Nancy Dowell
Pickleball in SaddleBrooke began with 85 enthusiastic SaddleBrooke residents coming to see a demonstration of the game in the MountainView parking lot in 2007. The demonstration was organized by former residents, Dave and Beth Patterson, who were the driving force behind organizing pickleball in SaddleBrooke. Seventy-five of those people attending that day signed a charter to get a pickleball club started.
Pickleball had humble beginnings, mostly being played in a dead-end street by DesertView Performing Arts Center. Using a net anchored by concrete blocks, pickleball players would tape the court lines, disband it all when done for the day, and, happily do it all over again. On the first day of street play, 50 people lined up, patiently waiting an hour just to play one game.
In 2012, after much determination and persistence by the club’s charter members, the Ridgeview courts were constructed, and SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association INC (SPA) had a facility at last. In addition to the six courts at Ridgeview, SPA members currently play on four temporary courts at The Preserve and six courts at SaddleBrooke Ranch. Pickleball has become a very important part of the SaddleBrooke community and SPA is one of its largest clubs. The club hosts introductory lessons on a regular basis for non-member residents to assist them in trying pickleball. Pickleball is all about inclusiveness and the club welcomes new players with open arms, eager to share the fun.
In order to service the current and growing needs of the community, the plan to build eight more courts, restrooms, a ramada, and parking at Ridgeview is underway. Once the Ridgeview Pickleball Complex is completed, which is projected to be sometime later this year, SPA will be able to develop broader programming that will likely include level play, ladders, and round robins. The club’s goal is to enrich the member experience by providing the best possible facility, access to court time and helping the members have a great time.
Though SPA is financially positioned to proceed with the new Pickleball Complex, fundraising is ongoing, and the community’s support is needed. To find out more about introductory lessons, to make a donation, purchase a memorial brick, or for sponsorship information, please visit the SPA website at www.spa.clubexpress.com.