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Category: Advocacy

  • 🎉 Big Win for BPC: Official Selkirk Sponsorship Announced!

    🎉 Big Win for BPC: Official Selkirk Sponsorship Announced!

    We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news with our Bloomington Pickleball Club (BPC) community — we’ve officially been sponsored by Selkirk Sport, one of the premier names in pickleball! This partnership brings a major boost to our club’s mission of growing the sport and supporting players of all skill levels.

    🏓 What’s Included in the Sponsorship?

    Top-down view of a cardboard box filled with assorted Selkirk pickleball paddles, arranged with handles facing up, showcasing different models and grip colors

    Thanks to this partnership, BPC has received a fully loaded Selkirk Demo Kit, valued at over $1,400 — all at no cost to the club! The kit includes:

    • 🥇 Top-tier demo paddles: LUXX, Vanguard Power Air, AMPED, and SLK models
    • 🎾 Pro S1 balls: Four 12-packs for club play and demos
    • 🧢 Selkirk performance hats: For players and giveaways
    • 🎨 Stickers and vinyl banners: To represent Selkirk and boost club branding

    This means club members will get to try out premium Selkirk paddles during open play, clinics, and events — and find the perfect paddle before they buy.

    🧑‍🏫 Meet Coach Dave Martin – Selkirk Advocate & BPC Pickleball Champion

    Coach Dave Martin takes a selfie at a busy pickleball court with players warming up and chatting during a Selkirk-sponsored training session
    Coach Dave Martin, Selkirk Advocate and certified pickleball instructor, captures a selfie during a lively training session filled with players preparing for paddle demos and drills

    A big shoutout goes to Coach Dave Martin, Selkirk Advocate and a driving force behind our club’s growth. Coach Dave coordinated directly with Selkirk to secure the sponsorship and will be leading paddle demos and providing equipment insights during training sessions.

    As a certified pickleball coach and passionate educator, Dave brings experience, energy, and now, exclusive Selkirk access to our members. You’ll see him at the courts helping players find the best equipment for their game.

    🤝 How This Sponsorship Came Together

    This exciting milestone was made possible through the combined efforts of Coach Dave Martin and a BPC Co-founder, who collaborated closely with the Selkirk team to align our club with their mission of “elevating the game.”

    By demonstrating BPC’s commitment to growing pickleball at the local level and building an inclusive, active community, Selkirk recognized the value in supporting our club.

    💸 Save on Your Next Paddle with Our Exclusive Code

    Ready to take your game to the next level with Selkirk gear?

    As part of our sponsorship, club members and friends can now use our exclusive discount code:

    🎟️ Coupon Code: CLB-BLOOMINGTON
    Use it at checkout on Selkirk.com for savings on select paddles and gear!

    This is a great way to support both Selkirk and the BPC while saving on high-performance pickleball equipment.

    🏆 What’s Next?

    Here’s what you can expect in the coming weeks:

    • Demo Days: Try out high-end Selkirk paddles during open play
    • Giveaways: Win gear like hats and stickers at upcoming events
    • Coaching Clinics: Led by Coach Dave using Selkirk equipment
    • Member Discounts: Use CLB-BLOOMINGTON when you’re ready to buy!

    🙌 Join the Movement

    Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this partnership helps BPC provide even more value to members — with the tools, training, and support to elevate your game.

    Let’s show our appreciation by repping Selkirk proudly on the courts and spreading the word about BPC’s growing community.

    Stay tuned for upcoming demo events and more exciting updates!

    Questions? Want to get involved or try a demo paddle? Reach out to a board member or talk to Coach Dave at the courts!

  • Strengthening Our Community Partnerships: Exciting Developments for Pickleball in Monroe County

    Strengthening Our Community Partnerships: Exciting Developments for Pickleball in Monroe County

    As the sport of pickleball continues to surge in popularity, the Bloomington Pickleball Club (BPC) is excited to share significant updates from our recent discussions with Monroe County Parks & Recreation. On August 29, 2024, key members of our club met with Matt Wilhoit, Recreation Director – Athletics, and John Robertson, Assistant Director at Monroe County Parks & Rec, to discuss the future of pickleball in Monroe County, including new court developments and potential collaborations that will benefit our growing community.

    Expanding Pickleball Facilities at Flatwoods Park

    One of the major highlights from our meeting was the discussion about the upcoming project at Flatwoods Park. Monroe County Parks & Rec is converting an existing basketball court into two or three dedicated pickleball courts, as part of a broader renovation effort that also includes restroom upgrades and other park improvements. While the target completion is late 2024, this timeline may extend into early 2025, depending on the progress of related work.

