Green Lake Pickleball

 

Green Lake Pickleball: Where Community and Sport Collide Discover the Inclusive World of Pickleball at Green Lake and Forge Friendships on the Court

The name derives from the term “pickle boat,” a crew moniker for the boat comprised of the rowers left over after everyone else has picked a boat. That name was, supposedly, in reference to the hodgepodge combination of equipment used in those early pickleball games (Ping-Pong paddles, a badminton net and a perforated plastic ball) but in some ways is appropriate to the players themselves; with pickleball, your partner or opponent can be anyone. The game is intimate, essentially like full-size table tennis, with players thwacking a little hollow plastic ball over a small net, close enough to look each other in the face and even have conversations while playing without having to shout.

Local pickleball enthusiast Peter Seitel is the unofficial mayor of this ersatz community of like-minded ball picklers; he makes the required reservations during prime play time (weekday afternoons and weekend mornings) working around individual tennis reservations and school tennis groups, and champions their cause with the Parks Department and the city, campaigning for things like more visible court lines and lighting, and collecting numbers on the players and court usage. According to Seitel’s surveys, the scene at Green Lake is a bit younger than what is generally perceived as the average pickleball player — it is sometimes seen as a sport for senior citizens — and perhaps due to its centrality or its openness, is surprisingly diverse and youthful; some numbers from Pete’s unofficial survey suggests that roughly 70% of the people who show up to play are between the ages of 20 and 40, and the average age is 36.

And when they come, they come to both play and bond with each other, a somewhat unique situation in a city increasingly built around “networking events” which, with their implied pecuniary ulterior motives, make it difficult to actually build authentic connections. During peak times (afternoons and weekends, the best time to come as a drop-in beginner) there are 70 to 100 players out on those courts on a given afternoon, playing or waiting their turn, passing the time by chit-chatting. True community building can be a lost art in urban centers with skyrocketing rent, but the people showing up at Green Lake with their rackets are there because they like playing pickleball and, as with children, the desire to play is often enough to make a friend. (Source: Seattle Times, Pickleball at Green Lake is a great way to meet new friends, March 18, 2024)

Swingin' on Green Lake: A Pickleball Jam

In Seattle's heart, where the vibe's just right, At East Green Lake Park, where days turn to night, Pickleball's the game, since 1965 it's been the spark, A Washington invention, where players embark.

With rackets in hand, and spirits so high, Underneath the sunny, open sky, Friends are made, as the balls do fly, In this jazzy scene, where the spirits don't die.

No need to fret if you're new to the game, At Green Lake, all are treated the same, From the seasoned pros to the rookies just in, Each rally and match is a chance to begin.

The courts may be tennis, but they're pickleball through, A fusion of sports, where friendships accrue, In this melting pot of yellow and blue, Where the game's not just pickle, it's a rhythm anew.

Peter Seitel, the maestro, orchestrates the show, With data and passion, he makes sure it'll grow, He's the heart and soul of this vibrant flow, Where the sound of laughter is the status quo.

So come on down to Green Lake's shore, Where the pickleball vibes are forevermore, In this place where friendships soar, And the game's not just pickle, it's an open door.

Jumbo's Pickleball opens in Beaverton

 

 

Jumbo's Pickleball opened in Beaverton on Friday. KGW Sunrise meteorologist Rod Hill had the chance to learn some skills on the court.

WA Pickleball Paddle Donations

 

 

Washington FREE Pickleball Paddles

Autosan Pickleball Paddle - Graphite Carbon Fiber Face & Reactive Honeycomb Polymer Paddle, USAPA Approved, Cushion Grip, Paddle Cover

Highly Versatile —If you're seeking a high-performance, all-around pickleball paddle, this USAPA-approved option is an excellent choice for players of all skill levels. It offers great feedback and feel, combining versatility with an affordable price. Designed for durability and reduced vibration, it also features a generous sweet spot for enhanced playability.

