Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from BIP!

We hope this year has brought many happy moments both on and off the courts. Whether you're playing under clear blue skies or gray mist, I think we can all agree that pickleball brings warmth and joy to our lives.

As 2024 draws to a close and the festive season begins, we often find ourselves both reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. Thanks to you all, the Bainbridge Island founders courts have continued to be a vibrant hub for pickleball players (locals and visitors alike), where, occasionally, sunny weather sets the perfect backdrop for friendly matches.

2024 highlights that come to mind are:

• The community honored Clay Roberts, who inspires many with his leadership and passion for the spirit of pickleball.

• The Founders Tournament turned out almost 400 players from around the region and even the world, with our Thai friends returning to Bainbridge once again.

• Our engaged community expanded to over 600 people, 208 of which are now members of our newly established non-profit organization, Bainbridge Island Pickleball.

• Thanks to the generous contributions from all of you, we will have six new dedicated outdoor courts this Spring, increasing our total to 12 amazing pickleball courts.

• We received the green light from the Parks District to begin the exploratory phase of covered courts at Strawberry Hill. Members will weigh in on this option in the Spring.

There are also many new and exciting things coming in 2025, namely:

• We will celebrate 60 years of pickleball.

• BIRC is putting on its first ever pickleball indoor tournament in March.

• A 12-court indoor facility is opening this year, called Pickleball Kingdom. Locals were instrumental in getting this project off the ground.

This holiday season, let's celebrate the joy of pickleball and the sense of community it brings. So, as we wish each other Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year, let's also hope for sunny/non-windy days filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the delightful sound of pickleballs hitting paddles.

Melissa Bang-Knudsen (MBK)