Kennewick’s Upcoming Pickleball Facility: Paul Starita, a Boise businessman, is expanding the indoor pickleball experience with a new facility in Kennewick. He is partnering with professional players Susannah Barr and Nick Petterson to open the 50,000-square-foot space. The facility aims to provide top-tier courts and amenities, with a grand opening expected in early 2026.
A Strategic Business Partnership
Starita met Barr and Petterson, who both have Boise-area connections, and the three became business partners. “They helped me shape the idea,” Starita said.
The partnership worked together to design the facility, starting the process in January 2022. They spent nearly two years carefully researching and designing the space before the Boise location opened in November 2023.
The Kennewick facility will offer a similar experience, featuring a membership model with reserved courts, excellent lighting, and acoustically optimized courts.
Starita emphasized the importance of creating a high-quality environment, saying, “What we build – you won’t find ours in a cheap (vacant) Bed, Bath and Beyond.”
Growing Pickleball Community
Pickleball’s popularity is on the rise, with new pickleball courts opening in areas like the Tri-Cities region. Steve Sullivan, of Club 509 Pickleball in the Tri-Cities, estimates there are 35 courts in the area, including recent additions at Lawrence Scott Park in Kennewick and Columbia Basin Racquet Club in Richland. Sullivan, a regular player, said the sport’s addictive nature keeps players coming back for more.
Starita is excited about the potential of the Kennewick facility to attract more players. “This place allows for reliable play,” he said. “You’ll know when you’ll play, who you’ll play, and for how long.”
Impact of the New Facility
The new indoor facility will offer players a dedicated space to enjoy pickleball year-round. Starita’s business model aims to meet the demand for reliable court time, something outdoor courts cannot always guarantee.
The Kennewick location is expected to support the growing pickleball community, offering players a consistent and professional environment.
News in Brief: Kennewick’s Upcoming Pickleball Facility
Paul Starita, along with professional players Susannah Barr and Nick Petterson, is opening a new indoor pickleball facility in Kennewick. The 50,000-square-foot facility will feature top-notch courts and amenities. The project reflects the growing demand for indoor pickleball spaces, with a planned opening in early 2026.
ALSO READ: New Pickleball Facility Opens in Corpus Christi, Set to Boost Local Pickleball Scene