Middle River, Baltimore County, Maryland, saw the new eight-court Pickleball House facility hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently to commemorate its opening.
Figures such as Sharon Kihn, President of the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce, and Brent Howard, President and CEO of the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce, alongside partners and staff of The Pickleball House, were present at the inauguration ceremony.
An Array Of Events
The establishment boasts eight indoor regulation-sized pickleball courts and intends to host an array of events, including tournaments, clinics, and social gatherings, fostering a vibrant atmosphere and community engagement.
They will also host open play, ladders, leagues, and tournaments.
The club features four annual membership options. “Individual” is for any single adult over 18 and costs $350. “Couples” is specially designed for two adults living at the same address and costs $600. The “Family” option caters to two adults and children living at the same address. This option costs $900.
The “Youth” option is for individuals under the age of 18 and costs $190.
All options feature 7-day advanced reservations and prime-time court fees of $7.50 an hour (non-prime time costs $6.25). You can also join two-hour prime-time open-play sessions for $7.50 and a non-prime time slot for $6.25.
Bookings can be made through the Court Reserve app.
Overwhelming Support
Local entrepreneurs Bill Henderson and Joe Opauski, joined by former tennis professional Gil Schuerholz, form the ownership team, while Scott Thornton, a USA Pickleball Ambassador, assumes the role of General Manager at The Pickleball House.
Opauski was grateful for the overwhelming support the facility has garnered since its inception.
Recognizing the sport’s burgeoning popularity, he aspires for The Pickleball House to be an inclusive space for everyone interested in playing. “I know it’s kind of a booming sport. I think that once the word got out, people would really be great to come in and see us and visit our facility and hopefully come out and play,” he said.
Pickleball’s Social Dimension
Opauski values the sociable dimension of pickleball, highlighting its appeal to players of various preferences. “I like the social aspect of it. You can actually be very serious in the game, or you can actually be very social and relaxing, just kind of have a good time and get some exercise, which is fantastic,” he remarked.
“Scott’s extensive experience in leading pickleball facilities is integral to our successful launch,” stated Schuerholz. “His guidance ensures that every facet of The Pickleball House maintains a standard of professionalism, from the impeccable courts to coaching quality, setting our establishment apart.
“We’re thrilled to contribute to pickleball’s expansion by introducing a premier indoor facility to the Baltimore area. The House isn’t solely about playing pickleball; it’s about cultivating a central space for social interaction, education, and nurturing a sense of community among pickleball enthusiasts.”
Vibrant Communities
The Pickleball House aims to cater to the vibrant communities of White Marsh, Middle River, Perry Hall, Bengies-Chase, and beyond, aspiring to become a hub for year-round play.
The establishment seeks to provide avenues for pickleball enthusiasts and, according to Opauski, aims to strengthen the community by fostering programs involving youth and seniors in the area.
“We’re really looking to try and build this community and network within the community and develop some community-based programs with the youth and senior folks within the area,” he emphasized.
Middle River lies 10 miles northeast of Baltimore and has a population of around 33,000. The Pickle House facility is located at 1330 Innovation St.
“In a landscape witnessing a surge in indoor pickleball venues, The Pickleball House aims to distinguish itself as a world-class facility, showcasing top-notch features that others aspire to emulate,” stated a press release.