Reactive Honeycomb Polymer—This USAPA-approved pickleball paddle features a revolutionary thicker honeycomb polymer core. Engineered with optimized tubular construction, it is specially tuned for high-level players to deliver consistent bounce and superior feel on every shot. It harnesses raw power while maximizing spin for enhanced performance.

Graphite Carbon Surface—Crafted with a graphite carbon face, this pickleball paddle is lightweight and highly responsive, delivering impressive shot depth and control. The widebody design enhances its reactive nature, offering excellent pop on the ball while maintaining exceptional touch. Built with a durable, long-lasting carbon-textured surface, this paddle is ideal for advanced performance.

 

Comfort Grip System—The grip is designed with a specially formulated PU material that offers maximum flex and enhanced shock absorption for extra power and comfort. Its tacky surface, stitched ribbing, and perforated anti-slip ridge ensure a secure hold, allowing for optimal performance. Whether indoors or outdoors, this pickleball paddle handle effectively absorbs sweat for a reliable grip in any condition.

SUITABLE FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS—This pickleball paddle is ideal for players of any experience level, from beginners to advanced. It meets the needs of all players, making it perfect for use in schools, sports activities, gyms, rec game, and tournaments.

Introducing the Best Autosan Pickleball Paddle, designed to deliver exceptional power and spin. This paddle features a graphite carbon surface combined with a reactive honeycomb polymer core, ensuring outstanding performance. Weighing between 7.6 oz and 8.0 oz, it offers impressive "pop" with every swing. The polypropylene core provides a stable feel, durability, and consistency, while the carbon fiber blend face enhances spin, precision control, and power. This highly adaptable and durable model is USAPA-approved for competitive play, making it the perfect choice for players seeking both toughness and top-tier performance.

 

Binghuo Brothers: Crafting Excellence in Pickleball Paddles with Innovation and Quality

From Guangdong to the World - The Rise of Autosan Paddles in the Global Pickleball Scene

Introduction:

In the dynamic landscape of sporting goods, one name is gaining prominence for its commitment to innovation, quality, and affordability - Shenzhen Binghuo Brothers Industrial Co., Ltd., the force behind Autosan Paddles. As the world of pickleball continues to expand, the demand for cutting-edge equipment is reaching new heights, and Autosan is at the forefront of this revolution.

With a robust background in research and development, original equipment manufacturing (OEM), and original design manufacturing (ODM), Autosan has carved its niche by producing top-notch pickleball paddles approved by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA). The company's manufacturing prowess is underscored by a seamless blend of automated instruments and skilled manual production, earning certifications from BSCI and ISO9001.

Innovative Materials for Unparalleled Performance:

Pickleball paddles, being crafted from a variety of non-metallic materials, demand meticulous attention to material selection and production processes. Autosan rises to the challenge by utilizing the renowned Japan Toray raw carbon fiber, pushing the boundaries of technological advancement in paddle design. This commitment to using premium materials ensures the stability and superior quality of each paddle, reflecting the company's unwavering adherence to the business philosophy of "Quality First."

Corporate Vision and Mission:

With years of experience dedicated to research, development, and production, Autosan holds a firm commitment to its mission of "Client Is God!" This client-centric approach is complemented by an unwavering dedication to becoming the leader in the manufacture of pickleball paddles. The vision is clear - Autosan aims to set the standard for excellence in the industry, and they are leaving no stone unturned to achieve this.

Global Reach and Impact:

Based in Guangdong, China, Autosan has rapidly expanded its footprint across the globe. With a diverse product range including pickleball paddles, pickleballs, and thermoform pickleball paddles, the company has successfully captured markets in North America (70%), Eastern Europe (10%), and South America (5%). Their commitment to excellence and client satisfaction is evident in the consistently positive feedback from customers around the world.

Factory Precision and Scale:

Autosan operates from a state-of-the-art facility spanning 3,000-5,000 square meters in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province. Located in the heart of the manufacturing hub, the factory combines automated precision with skilled manual craftsmanship. The company proudly offers services such as OEM, Design, and Buyer Label, ensuring a comprehensive solution for their clients.

