It’s the fastest-growing game in America AND the official state sport of Washington! So it’s only natural that Pickleball is right at home in Lynnwood.
Perhaps you don’t know anything about pickleball. Including the fact that pickleball participation has grown by an average of 158.6 percent over the previous three years. Or that the number of national pickleball participants surged from 4.5 million in 2021 to an astronomical 36.5 million in a recent one-year period.
You also probably weren’t aware that the game was invented mere miles from Lynnwood, on Bainbridge Island. Or that its birth dates back nearly 60 years ago now. More importantly, you may not have any idea how to play pickleball. Including just how much fun you might be missing out on! Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
The Cradle of the Game
It may seem like a silly name. But trust us, there’s no shortage of people who take pickleball seriously. Including those who see it as serious fun. This is especially true in Washington, where the game was first invented by a trio of vacationers way back in the summer of 1965. Fast forward nearly 57 years to March of 2022, when Washington Gov. Jay Inslee made the state’s love affair with pickleball official by signing a law designating the game as the state’s official sport. At the Washington legislature, pickleball bill sponsor and state Senator John Lovick waxed poetic about the game—and its place in state history and folklore.
“Washington will someday be known as the birthplace of Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, and pickleball,” said Lovick.”
But you don’t have to be familiar with the pickleball bill in order to pick up a racket and learn the rules of the game. You don’t have to be hopped up on caffeine from Starbucks or frequent any of Lynnwood’s many treasured coffeehouses to have the energy and stamina to compete, either.
What Exactly is Pickleball?
Pickleball has been described as a unique and brilliant blend of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. It gained some serious traction during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to build momentum and lure devoted and passionate players for various reasons—including its affordability, accessibility, and quick learning curve.
Even if you’re visiting Lynnwood and have never played pickleball before, it’s easy to find a court and jump right in. Entire pickleball sets can be purchased at major retailers like Costco, Target, and Walmart, sometimes for as little as under $100. High-quality paddles typically run between $100 and $200.
Lynnwood is known as a family-friendly destination and pickleball is certainly a very family-focused affair, where people of all ages can play and excel. Even if you’re visiting Lynnwood for professional purposes but want to try out pickleball solo at a local court, you can typically get in on some action without waiting around for too long. Think of it like an “open run” or “pickup” game down at your local basketball court. Oh, and one of the “unofficial rules” of this super-sociable sport is that you must switch partners after each match.
Pickleball in and Around Lynnwood
While that 26.2-mile distance between Bainbridge Island and Lynnwood happens to be universally synonymous with marathon races, you don’t have to be in upper-echelon physical condition to play and enjoy pickleball. The game’s skyrocketing popularity also ensures you won’t have to log anything close to a 5K walk to find a pickleball court in or around Lynnwood.
The top pickleball sports right here in Lynnwood are:
*South Lynnwood Park: Beautiful South Lynnwood Park offers 4 outdoor asphalt courts to play pickleball on. These are public courts that do not require a usage fee. There are restrooms available nearby. Visit the park’s site to learn more. You can also read and learn more about South Lynnwood Park here.
*Academy Sports Center: This spot is a popular indoor pickleball hub in Lynnwood. The facility offers 4 beautiful indoor wood courts. There is a one-time fee to play here, however. There are restrooms available nearby. Courts can also be reserved in advance. Visit the academy’s site to learn more.
Whenever and wherever you do end up playing pickleball during your time in Lynnwood, be sure to follow the most important rule of all:
Have a whole lot of fun!