Pickleball Fever Hits Spokane as The Press Pickleball Club Prepares to Open Its Doors
By Jack Olmsted, Washington State Pickleball Facebook Group
SPOKANE, Wash. — The POP! POP! POP! of pickleball paddles hitting whiffle balls echoes through an empty warehouse on a chilly October morning. Cowles Real Estate is putting the final touches on its newest venture - The Press Pickleball Club - transforming a former newspaper printing facility into a dedicated pickleball center.
When it opens later this fall, The Press will become the epicenter of Spokane's booming pickleball scene. With six indoor courts, state-of-the-art amenities, and prime downtown location, The Press is poised to serve the needs of recreational and competitive players alike.
"We've really tapped into something special here," said Bryn West, vice president of property management for Cowles Real Estate. "Pickleball brings people together across generations. It builds community."
Indeed, pickleball's popularity has exploded in recent years, not just in Spokane but across the country. A paddle sport akin to tennis but played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball, pickleball has converted millions of enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Since its invention on Bainbridge Island in 1965, pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports in America.
Washington itself named pickleball its official state sport last year. There are currently over 38,000 registered pickleball players among the 477 clubs affiliated with the USA Pickleball Association.
Come rain or shine, Spokane's pickleball community is out in force - evidenced by the regular POP! POP! POP! heard across the city.
But the sport's popularity has also led to packed courts and long wait times, especially with winter weather approaching. That's where The Press Pickleball Club comes in.
"We saw both a need and an opportunity," said John Gavin, commercial asset manager for Cowles Real Estate. "Pickleball unites Spokane. But players were maxing out the existing facilities. The Press will give the community more chances to play indoors, have fun, and stay active."
Strategically located downtown near restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, The Press will include six regulation-size pickleball courts, updated lighting and flooring, electronic scoring systems, and new locker rooms.
"We've designed The Press to be a premier pickleball destination," Gavin said.
Cowles Real Estate has spent the past few months renovating the 32,000 square foot building, which once housed the printing press for the Spokesman-Review newspaper. Though the printing press is gone, the structure's industrial bones remain, featuring soaring ceilings and ample natural light.
"The raw, wide-open space lends itself perfectly to pickleball," Gavin said. "And we're embracing the building's heritage by naming the club after the old newspaper press."
To make The Press feel like home for Spokane's pickleball community, Cowles Real Estate has also incorporated input from local players into the design. Through community surveys and focus groups, veteran pickleball athletes offered advice on must-have amenities.
Their feedback directly shaped key parts of The Press, like the color scheme for the courts, the addition of ball machines and ball baskets for practice, and the creation of a lounge area with refreshments.
"It was important that experienced players had a voice in the process," said Gavin. "Their insights have helped us understand what's meaningful to players at different levels, so The Press can offer something for everyone."
Pickleball player Gail Hierholzer, 68, participated in the community outreach. She applauds Cowles for welcoming local perspective. "They didn't just build a facility and expect people to show up," said Hierholzer. "They asked us what we wanted as players. That gives me confidence The Press will feel like our home."
What does Hierholzer most look forward to at The Press? Uninterrupted court time with her regular pickleball partners, thanks to online reservations. "No more showing up to a full set of courts and waiting forever for an opening," she said.
Along with walk-in play, The Press will offer recurring leagues, tournaments, and lessons. For Hierholzer, a self-described "pickleball addict", upping her game through competitive league matches tops her list.
But more than anything, she eagerly anticipates making new friends at The Press. "Pickleball has grown my community beyond what I ever expected at this stage in life," Hierholzer said. "I can't wait to connect with even more players who share my passion."
That emphasis on community bonds lies at the heart of The Press, according to Cowles' leadership. "Pickleball is about more than just the game. It's about laughter, exercise and forming meaningful relationships," said West. "We want to strengthen those connections."
As opening day approaches, anticipation builds among Spokane's close-knit pickleball community. "This place is going to become the pickleball headquarters of the Inland Northwest," said Marty Robertson, president of the Spokane Pickleball Association and self-proclaimed "ambassador for the sport."
Robertson believes The Press will elevate Spokane's flourishing pickleball scene to new heights by offering players of all ages and abilities state-of-the-art facilities tailored specifically for the sport.
"Pickleball is all about welcoming others onto the court, building fellowship and bridging generations. The Press embodies that spirit," said Robertson. "I can't wait to see this special community continue to thrive at The Press."
For Cowles Real Estate, The Press represents both a business venture and a deeper commitment to investing in Spokane. "We want to provide spaces that bring out the best of our community," said West. "The Press gives us a chance to do that through sport - by bringing people together around a shared joy."
That's precisely the community closeness that Gail Hierholzer says pickleball has gifted her. "Pickleball breaks down barriers," she said. "Young and old, beginners and experienced, we're all just out there laughing and connecting. We need more of that in the world."
In a few short weeks, the POP! POP! POP! of paddles hitting pickleballs will reverberate through The Press as Spokane's pickleball devotees flock to their sparkling new home.
"Hearing that sound in this space will be music to my ears," said West with a smile. It will mean that pickleball is building bonds, providing exercise, and spreading pure fun.
"That's what The Press Pickleball Club is all about."
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