History
Local Origins
Pickleball was started in Washington on Bainbridge Island in 1965 by former State Representative Joel Pritchard and a couple of friends. The Pritchards originally played on a badminton court with ping-pong paddles and a whiffle ball.
The name came from Pritchard's wife, Joan. She named it after the pickle boat in a crew race; the crew of the pickle boat is chosen from those not selected as crew for other boats.
Pickleball is pieced together from other racket sports, as the pickle boat is a combination of remaining rowers.
Where to Play
The following locations offer Pickleball:
- Heron Park & Highlands Park (Mill Creek City Parks)
- Heatherwood Middle School tennis courts (4)
- Evergreen Middle School tennis courts (8)
- Gateway Middle School (2) (covered basketball courts)
- The Ridge Activity Center (Maltby)
- Woodinville Sports Club
- Columbia Athletic Club (gymnasium)
- YMCA Mill Creek
Find more places to play at places2play.org/state/washington
Classes & Court Locations
The City has tennis courts striped for Pickleball at Heron and Highlands Parks. The current configuration allows people to play pickleball using the existing tennis net at Heron Park and bring your own nets to Highlands Park (2 courts).
With the recent increase and attention on Pickleball, the City is now providing beginner and intermediate classes at Highlands Park. For info on these classes and information on Heron and Highlands Parks, visit the links below.
Mill Creek Court Rules
- City Tennis and Pickleball Courts operate on a first come, first serve basis.
- Court use permitted only during posted hours.
- No paid lessons or league play unless authorized by the City of Mill Creek.
- No chalk or tape is allowed on courts.
- No glass, food, pets, or alcohol allowed on courts.
- No skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, motorized vehicles, scooters, etc., allowed on courts.
- No altering of court nets.
- Non-marking athletic shoes only.
Remember
- Incoming players waiting to use a court must indicate they are waiting to use the court. When incoming players are waiting, active players must vacate courts after playing (30) minutes or play (1) game to 11, whichever comes first.
- Court etiquette and good sportsmanship should prevail at all times.