Best Indoor Pickleball Courts in Grand Rapids: Grand Rapids, located in the heart of the Midwest, has emerged as an active hub for pickleball enthusiasts. At Belknap Park in downtown Grand Rapids, any evening during the summer or fall, the scene is alive with over 100 players engaged in the fastest-growing sport in America — pickleball. Often likened to a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, pickleball is experiencing an explosive rise, as reported by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
According to the association, the number of pickleball players in the U.S. rose by an astounding 158% from 2020 to 2023, reflecting a nationwide fervor that has deeply resonated with the local community in Grand Rapids. In 2023, Grand Rapids proudly secured the title of the third most “pickleball-obsessed” city in the nation, strengthening its reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier destinations for the sport.
“The pickleball facility at Belknap Park stands as one of the Midwest’s finest,” affirms John Frizzo, president of the Grand Rapids Pickleball Club, which was established in 2012, well before the transformation of the park’s former tennis courts. Through dedicated efforts, the club fundraised to convert these courts into six pickleball arenas that summer. Over the following decade, the facility expanded to 21 outdoor courts, recently developed with upgraded lighting and fencing.
Pickleballers gather to Grand Rapids each summer for the Beer City Open at Belknap Park. Co-founded by Richards and Andrea Koop, a top-ranked professional player, the tournament started in 2018 with 350 players and $12,000 in prizes.
In 2021 and 2022, it was part of the Association of Pickleball Professionals tour, drawing top-ranked players. Amateurs could qualify for the USAPA National Championships based on their performance in Grand Rapids. Fans cheered in person, and select matches were streamed on ESPN+.
In 2023, the Beer City Open set a record with a $1,000,000 purse and attracted over 1,000 players, including many of the nation’s best. Admission was free, and spectators enjoyed food trucks and a beer garden alongside high-level play.
Simultaneously, club membership increased from a small group to approximately 650 in 2021, 1,150 in 2022, and now exceeds 1,500. Membership benefits include access to club tournaments, events, and ladder leagues, designed to match players against others of comparable skill levels.
Beyond competition, members cherish the companionship and support of a vibrant community, playing an important role in advancing pickleball’s prominence across West Michigan. For those eager to join in, Grand Rapids offers several venues:
Indoor Pickleball Courts in Grand Rapids
- All In Pickleball Gym: Byron Center’s premier facility highlights five courts and 16-foot-high containment nets for uninterrupted play.
- Bella Vista Church: Rockford’s venue with four courts, offering open-play sessions for adults aged 55 and above.
- Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits: Kentwood’s innovative indoor pickleball setup within a brewery, offering membership-based court bookings and rentals.
- Grand Rapids Racquet + Fitness: Northeast Grand Rapids’ facility expanding to accommodate more courts by summer 2024, known for hosting major tournaments.
- Impact Dynamic Training: Hudsonville’s versatile facility offers open play, court rentals, and structured training sessions.
- Kentwood Activities Center: Hosting drop-in sessions, lessons, leagues, and tournaments.
- MSA Fieldhouse and MSA Woodland: Offering morning drop-in sessions with non-member rates.
- New Community Church: Reservable courts are available on select days.
- Premier Athletic Club: Grandville’s inclusive venue with open-play options every day.
- The Salvation Army Kroc Center: Southeast Grand Rapids’ facility hosting frequent drop-in sessions, accessible to non-members with a day pass.
News In Brief: Best Indoor Pickleball Courts in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids has become a vibrant hub for pickleball enthusiasts, centered at Belknap Park where over 100 players gather each evening to enjoy this fast-growing sport blending tennis, badminton, and ping pong. With a significant surge in pickleball’s popularity, highlighted by a 158% increase in U.S. players from 2020 to 2023, Grand Rapids was recognized as the nation’s third most “pickleball-obsessed” city in 2023. The Grand Rapids Pickleball Club, crucial in developing the park’s courts, now has over 1,500 members and hosts tournaments and community events. Numerous indoor venues across the city cater to players of all ages and skill levels, ensuring pickleball’s thriving presence in West Michigan.
