The City of Seattle, Seattle Parks Foundation, Amazon, and other community partners will host the Pickleball for All Tournament as part of Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan (DAP) next weekend.
Seattle Slam Showdown
Another downtown event, the Seattle Slam Showdown youth basketball tournament, was held last weekend.
Harrell said last week, “These weekends will demonstrate in Downtown how sports create friends, memories, skills, and a sense of belonging. Plus, everyone knows basketball and Downtown Seattle are a match meant to be – past, present, and future.”
Building on the feel-good factor the tournament should generate, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) are set to introduce a new permanent pickleball court at the Taylor and 5th Avenue Plaza, as reported by harrell.seattle.gov, the official online platform of the Seattle mayor.
Generous Contributions
This transformed plaza will function as a public pickleball court accessible seven days a week, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The resurfacing of the Taylor and 5th Avenue Plaza became a reality thanks to generous contributions from Asteria Pickleball, exemplifying the impact of combined public and private investments in bolstering downtown rejuvenation.
In 2024, SDOT is slated to allocate nearly $500,000 towards further enhancing the plaza with landscaping and seating arrangements. Concurrently, SPR will oversee continual management, maintenance, and public space activation.
Pickleball Prowess
Mayor Harrell adds, “The people have a passion for pickleball – and with this new court, we will seek to capture energy and enthusiasm inspired by the nation’s fastest-growing sport as part of our ongoing efforts to foster a more vibrant, dynamic, and engaging downtown.
“This isn’t just one weekend of fun at the end of summer; we are opening Downtown’s door for year-round excitement and healthy activity.
“I invite all Seattleites – no matter your age or pickleball prowess – to join me for two unforgettable weekends of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and competition.”
Mayor Bruce Harrell
Pickleball For All
Pickleball for All, coordinated by the Seattle Parks Foundation, will be held September 16 and 17 on 5th Ave between Denny Street and Wall Street.
The tournament will welcome players of all ages and experience levels to participate in instructional activities, tournament play, free coaching, food trucks, and more.
Click here for more information on the tournament, accompanying events, and parking.
“A big thanks to Mayor Harrell and the City of Seattle for hosting a fun and engaging event for Seattleites and investing in bringing more vibrant public spaces to downtown,” said David Zapolsky, Amazon Senior Vice President. “Sports unite and inspire communities, which is why Amazon is proud to sponsor the tournaments, and we wish all the participants luck!”
“An Incredibly Inclusive Sport”
President of Seattle Metro Pickleball Association, Frank Chiappone, says, “The best thing about pickleball is the community it builds. It’s an incredibly inclusive sport that can be played by folks of all generations and abilities.
“Not only is the sport exploding in popularity over the last two years, but it’s getting younger and more diverse. That’s because it’s easy to learn, fun to play, and addictively social.”
“Pickleball Is Ageless”
Dmitry Ivanenko, CEO of Astria Pickleball, gave his moving take, “Astria Pickleball is dedicated to serving the community. Pickleball is ageless and open to everyone, from top athletes to small children, and is even possible for people with mobility challenges.
“Pickleball saved my life after I fell off a cliff last year. It changed my focus and my way of thinking, and it brought amazing people into my life. The passion for pickleball is best shared, so my team and I have dedicated hours and energy to upgrading the courts in downtown Seattle.
“My hope with supporting this space is that people will come here to play, relax, have fun, unwind, and find balance in their lives.”
“A Welcoming Community”
John Richards, KEXP DJ and Host of Pickleball for All’s Community Celebration on Saturday, September 16, had another poignant story: “I started playing pickleball a few years ago in my neighborhood after the death of my sister. I had stopped playing tennis years prior and missed being on the court.
“Soon, I learned there were games at the parks in West Seattle, and I started showing up and found a welcoming community of people who love being outside, competition, and being in our parks.
“I soon met people I may have never encountered if it weren’t for pickleball. It was a cross-section of people, young and old, and from all walks of life. I had never experienced that kind of community just playing tennis or really any other sport I can think of.”
Pickleball fans: Paddle Up!
All ages, all experience levels, and all people are welcome to enjoy free coaching from Seattle Metro Pickleball Association volunteers as part of the event. The weekend will also feature round robins for competitive play, open play, food trucks, music, pop-up pro shops, and more.
Rackets and balls will be provided – just bring yourself!
Saturday, September 16th: 9am – 7pm
Sunday, September 17th: 9am – 3pm
The full schedule and more information can be found here.
Irina Tereschenko
Also, don’t miss the chance to pickleball with pro Irina Tereschenko this Saturday.
Join @kcplayequity for their Play Day Fundraiser at the Tukwila Community Center and drop in for some scramble-style pickleball with Irina! Open to all levels and all abilities – reserve your spot at Seattle Parks Foundation.
Read about the pickleball scene in Seattle by clicking here.