Voice of the Customers:

The real litmus test for any sporting equipment lies in the hands of the players. Autosan has aced this test with flying colors, as echoed in the glowing reviews from satisfied customers. One player, who started with a $20 paddle and is now rated at 3.5, expresses gratitude for a light, powerful, durable, and comfortable paddle that outperforms even those priced at $200.

Another testimonial from a beginner turned enthusiast highlights the value of Autosan paddles, proving that quality need not come with a hefty price tag. The sentiment of finding a great start with a reasonably priced paddle is a common thread, resonating with players from different backgrounds and skill levels.

Conclusion:

As the pickleball phenomenon continues to captivate players worldwide, Autosan stands as a beacon of quality, innovation, and affordability. Shenzhen Binghuo Brothers Industrial Co., Ltd. has not just entered the sporting goods market; they've elevated the game. From the shores of Guangdong to the courts of North America, Autosan Paddles are making waves, ensuring that every player, regardless of skill level, has access to superior equipment.

In a world where performance meets precision, Autosan has set the bar high, and the future of pickleball looks even more exciting with the promise of continuous innovation and unparalleled quality from the Binghuo Brothers.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION OF JIM LUCAS CHECOTAH PUBLIC LIBRARY’S PUBLIC PICKLEBALL COURTS SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 29

The Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library’s newly finished pickleball courts will be celebrated at 10 a.m., June 29, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. All are invited!

Checotah Mayor Daniel Tarkington said June 29 will be declared “Pickleball Day in Checotah,” and, he and some of the city’s council members plan to play a doubles game.

The pickleball courts will be first-come, first-served for the public and are not affected by the library’s open/closed hours. There are lights for evening play, and library cardholders can borrow paddles and balls for free.

Many thanks to all donors and supporters: Oklahoma Department of Libraries, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Friends of the Library, Peoples National Bank of Checotah, Armstrong Bank, First Family Federal Credit Union, the family of Eli Wallace, and Dr. Maurice & Gretchen Payne.

Special thanks to the City of Checotah for providing funds for what has not been covered by the grant and donations. 

NOTE: The Library is named after Jim Lucas who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1954 for international reporting and journalism. He was the only journalist ever called to give a briefing at the White House before the President and 100 Congressional leaders.

Media

Muskogee Phoenix (March 26, 2023) - Pickleball popularity creates demand for courts 

Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library branch manager Kenneth Matthews said the court is partially funded through a ($9,000) health literacy grant from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. 

Muskogee Phoenix (June 22, 2023) Pickleball arrives at Checotah Library

ChatGPT Article: (June 27, 2023) Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library Prepares for Pickleball Courts Grand Opening with Generous Donation

Pickleball is exploding, and it’s getting messy

 

Anna Leigh Waters, 15, Wins  15th Singles Title. Baird Wealth Management Open September 2022

Washington Post

MASON, Ohio — The public address announcer’s voice boomed as balls flew amid the chaotic symphony of plastic pops and thwacks. So many greats had played and won here at the Lindner Family Tennis Center outside of Cincinnati: McEnroe and Agassi, Djokovic and Federer, Nadal and Serena. But center court was suddenly the stage for something very different.

“We love tennis, and this is an incredible tennis facility,” the announcer bellowed, “but for today we are piiiiickleball!”

All eyes were on Anna Leigh Waters, 15, and Ben Johns, 23, a mixed doubles team and perhaps the brightest stars in the rapidly expanding pickleball universe, phenoms changing the way the game is played and perceived. Competing in the Baird Wealth Management Open, one of the biggest events staged by the Professional Pickleball Association, Waters and Johns are torchbearers for a young sport with a future as promising as it is unpredictable.

Quaint and complex, the game has been likened to chess on concrete and is most commonly compared to tennis, badminton and table tennis. It also has exploded into a big business with no shortage of deep-pocketed investors and eager opportunists. (Read More)

New York Times: Why Is Pickleball So Popular?

Everyone and their mother seems to be playing. What’s the draw — and is it really a workout?

Anna Leigh Waters, 12, and her mother Leigh Waters. 2019 National Pro Women's Doubles Champions.  

Most anyone can play.

