BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
For the last several years, locals
and visitors have enjoyed the 16-court,
world-class outdoor complex in Bend.
With an average of 300 days of sunshine,
Central Oregon was an ideal fit for
the outdoor pickleball craze. Yet, the
challenge to address the need for an
indoor facility during the winter season
needed to be addressed. Enter Werner
Zehnder and Butch Roberts, co-owners
of Pickleball Zone Bend. Thanks to
these two men, who are passionate
about the sport, every pickleballer’s
dream for a state-of-the-art indoor
facility and training academy has come
to fruition. Zehnder, the main catalyst
behind the success of Bend’s 16-court
outdoor facility, teamed up with Roberts,
an overall athletics enthusiast with
decades of experience in developing and
operating indoor sports facilities in the
region, to complete the bright pickleball
picture for Central Oregon with the
creation of Pickleball Zone Bend.
Not many facilities in the country
have dedicated indoor pickleball courts,
but these indoor courts are just the
beginning at the Pickleball Zone. This
four-floor, 55,000 square-foot building
boasts much more. Here’s what the
amazing facility has to offer:
8 hard courts Made with a state-of-
the-art cushion court layer to be more
forgiving on players’ bodies, the eight
indoor courts are enjoyed by many
members as well as the general public.
A reception area with lockers, changing
rooms with showers, spin bike, massage
chairs and TV monitors to let you know
what’s happening on the courts round
out the unparalleled experience awaiting
both players and spectators.
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A Pickleball Pro Shop The shop features
products from top companies like
Pro-Lite, Head, Pickleball Central and
Babolat. From paddles, tour bags and
shoes to Pickleball Zone embossed
apparel, the pro shop has something for
everyone.
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Programmed Events Players enjoy a
wealth of programs and events such as
Round Robins, Challenge Play, Ladder
Play, Leagues, Tournaments, Mixers and
more. “It’s our goal to foster the warm
and inviting community feel we see this
facility accomplishing—an important
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connection with those here as well as
those visiting for the first time,” says
Zehnder.
The HEAD players’ lounge Overlooking
the eight courts below, spectators can
enjoy a beer and a bite to eat while
watching court play. The views from the
upper floor windows and observation
balconies jutting out over the courtsides
provide an amazing visual experience
of the court play below. Competing
for one’s attention on this floor is the
picturesque Cascade mountain range
that greets visitors on the upper deck
patio. Beyond breath-taking views
of the Cascades, the patio includes
comfortable seats that encircle two
gas fire pits. Serving as the pickleball
community “living room,” this floor also
affords many more ways to have fun.
Game areas meander throughout this
entire floor to captivate those wishing
to take a break from playing. Giant 2x4
wood plank Jenga, beanbag cornhole,
dartboard skills gallery, table tennis and
mini-shuffleboard provide added fun-
spirited competition for all who enter the
Head Players’ Lounge.
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The Oregon Pickleball Academy Led
by two of the best teaching pros in
the country, Lisa Palcic and Michelle
Esquivel, the Oregon Pickleball
Academy (OPA) offers a year-round,
full-time schedule of lessons, clinics,
camps, IPTPA rating sessions,
video analysis, play with the pro
sessions and so much more.
Head Pro and Facility Director
Lisa Palcic has instructed more
than 10,000 pickleball players all
over the country. Palcic is IPTPA
certified and was the co-creator of
the IPTPA rating system. A collegiate
athlete, Palcic has spent her life in
the fitness and coaching industry and
specializes in body mechanics. Teaching
pro, Michelle Esquivel, brings a great
deal of energy and firepower to the
academy. Esquivel, a college athlete
as well as one of the top players in the
world, knows what it takes to be the
best and has a tremendous passion in
improving any player that steps on the
court. Her enthusiasm with her students
is beyond compare. She specializes
in court strategy and understanding
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the game for all skill levels. Rounding
out the OPA pro staff are three more
assistant pros to help elevate anyone’s
game to the next level. The OPA also
plays host to distinguished visiting pros
like world #1 player Tyson McGuffin.
A large Trampoline/Adventure Park Still
not enough fun? Set on the bottom floor,
you can try adrenaline pumping activities
in the trampoline and adventure park.
Built for all ages, this area of the facility
offers activities such as a ninja challenge
course, laser maze, climbing wall,
indoor snowboard jump pit, trampoline
par core and trick training areas,
basketball slam dunk stations, café,
big screen TVs, massage chairs, party
rooms and more.
Plan your pickleball adventure to Bend,
OR, soon! Visit www.pzbend.com or
contact [email protected] for more info.
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Upcoming Events:
April 5-7 Pickleball Zone Bend Paddle
Battle Indoor Tournament
June 8 & 9 Tournament Prep Boot Camp
(all levels)
July 12-14 Women’s weekend Pickleball
Camp (all levels)
August 2-4 & August 5-7 Level Up Camp
featuring Tyson McGuffin, Lisa Palcic
and Michelle Esquivel
August 8-11 Pickleball Zone
Tournament held at Pine
Nursery Park
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Michelle Esquivel
Teaching Pro
Member of Team Engage
Lisa Palcic
Head Pro,
Facility Director
and Member
of the ProLite
Team
When was the
last time you
rode an elevator
to your match?
MARCH/APRIL 2019 |
MAGAZINE
61