Tag: Pickleball

  • Sign Up for BPC Indoor Ladder Events!

    Sign Up for BPC Indoor Ladder Events!

    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.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    • Location: The Crimson Pickle (1525 South Rogers Street, Bloomington, IN)
    • Cost: $5 for BPC Members, $10 for Non-BPC Members
    • Format:
      • Grouped by skill level for balanced, competitive matches
      • 12-minute games with short breaks in between
      • Minimum of 6 games guaranteed, with potential for more depending on time
      • Open play until 8:55 PM if ladder games finish early

    Upcoming Dates:

    BPC Thursday Indoor Partner Ladder

    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.

    • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    • Location: The Crimson Pickle (1525 South Rogers Street, Bloomington, IN)
    • Cost: $5 for BPC Members, $10 for Non-BPC Members
    • Format:
      • Partner-based play with 12-minute games
      • Grouped by skill level for competitive balance
      • Minimum of 6 games, with additional open play if time permits

    Upcoming Dates:

    How to Register

    Register for both the Tuesday Individual and Thursday Partner ladders through our BPC CourtReserve system:

    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

    The Crimson Pickle

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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

    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!

  • Grand Opening of Ellettsville’s First Pickleball Court at Marci Jane Lewis Park

    Grand Opening of Ellettsville’s First Pickleball Court at Marci Jane Lewis Park


    We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Ellettsville’s very first pickleball court at Marci Jane Lewis Park!

    The Town of Ellettsville has successfully constructed a brand-new pickleball court, providing a fantastic new venue for pickleball enthusiasts in the community. This exciting development is located at Marci Jane Lewis Park, 200 S. Park Street.

    Grand Opening Event Details:

    • Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
    • Start Time: 9:00 AM
    • Location: New Outdoor Pickleball Court under Shelter in Marci Jane Lewis Park

    Join us for a special event that includes:

    • An explanation of the rules of pickleball
    • A demonstration game
    • Door prizes

    This event is organized by the Bloomington Pickleball Club, which is dedicated to promoting the sport and engaging with the community. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the game, this event promises to be both educational and fun.

    We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating this exciting addition to Ellettsville’s recreational facilities. Don’t forget to bring your friends and family for a morning of pickleball fun!