by Richard Uhlhorn
Psst… Learn to play Pickleball
Monday, May 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Darnell’s Resort
It’s FREE
Thwack… thwack…. thwack…. the sound of a plastic pickleball being hit by opponents on a pickleball court is becoming common place in the Lake Chelan Valley.
The Lake Chelan Pickleball Club, now estimated to be around 120 individual players has become the fastest recreational outlet in the Lake Chelan Valley.
It all began in 2015 when four women began playing at the Lookout and eventually were instrumental in taping courts at Don Morse Park and Chelan High School’s tennis courts. As new player became active, Marilyn Raines converted the two tennis courts at Darnell’s Resort to six pickleball courts for the community.
“Pickleball is a great way to make friends,” said Pickleball board member and secretary Mici Tromburg. “When I joined I didn’t know anybody in town.”
Club President Rod Anderson added, “This is a great sport… a great way to get exercise. It is also a great social thing.”
Pickleball requires quick reflexes and builds aerobic fitness along with being fun, social and friendly with simple rules and easy to learn.
It all began in 2015 when four women began playing at the Lookout and eventually were instrumental in taping courts at Don Morse Park and Chelan High School’s tennis courts. As new player became active, Marilyn Raines converted the two tennis courts at Darnell’s Resort to six pickleball courts for the community.
“Canadians come down to play,” said Anderson, adding, “There is a group from Camino Island that comes to play also.”
Pickleball was invented by some bored guys on Bainbridge Island way back in 1965. Today, the sport is the fastest growing recreational activity in United States ranking third behind bicycling and running, but gaining popularity quickly. In 2022 it grew as a sport by 187 percent.
This Spring, the Club officially formed as a LLC and became a USAPickleball Association member which has insurance benefits for players. Club membership is $20 with $5 being used for player insurance. Dropin costs are $5 for club members and $10 for non members. A Summer Season pass is $200.
The 2023 hours of play are as follows
Monday thru Saturday – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Tuesday and Thursday – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Club has a new website with tons of information: http://www.lakechelanpickleballclub.com
new T-Shirts
There will also be a presence on Facebook and Instagram
All Things Lake Chelan 