    BPC is eager to collaborate with Monroe County Parks & Rec on this exciting project. We have expressed our interest in providing input on the court design and layout to ensure that the new facilities meet the needs of our expanding pickleball community. Well-designed courts will enhance the playing experience and help attract more players to this rapidly growing sport.

    Addressing the Need for More Courts

    During our meeting, we also addressed the increasing demand for more pickleball courts throughout Monroe County. With the sport’s popularity outpacing the availability of current facilities, BPC is exploring additional opportunities to expand our local pickleball infrastructure. Potential sites include underutilized spaces at parks like Karst Farm Park, where new pickleball venues could be developed.

    One promising idea is to transform areas at Karst Farm Park, such as the space behind the splash pad, into vibrant pickleball courts. Although these discussions are in the early stages, we are enthusiastic about the possibilities and will keep our members informed as we progress.

    Get Involved: Your Voice Matters

    An important takeaway from our meeting was the emphasis on community involvement in Monroe County Parks & Rec’s five-year master plan. This plan is crucial for setting priorities and allocating resources for future park projects, including pickleball facilities. We strongly encourage all BPC members to participate in upcoming surveys and public forums. Your input is vital in ensuring that pickleball is recognized as a priority in Monroe County’s recreational planning. You can review the Monroe County Parks & Recreation 2023-2028 Master Plan to better understand the goals and opportunities ahead.

    Partnering for Progress

    In addition to our collaboration with Monroe County Parks & Rec, BPC is actively exploring opportunities to engage local businesses in sponsoring new pickleball facilities. Successful partnerships in other communities have demonstrated that local business support can play a key role in funding and developing high-quality pickleball courts. If you know of any businesses that might be interested in supporting this initiative, please reach out to us.

    Stay Tuned for More Updates

    We are committed to keeping our members informed about all developments related to pickleball facilities in Monroe County. Whether it’s the progress at Flatwoods Park, potential new sites, or ways you can get involved, you’ll hear it first from us. Be sure to check our website and follow us on social media for the latest news.

    We’re excited about the future of pickleball in our community and look forward to working together to make Bloomington a premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts.

  • Enhancing Pickleball Experiences: Collaboration and Community Involvement at Bloomington Pickleball Club

    Enhancing Pickleball Experiences: Collaboration and Community Involvement at Bloomington Pickleball Club

    The Growth of Pickleball in Bloomington

    Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in Bloomington, bringing together people of all ages and skill levels. At the heart of this growth is the Bloomington Pickleball Club (BPC), which has been instrumental in not only promoting the sport but also in creating a vibrant, inclusive community around it. As pickleball continues to flourish, the BPC is committed to enhancing the experiences of its members and the broader community through strategic collaborations and active community involvement.

    Collaborative Efforts with Local Organizations

    A man in a pink shirt and a woman playing pickleball during a lesson at Simtra BioPharma Solutions.
    Enthusiastic participants engage in an exciting game of pickleball during a lesson at Simtra BioPharma Solutions.
    A group of people, including a woman in a BPC shirt, playing pickleball during a lesson at Simtra BioPharma Solutions.
    Simtra employees engage in a pickleball lesson organized by Bloomington Pickleball Club, enhancing team collaboration and fitness.
    An overview of the pickleball courts set up at Simtra BioPharma Solutions, with employees participating in the game.
    An overview of the pickleball setup at Simtra BioPharma Solutions, where employees enjoy learning the sport.
    The Simtra BioPharma Solutions building with flags in front, under a clear blue sky.
    Simtra BioPharma Solutions, a partner in promoting pickleball through community events.

    One of the key drivers of the BPC’s success has been its strong partnerships with local organizations. A prime example of this is our recent collaboration with Simtra, where we hosted multiple pickleball sessions for their employees. This partnership not only provided Simtra’s team with an opportunity to engage in a fun and healthy activity but also helped to introduce the sport to a wider audience.

    Our ongoing collaboration with Bloomington Parks and Recreation has been equally crucial. Together, we’ve worked on various projects that have significantly improved the facilities available to pickleball enthusiasts. This includes the upcoming installation of an ongoing memorial bench at RCA Park in honor of Doug Kenfield & our beloved pickleball players. This project, coordinated with the Parks department, underscores our shared commitment to creating welcoming, well-maintained spaces for all who visit the park.

    Upcoming Events and Programs

    Players engaged in a pickleball game during a ladder event, with sunlight streaming onto the courts at Bloomington Pickleball Club.
    Participants enjoy competitive play during a ladder event at Bloomington Pickleball Club, showcasing the club’s vibrant community spirit.

    As we look ahead, the BPC is excited to continue offering a variety of events that cater to both seasoned players and newcomers. Our Tuesday Individual Ladder and Thursday Partner Ladder events, running until October, provide regular opportunities for competitive play in a friendly, supportive environment. These events have become a staple of our programming, drawing participants from across the community and fostering a spirit of camaraderie.

