Pickleball fans, mark your calendars! PickleCon 2025 is returning August 7–10 at the Kansas City Convention Center—and we’d love to see a strong Bloomington Pickleball Club (BPC) presence at this year’s unforgettable event.
Whether you’re a seasoned player, a social rec enthusiast, or just love being part of the pickleball energy, PickleCon offers something for everyone. This massive celebration of the sport features:
✅ 80+ Courts for Open Play ✅ Pro Panels and coaching insights ✅ Vendor Village with top brands and demos ✅ Glow-in-the-Dark Kickoff Party ✅ Tournaments for all skill levels (separate registration) ✅ Puppy Yoga, giveaways, games, and much more!
🎟️ Choose from a Player Pass (includes court access) or Spectator Pass (ideal for fans and families). You can attend for a single day or make it a full weekend experience.
🌟 Highlights from Last Year
In 2024, several of our BPC members attended PickleCon’s inaugural year—and they left energized, inspired, and with Selkirk gear in hand! 🎁
We even brought home demo paddles, made national connections, and participated in live Q&A sessions with pros and major brands.
This year promises to be even bigger, and with a few complimentary passes donated by Triple Crown Sports, we’ll be organizing a group of BPC members to attend together.
📸 See the Fun
Thanks to Jessie Hill from Triple Crown Sports, we have a photo album from last year to give you a taste of the experience: 📷 View the 2024 PickleCon Photo Gallery
💬 Interested in Going?
If you’re interested in joining the BPC crew at PickleCon, let us know! We’ll help coordinate carpooling, hotel options, and registration tips. Some members are even volunteering to earn free passes. 🎟️ Volunteer info here: picklecon.com/volunteer-opportunities
As the weather warms up and the days get longer, the Bloomington Pickleball Club is springing into a brand-new season—one that’s packed with fresh energy, exciting changes, and more ways to get involved than ever before.
Whether you’re returning from winter hibernation or you’ve been hitting indoor ladders all year, we’ve got something for you this spring.
🏓 Outdoor Play Is Back!
Our outdoor ladder events are in full swing at RCA Park! CourtReserve is your go-to for staying in the loop—check in regularly to register for weekly ladders, special sessions, and social play.
These events are open to players of all levels and are a great way to build skill, meet new people, and enjoy some friendly competition under the sun.
🤝 Building Together: Our New Club Committees
This spring, we launched a more structured (and sustainable!) approach to organizing club activities. Our new committees are already hard at work—and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening behind the scenes:
🧱 Club Functionality – Policies, bylaws, board structure
📣 Communications – Emails, updates, social media
💰 Partnerships – Sponsorships, fundraising, community relationships
🎉 Networking & Social – Community-building events and outreach
🗓 Events – Ladders, side events, and everything in between
Whether you're a spreadsheet lover, a social butterfly, or just eager to lend a hand—we’ve got a spot for you.
🟡 Club Upgrades & Gear News
Thanks to members using our Pickleball Central code CRBLOOM, we scored a $174 credit—which went straight into 100 fresh Franklin balls for club use. (Yes, you’re literally helping us keep the ball rolling!)
We’ve also got six portable nets ready to go, stored and managed to make outdoor setups smoother. And if you’ve ever considered becoming a BPC sponsor, now’s the time—tiered banner options are coming soon to help businesses of all sizes support the club.
🙌 How You Can Get Involved
Want to run a side event? Help with a ladder night? Join a committee or lead a one-time effort? We’re here for it—and we’re here for you.
One of the best things about BPC is our community spirit, and this year we’re leaning into that more than ever. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment—it’s about sharing what you can, when you can, and having a little fun while you’re at it.
🔮 Looking Ahead
We’re just getting started. As the season unfolds, you’ll see more play opportunities, better organization, and more chances to connect.
If you're new to the club, welcome! And if you’ve been with us for a while—thanks for sticking with us. This is shaping up to be an incredible year for pickleball in Bloomington.
The Southeast YMCA is bringing exciting pickleball action to Bloomington, and we want you to be part of it! Several Adult Pickleball Tournaments are happening this year, and we encourage all Bloomington Pickleball Club members to participate. Whether you’re ready to compete or simply want to cheer on your fellow players, these tournaments are a great way to engage with the local pickleball community and showcase our club’s talent.
This is the first special invitational tournament of the year, and we want to make sure BPC is well-represented. Playing in tournaments is a fantastic way to sharpen your skills, meet other players, and support pickleball in Bloomington.
How to Get Involved:
Register Now! Secure your spot in the tournament by signing up here: Register Here
Spread the Word! Invite your pickleball friends and teammates to join in on the fun.
Come Cheer! Even if you’re not playing, show up to support and encourage fellow players.
