Friendly Pickle in Kalamazoo: In the Kalamazoo area, pickleball players are set to receive a new home for their sport. Friendly Pickle has officially broken ground on a 24,000-square-foot indoor facility at 5675 W D Avenue in Alamo Township, conveniently located near M-43. The new facility will feature eight championship-sized courts and two lounge areas, providing ample space for players of all skill levels to hone their craft.
State-of-the-Art Courts and Features
A unique feature of the indoor courts will be their outdoor surface, which Friendly Pickle promises will provide “predictable playing.” To enhance the experience, the facility will include four garage doors, allowing fresh air to flow through and giving the space a more open, airy feel.
The facility will offer various programs, including leagues, tournaments, and coaching sessions, as well as membership options to encourage participation.
In addition, there will be youth programs, special needs initiatives, and wheelchair pickleball available to ensure the space is inclusive for all. The lounge areas will also offer a venue for hosting events. According to owners Ben and Robin Ipema, the facility is designed for players ranging from first-timers to the most advanced 5.0+ players.
“The concept is dedicated exclusively to pickleball and will be accessible to first timers through 5.0+ players. We are excited to enhance the recreational landscape in Kalamazoo and to create more opportunities for our community to enjoy fun, fellowship, and top-tier competition.” – (Ben and Robin Ipema)
Projected Opening and Growth in Pickleball
The new facility is expected to open in June 2025, contributing to the ongoing increase in pickleball facilities throughout West Michigan. The demand for indoor spaces has surged alongside the sport’s rapid growth, particularly in the post-pandemic era.
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) reported that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with participation growing 51.8% from 2022 to 2023, and an astonishing 223.5% over the past three years.
“The participation numbers are positive for the country and for our industry. Frankly, they are not a surprise, as we know Americans are valuing and pursuing active lifestyles post-pandemic.” – (SFIA President and CEO Tom Cove)
The surge in participation is driving the demand for infrastructure, with SFIA and Pickleheads noting that the number of dedicated pickleball facilities grew by 55% year-over-year.
However, despite the progress, more investment is needed. Pickleheads co-founder and COO Brandon Mackie noted that $855 million is required to build new courts in the next five to seven years.
“Still, there remains a long road of investment ahead with $855 million needed to construct courts over the next 5-7 years.” – (Brandon Mackie)
Growing Pickleball Scene in West Michigan
The new Friendly Pickle facility joins several other pickleball initiatives in West Michigan, reflecting the growing interest in the sport. In the past year, a new indoor pickleball gym opened in Grand Rapids, MVP Sports opened a dedicated facility, and plans are underway for a Pickleball social club in Kentwood.
Additionally, several businesses are blending pickleball with other activities—such as a new sports dome in Schoolcraft that now features pickleball courts and a business in Grand Rapids preparing to combine golf simulators with pickleball.
News in Brief: Friendly Pickle in Kalamazoo
Construction has begun on a 24,000-square-foot indoor pickleball facility in Alamo Township, Kalamazoo, set to open in June 2025. Friendly Pickle will offer eight championship-size courts, youth programs, and specialized options like wheelchair pickleball.
As pickleball’s popularity continues to soar, with a reported 223.5% increase in participation over three years, more facilities are needed. West Michigan sees a rise in indoor courts and other unique pickleball ventures.
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