Many racket sports have a steep learning curve, even at the beginner level. “In tennis, the balls are all over the place,” said Ernie Medina Jr., an assistant professor of public health at Loma Linda University and pickleball coach who was introduced to the game in 2016 by his mother.

“In pickleball, you’re hitting a plastic wiffle-like ball, so it’s less bouncy and doesn’t fly as fast through the air. And the paddle is much easier to handle because it’s shorter and lighter than a tennis racket.” You also serve underhand in pickleball, and underhand serves are easier to hit and return. 

It’s a good workout. (No, really.)

Yes, pickleball has a low barrier to entry. But that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park.

In one of the few studies that’s been done on pickleball, researchers found that compared to walking at a self-selected pace for half an hour, people who played doubles pickleball for half an hour had 14 percent higher heart rates and burned 36 percent more calories. Another study from Western Colorado University found that picklers averaged a heart rate of 109 beats per minute and burned 354 calories per hour, which qualifies it as a moderate-intensity workout alongside hiking, yoga and water aerobics. The players also saw significant improvements in their cholesterol levels, blood pressure and maximal oxygen uptake, a measure of cardiovascular fitness, after playing for an hour every other day for six weeks. (Read More)

Time: Why Older People Love Pickleball So Much

 

Chances are, you already know someone who’s an avid pickleball player. America’s fastest-growing sport—a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong—can be played as either a singles or doubles game, though doubles is typically more popular. Points can only be accrued by the side that’s serving, and the winner is the first side to get to 11 points and be leading by at least two.

Invented in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball has gained popularity during the pandemic, growing 14.8% between 2020 and 2021. According to the 2022 Sports & Fitness Industry report, more than half (52%) of core players—those who play eight or more times a year—are 55 or older, and almost a third (32.7%) are 65-plus. (Read More)

What is pickleball? History of the sport and how to play.

USA Today 

If you’ve seen folks with rectangular paddles at your local recreation center, or if your tennis club has suddenly converted a portion of its space to smaller courts with lower nets, you might be wondering about the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.

With over 9,000 places to play, pickleball is available in every U.S. state and Canadian province. USA Pickleball reports 4.8 million people played the sport in 2021, with approximately 1.4 million “core” players who play eight or more times per year.

Whether you are a veteran pickleballer or have only just discovered the sport, here’s the information you need. (Read More)

The Today Show: Pickleball is more popular than ever: Here's why it's so good for your health

 

Pickleball is more popular than ever: Here's why it's so good for your health

The badminton-Ping-Pong hybrid is the fastest growing sport in the U.S.

Jessie Irvine, Pro Pickleball Player (Watch Jessie Play On YouTube)

Does it seem like pickleball — the tennis-badminton-Ping-Pong hybrid — is suddenly everywhere?

The fastest growing sport in America boasts more than 4.8 million players (including TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager and Leonardo DiCaprio). While the game with a silly name (it has nothing to do with pickles) has been especially popular with adults 55 and older, it is beginning to appeal to a younger crowd. The average age for all players dropped to 38.1 years old in 2021, according to USA Pickleball, the National Governing Body for the sport in the U.S. And the fastest growth of participants from 2020 to 2021 was among players under 24 years of age.

There are many reasons that pickleball appeals to people of all ages. For starters, it's a fun and social way to stay in shape. Matches are also played on a court considerably smaller than a tennis court, which makes for less running and a more accessible workout. But with games typically lasting an hour, you’ll work up a good sweat and burn up to 11 calories per minute. (As always, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.)

Watch The Today Show Segment and Read The Article

ESPN SC Featured: One Nation, Under Pickleball

  

It’s been described as the fastest-growing sport in America. People are playing pickleball everywhere, with courts springing up in towns and cities across the country.

But where did pickleball originate? How did it start, and where? And why are so many people playing it?

Those are some of the questions answered in a new SportsCenter “SC Featured” segment debuting Sunday. Producer Jon Fish and reporter Gene Wojciechowski traveled America to get pickleball perspective.