    We’re also thrilled to have been a part of the Grand Opening – Free Pickleball Clinic at Marci Jane Lewis Park on August 3rd. This event was a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the sport, and we invited everyone to join us for a day of fun, learning, and community building.

    Community Involvement and Support

    Two volunteers working together to line a pickleball court with tape, preparing it for an event.
    Dedicated volunteers from Bloomington Pickleball Club carefully prepare a court for an upcoming event
    A group of people celebrating a birthday at a pickleball event, with the birthday person holding a small pickleball-themed gift.
    A surprise birthday celebration during a pickleball event, showcasing the warm community spirit of the Bloomington Pickleball Club.
    A volunteer on a ladder hanging sponsor banners along a pickleball court fence
    A volunteer from the Bloomington Pickleball Club hangs sponsor banners in preparation for an event, highlighting the club’s community partnerships.

    At the BPC, we believe that the strength of our club lies in the active involvement of our members. We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who play a critical role in the success of our events. Whether it’s setting up courts, assisting with check-ins, or managing logistics, our volunteers are the backbone of our operations.

    We also recognize the importance of advocacy and public support for the continued growth of pickleball in Bloomington. That’s why we’re encouraging our members to attend the upcoming public board meeting to express their gratitude to the city and support funding for further improvements at RCA Park. Public engagement is key to ensuring that our facilities continue to meet the needs of our growing community.

    Spotlight on Member Engagement

    Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and their engagement is what makes our club thrive. Recent events, such as the sessions with Simtra and our ladder events, have generated positive feedback from participants, highlighting the benefits of being an active member of the BPC. These events not only provide valuable playing experience but also create lasting connections among members.

    To keep our community informed and engaged, we utilize various communication channels, including Slack and email updates. These tools allow us to stay connected, share important information, and ensure that our members are always in the loop about upcoming events and opportunities.

    Conclusion: The Future of Pickleball in Bloomington

    As we look to the future, the BPC remains committed to enhancing the pickleball experience for everyone in Bloomington. We have exciting plans in the pipeline, including further facility improvements and additional programming that will continue to make pickleball accessible and enjoyable for all.

    We invite all members of the Bloomington community to join us on this journey. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about the sport, the Bloomington Pickleball Club offers something for everyone. Together, we can continue to grow this vibrant community and make Bloomington a hub for pickleball excellence.

    Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you on the courts!

  • Successful Grand Opening of Ellettsville’s First Pickleball Court

    Successful Grand Opening of Ellettsville’s First Pickleball Court

    The Bloomington Pickleball Club celebrated the grand opening of Ellettsville’s first pickleball court at Marci Jane Lewis Park with great success!

    The event kicked off at 9 AM with enthusiastic participants eager to learn and play. Special thanks to Gary Milhoan, Barb Milhoan, and Judy Henry, who dedicated their time to teaching pickleball to a diverse group of attendees. Their expertise and passion for the sport were evident and greatly appreciated by all who attended.

    Rick Plunkett, Ellettsville Sports Coordinator, addressing a group at a pickleball event under a pavilion.
    Rick Plunkett, Ellettsville Sports Coordinator, deserves a round of applause for his incredible work in getting the court set up. With a very reasonable budget of less than $3000, Rick has provided the community with a fantastic new facility that will undoubtedly be a hub for local pickleball enthusiasts.

    Highlights of the Event:

    • Comprehensive rules explanation and demonstration
    • Engaging games and activities for participants of all skill levels
    • Exciting door prizes for attendees
    Players participating in a pickleball game under a pavilion at the Ellettsville event.
    Participants enjoy a game of pickleball under the pavilion at the Ellettsville event, showcasing the newly set up courts.
    Door prizes including pickleball items displayed on a table at the Ellettsville pickleball event.
    Door prizes, including pickleball items and gift certificates, are displayed on a table at the Ellettsville pickleball event, adding excitement and fun for participants.
    Spectators sitting on benches under a pavilion watching a pickleball match at the Ellettsville event.
    Spectators enjoy watching a pickleball match from the benches under the pavilion at the Ellettsville event, showing community support and interest in the new courts.
    Group photo of participants at the Ellettsville pickleball event, standing together on the new courts.
    Participants gather for a group photo on the newly set up pickleball courts during the Ellettsville event, celebrating the community’s new sports facility.

    We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive response from the community. The new court at Marci Jane Lewis Park promises to be a great asset for Ellettsville, fostering more local interest and participation in pickleball.

    Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success, especially the Bloomington Pickleball Club volunteers and the Ellettsville community. We look forward to many more events and games on this excellent new court!