The game of pickleball dates back to 1965, when a Washington State congressmen and his friend accidentally invented the game on Bainbridge Island (the friends were bored and had a badminton court and ping pong paddles at their disposal). Fast forward a few decades and pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America...and it's popping up left and right around Whatcom County.
Whether you're a pickleball newbie or have been playing for years, here are some places to play pickleball in and around Bellingham. In addition to gyms that offer indoor courts, league play, and even clinics, there are also plenty of public outdoor courts where all you need is a racket, a ball, and maybe your own pickbleball net.
New in 2022, Volli Bellingham in the Cordata neighborhood offers a variety of indoor entertainment, including cornhole, darts, shuffleboard, a golf simulator and, of course, pickleball.
The 24,000 square foot facility features 8 dedicated pickleball courts. Volli Bellingham also offers pickleball leagues, tournaments, clinics, private lessons and memberships.
Guests can enjoy a large outdoor patio and mezzanine area for extra fun and entertainment for the whole family, as well as local food trucks, a full snack bar, and beverages like beer, wine, and cider.
Hotels guests and Semiahmoo members enjoy access to Semiahmoo Resort's 4 indoor courts and 2 outdoor courts.
The outdoor courts are open weather permitting. You can reserve a court by calling 360.318.2009.
While you're there, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, book an overnight stay in one of Semiahmoo's luxury rooms, or grab a delicious seafood meal from Packer's Kitchen + Bar. Semiahmoo also has a variety of fun events throughout the year, so check their calendar to see what's coming up.
Open as of November 2022, the Bellingham Armory on State Street now offers a state-of-the-art "utopian pickleball experience" inside a unique historic building. Members enjoy keyless access to 5 indoor courts from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. as well as access to coaches, clinics, and tournaments. Membership is capped at 200 people for an intimate, exclusive, club-like pickleball experience.