“So, how do you tell a story of a sport?” Fish said. “Multiple other entities have gotten into what’s going on with pickleball now, but the most important thing to me is how did this happen? What’s the origin story?”

He learned that pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Wash., near Seattle. And then he remembered that Jason Jobes, a camera operator he’s friends with and has worked with often, lives on Bainbridge. When he called Jobes, he was amazed to learn that Jobes had played the sport his entire life. He quickly agreed to help Fish with the story.

Fish and Wojciechowski went to Bainbridge Island and to the spot where pickleball was born.

The original pickleball court on Bainbridge Island, Wash., is marked with this plaque. (Jon Fish/ESPN)

“You can’t shoot hoops on the peach basket that Naismith hung up,” he said. “But when you go to Bainbridge Island, you come off this unpaved road in the middle of the woods, and there it is – Court 1.

“And I had that moment like I’m at the origin of the sport. And they haven’t touched it. It looks like it looked when they invented the game in 1965. For me, as a producer, to find something as it was is just mind-blowing. To go to a place that’s the essence of a sport is incredible.”

Viewers also will hear from 15-year-old Anna Leigh Waters, the No. 1 ranked female pickleball player; Tom Dundon, owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, who also owns the PPA – Pro Pickleball Association; and Steve Kuhn, owner of Major League Pickleball.

“We found out that pickleball has a cool backstory of why it was invented,” Fish said. “And the game means a lot to the people that invented it and the people who play it now.”

And that includes Fish.

“My wife bought me pickleball paddles and balls for my birthday,” he said.

“One Nation Under Pickleball” will premier in the 8 a.m. ET edition of SportsCenter on Sunday, Aug. 21, will re-air in other editions on Sunday and in the ensuing days. (Source)

 

TeamWaters One Nation, Under Pickleball Clip

Individuals Featured In The Story

1. Steve Kuhn, Founder, Major League Pickleball
2. James Blake, Former #4, World-Ranked Tennis Player
3. Jay Inslee, Governor Of Washington
4. Frank Prictchard, Pickleball Founder's Son
5. Joel Bell, Pickleball Founder's Son
6. David McCallum, Pickleball Founder's Son
7. Tom Dundon, Carolina Hurricanes/PPA Tour Owner
8. Anna Leigh Waters, Pro Pickleball Player
9. Leigh Waters, Pro Pickleball Player

The Nevada County Library is proud to announce a new project. The Recreation Collection is an innovative assortment of outdoor and indoor recreational items that can be checked out for free. This collection contains board games, metal detectors, hiking poles, outdoor sporting equipment (tennis sets, pickleball, etc.), trail cams, and so much more. The library will continue to add items to the collection throughout the next few months, and patrons can expect to see snowshoes and other seasonally appropriate outdoor equipment in the collection as the weather shifts.

Ian Boalt, Adult Services Librarian for Nevada County states, “The Recreation Collection is another way for our community to see how libraries are changing and adapting to their needs. Come to the library for books, equipment for your next outdoor adventure, board games for spending time with friends, art instruction, technology help, or just a nice place to relax and get some work done. Nevada County Library is working hard to fulfill the needs of each community member.”

Nevada County Library has been slowly expanding its non-book collection over the last few years. Mobile Hotspots allow patrons to gain access to the internet at home for free and are available to check out at all branches. The Technology Lending Library allows teachers and educators to check out innovative STEAM projects for classrooms and students. The Recreation Collection continues a commitment to providing innovative resources to Nevada County. This project is only the beginning of an expansion into providing patrons with everyday items that promote outdoor activity, personal hobbies, and socialization with friends & family. 

For more information about the Library and the Recreation Collection, visit the Recreation Collection website or call 530-470-2677.  

Pickleball Equipment

Description:
1 game (4 wooden paddles, 4 pickleballs, pickleball net, steel net frame) : metal, textile, plastic ; in duffel bag+ instructions.

Summary:
Includes everything you need to play a game of pickleball. Pickleball, a combination of tennis and badminton, can be played on any hard surface using lightweight wooden pickleball paddles and extra-tough plastic pickle balls.