 The Court House Pickleball and Social has arrived in St. Thomas with open courts and a beautiful lounge space ready to up your Pickleball game! For many of us in recent years, the game of Pickleball seemingly dropped out of the sky, but this game, born of boredom, found that sports equipment started in the mid-1960s!
To entertain their families, three friends, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, gathered together odds and ends of sporting goods in hopes of setting up for badminton, but a missing shuttlecock presented the challenge of inventing something new using ping pong paddles and a wiffle ball. As with the birth of any new sport, rules emerged and adapting equipment was necessary ("I need these baskets back" iykyk). Wiffle balls were traded for cosom fun balls, and McCallum refined plywood paddles in his basement to be closer to the modern Pickleball paddle, replacing the ping pong paddle. What started as a backyard game for children grew and changed, with its largest player demographic in the 18-34 range and wide appeal across all ages due to the accessible nature of the game. The most controversial thing about Washington State's official sport? Where did the name come from? Was it named for the family dog Pickles (timelines indicate the dog came later), or does it stem from the term pickle boat in Crew, where rowers are from the leftovers of other boats?
As the sport has grown (it was the fastest-growing sport in 2021, 2022, and 2023), communities like ours have installed outdoor courts for public use. You can find them in St. Thomas at Pinafore Park and Goddeerris Luyks Park. But there was still room for more, specifically an indoor option for year-round play. Enter The Court House Pickleball & Social Facility to fill the gap. The state-of-the-art venue, which opened in January 2025, offers six professional-grade indoor pickleball courts alongside a vibrant social lounge, aiming to cater to seasoned players and newcomers alike. The facility is in a brand new space in an industrial area of the city with convenient parking and easy access. The inception of The Court House was driven by the founders' personal experiences with the sport. Co-founder Jamee Shaw and her brother and business partner Danielle Tangredi recognized a gap in accessible indoor pickleball facilities. Their shared enjoyment led them to establish a dedicated space where enthusiasts could play year-round. Positioning the facility in St. Thomas was a strategic decision, offering a central location for players from surrounding areas.
One of the standout features of The Court House is its commitment to fostering a community atmosphere. Beyond the courts, the facility boasts a bar and lounge, affectionately known as "The Porch," where players can unwind and socialize after matches. This emphasis on the social aspect of the sport underscores the founders' vision of creating a holistic experience that goes beyond just gameplay. To accommodate various skill levels and interests, The Court House offers multiple ways to engage:
The journey to establish The Court House was not without challenges. Transforming an industrial space into a commercial sports facility required navigating zoning changes and collaborating closely with city officials. Despite these hurdles, the founders' diverse backgrounds in interior decorating, finance, and property management contributed to bringing their vision to fruition. Since its opening, the community's response has been overwhelmingly positive. The facility buzzes with activity, drawing a diverse demographic from young adults to seniors. This inclusivity highlights Pickleball's universal appeal and the founders' success in creating a welcoming environment for all. Looking ahead, The Court House aims to further integrate into the community by hosting corporate gatherings, birthday parties, even stag and doe celebrations and paint nights are on the horizon. The founders envision the space evolving beyond just a sports venue, becoming a central spot for various social activities in St. Thomas. The Court House Pickleball & Social Club is a testament to the power of a small business dream. Blending athletic engagement with social interaction offers a unique space where residents can connect, compete, and celebrate. If you go
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