Let’s bring our energy and enthusiasm to the court and make this tournament a memorable one. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Bloomington Pickleball Club (BPC) has had an incredible year of growth, community engagement, and strategic planning. As we close out the year, let’s take a look back at the key events, accomplishments, and decisions that have shaped the club’s success, as well as what lies ahead.
Key Events and Milestones
January – April 2024
Renewed the club’s general liability insurance policy.
Began the transition from Wild Apricot to CourtReserve for membership and event management.
Initiated discussions to revise the club’s bylaws to reflect the needs of its growing membership.
Secured sponsorships from Shine, Simtra, and gift cards from Pizza X, Soma, & Village Deli.
Launched ladder events at RCA Park.
Dave Martin, Chair of the Board, became AED and CPR certified.
June 2024
Transitioned fully to CourtReserve for membership and event coordination.
Financial reserves increased to $10,300, supporting key initiatives like court improvements and the Doug Kenfield memorial bench.
Summer 2024
Ladder events averaged 21 participants, with revenue close to surpassing the prior year’s total.
Addressed challenges with walk-up players attempting to join events without prior registration.
September 2024
Added new board members: Susan Cooper, Jodee Smith, Matt Slatkin, Brent Litzer, and Bob Costello.
Ended the partnership with The Crimson Pickle and began running events independently through CourtReserve.
Membership grew to 100 Premium, 18 Student, and 90 Community (Free) members.
November – December 2024
Established a Finance Committee chaired by Kyle Parker to enhance financial oversight.
Approved continued ladder events through winter at The Crimson Pickle with increased fees to ensure financial sustainability.
Dave Martin announced his intention to step down as Chair of the Board at the end of 2024.
Key Accomplishments in 2024
Membership Growth:
Membership increased across all tiers, reaching 100 premium members.
Financial Health:
Despite challenges, the club maintained a strong financial position, with sponsorships and strategic event planning boosting revenue.
Community Engagement:
Participated in local events like the 50+ Expo and Get Outdoors Day, strengthening ties with the community.
Event Success:
Successfully organized ladder events, community gatherings, and social mixers to foster camaraderie and grow the sport.
Partnerships:
Built strong relationships with Bloomington Parks & Recreation, Monroe County Parks & Rec, and local businesses like One World Enterprises.
Infrastructure Improvements:
Advocated for better court conditions and installed a memorial bench honoring Doug Kenfield.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Future Plans
As the Bloomington Pickleball Club gears up for 2025, several action items and opportunities lie ahead:
Strategic Planning:
A strategic planning session is scheduled for January 22, 2025, at the Monroe County Public Library. Members are encouraged to share their input through a pre-meeting survey.
Membership Structure:
The board is exploring new membership tiers and benefits, including family plans, automated renewals, and exclusive events.
Financial Sustainability:
Efforts are underway to resolve financial losses from ladder events, with plans to introduce prepaid passes and adjust event fees.
Volunteer Development:
Clear guidelines for volunteers will be developed to ensure smooth event operations.
Facility Enhancements:
The club remains committed to improving court conditions and advocating for additional pickleball facilities in Bloomington.
Thank You for an Amazing Year!
The Bloomington Pickleball Club’s success wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our members, volunteers, and partners. Thank you for making 2024 a year to remember!
As we plan for the future, your involvement is more important than ever. Join us at the upcoming strategic planning session or share your ideas to help shape the next chapter of our journey.
Let’s continue to grow the sport of pickleball and strengthen our community together in 2025!
As the colder months approach, the Bloomington Pickleball Club (BPC) is ready to keep the momentum going with indoor pickleball ladder events at The Crimson Pickle. Don’t let the weather slow down your game – join us for some friendly competition and skill development while meeting new players!
BPC Tuesday Indoor Individual Ladder
This event is perfect for individual players looking to sharpen their skills while playing with a variety of partners. Players rotate partners after each game, providing a social and dynamic experience for everyone involved.
Grab a partner and get ready for some exciting doubles competition! This ladder format focuses on teamwork as you and your partner play against other duos, all grouped by skill level for balanced matches.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, these ladders offer a fun way to challenge yourself, meet new players, and stay active.
Explore The Crimson Pickle’s New Membership Model
In addition to our BPC indoor events, The Crimson Pickle is launching a new membership model to provide dedicated players with more access and benefits. Starting September 1, 2024, Gold Memberships offer:
Unlimited free court time on weekdays between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (over 80 hours/month).
Only 200 memberships available to ensure a premium experience.
$25/month or $200/year, with a couple’s membership available for $40/month or $320/year.
This membership could be a great option for BPC players looking to secure court time during peak indoor hours.
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
Enthusiastic participants engage in an exciting game of 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 setup at Simtra BioPharma Solutions, where employees enjoy learning the sport.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
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
Dedicated volunteers from Bloomington Pickleball Club carefully prepare a court for an upcoming eventA surprise birthday celebration during a pickleball event, showcasing the warm community spirit of the Bloomington Pickleball Club.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!
