we’re building community. That’s really what this is about.”
The sport’s rapid rise in popularity across the nation has brought an influx of tourists to Bainbridge Island. For pickleball aficionados, visiting the island is akin to making a pilgrimage. Roberts is a dedicated ambassador for the sport, often seen introducing newcomers to the community and guiding them to the available equipment. He, along with fellow “modern founder” Bill Walker, played a crucial role in the construction of the Founders Courts, which opened in 2020 as pickleball’s popularity soared.
A Community Transformed
Bainbridge Island, with its population of around 25,000, is notable for its high percentage of retirees and affluent demographics. Roberts noted that the local pickleball community, organized by Bainbridge Island Pickleball (BIP), has expanded from hundreds to thousands of players since the courts’ inception. Though only a fraction are regular players, the growth has been significant.
Roberts, who has long been a leader in the pickleball community, is transitioning Bainbridge Island Pickleball to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. He will co-chair the group with Melissa Bang-Knudsen. The Founders Courts, managed under Roberts’ stewardship, offer a straightforward experience: a sign-up sheet for court reservations and equipment available for borrowing. A wooden bear, carved by a community member, stands outside the equipment shed, adding a unique touch to the facility.
“We have multi-talented pickleball folks, We’ve got a guy who’s a chainsaw artist, (and) he said, ‘Well, we need to have a mascot!’” – Roberts
Preserving Pickleball’s Legacy
The shed itself is adorned with historical memorabilia, including a banner celebrating the invention of pickleball in 1965, various magazine clippings, and photos of Barney McCallum, one of the sport’s original founders who passed away in 2019. Among the artifacts is a photo of Governor Jay Inslee signing a decree to recognize pickleball as Washington’s official state sport, a testament to Roberts’ involvement in the initiative.
Maps covered with pins from visitors around the world highlight the global interest in Bainbridge Island as the birthplace of pickleball. Sean Megy, a board member of BIP, shared that he has met countless people from diverse countries who came specifically to play on the island. One notable group from Thailand, who attended the Founders Tournament, enjoyed their visit so much that some stayed for months afterward.
“We ended up writing a note to their government inviting them, to kind of grease the visa wheels.”
“They loved it. They were out there every day. They were super, like great players, but also just super kind and sweet. It was great to have them.” – Megy
Roberts emphasized the significance of the Founders Cup tournament, describing it as a “bucket list” event for many. The original pickleball court, located in the front yard of Scott Stover’s house, remains a symbol of the sport’s origins. Stover, a friend of Roberts and an early witness to the game’s creation, recounted how pickleball began in 1965 with a makeshift setup on a badminton court. The game evolved with McCallum’s contributions, who helped formalize the rules and design paddles.
“It’s been a bucket list for some folks.”
“We have people come from all over the United States to say they played in the Founders Cup tournament.” – Roberts
The Continuing Legacy
Despite its humble beginnings, the original court remains a cherished site. Stover and his wife have kept the court in its original state, earning recognition from the Bainbridge Historical Museum. Roberts noted the emotional connection many people feel toward the court, with some even renewing their wedding vows there.
The court’s historical significance is matched by its modest condition, which Roberts and Stover believe is essential to preserving its legacy. Stover also proudly displays pickleball memorabilia, including the original Pickle-Ball box, which remains a prized artifact.
With pickleball’s popularity surging, Bainbridge Island has seen increased tourism and interest. Roberts, who often travels with his paddle, finds that being from Bainbridge Island adds a certain prestige, although he humorously notes that his playing ability does not always live up to the hype.
Local businesses have responded to the pickleball craze by offering themed merchandise, driven by the sport’s newfound status as Washington’s official state sport. Derek Villanueva of Millstream in Winslow reported a surge in demand for pickleball-related products, highlighting the sport’s impact on the local economy.
Roberts and BIP strive to maintain an inclusive and welcoming environment, avoiding the exclusivity seen in some other pickleball communities. “Although I have to say there are lots of friendly places around the country to play and most of them are very fun, we want to be the friendliest,” Roberts said.
The community spirit on Bainbridge Island reflects the broader growth of pickleball, which continues to attract players from all walks of life. With its rich history and welcoming atmosphere, Bainbridge Island remains a beacon for pickleball enthusiasts worldwide.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s History at Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island, renowned as the birthplace of pickleball, draws enthusiasts from across the globe to see where it all began. The island features memorabilia from the sport’s inception in 1965, including the original court and historical artifacts. The Founders Tournament, a premier event held annually in August, attracts hundreds of players, including international visitors.
The island’s pickleball legacy is celebrated with local merchandise and community support. As the sport continues to grow, advocates like Clay Roberts push for a Pickleball Hall of Fame on the island, honoring its pivotal role in the sport’s history.
ALSO READ: Founders Pickleball Tournament in Bainbridge Drawing Many Players from Around the World
