IN THE
CLUB
The
People ’ s Courts
PORTLAND , OREGON
PORTLAND ’ S NEWEST ADDITION by DREW WATHEY
Pickleball is a sport that is played by the people , of the people and for the people . And nowhere is that more clearly evident than at The People ’ s Courts , a newly renovated facility located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest .
The 48,000-square-foot venue in Portland , Oregon , recently opened to rave reviews and features five indoor and six outdoor pickleball courts , and if that wasn ’ t enough — which in this day and age usually isn ’ t — The People ’ s Courts also offers two “ skinny singles ” courts and a dinkum court .
“ There are several things that differentiate us from anything else that is around Portland . We are the only non-membership indoor / outdoor pickleball facility in Portland ,” said Dave Schrott , co-owner of The People ’ s Courts . “ We are also the only pickleball facility in the area that also features a variety of other court offerings in a substantive way . And lastly , there are no other
facilities in the area that have the food and beverage offerings we have . Our goal was to create more than a place where people can play pickleball , but for the space to also serve as a fun and friendly environment for a broad range of people and groups to hang out .”
As a year-round entertainment destination , The People ’ s Courts hosts a variety of open play throughout the week , and for leagues and clinics it has partnered with existing instructors , groups and clubs for the various games . Plans are well underway for tournaments to be played .
One of the on-site restaurants at The People ’ s Courts is aptly named The Kitchen , a bar and grill serving generous burgers , sausages , salads and rice bowls .
As pickleball continues to explode in popularity , The People ’ s Courts is reflective of that growth , especially newcomers to the game . “ The demographic at our facility is all over the map . The biggest surprise is how many people at TPC are playing pickleball for the very first time . Nearly half of our guests are renting paddles because they do not own their own ,” added co-owner Dave Sacks .
Well , the verdict is in , and The People ’ s Courts has been found guilty of providing pickleball enthusiasts with an exceptional experience ! •
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