By now, you likely have heard of the relatively new, yet rapidly popular sport of pickleball. A paddle sport combining elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong, it’s celebrated as being suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Per the sport’s origin story, in 1965, Rep. Joel Pritchard, and his friend, Bill Bell, invented the game at Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, Wash. They were looking for something entertaining to do with their families and had a variety of mismatched sporting equipment, as well as an old badminton court on the property. They combined it all, established the rules, refined the court and the rest is history. (Learn more about pickleball’s beginnings.)
At the beginning of 2023, Cushing Terrell had the opportunity to be part of pickleball history by repurposing an industrial warehouse space into what would become The Flying Pickle in Meridian, Idaho.
Mission and Inspiration
The Flying Pickle owners had a mission to create the Treasure Valley’s first premium, indoor pickleball facility, offering the best pickleball experience in the nation. They wanted The Flying Pickle to not only be a place to play pickleball, but also be a home away from home for the growing local pickleball community. Much like the game’s family-centered origin, The Flying Pickle welcomes multi-generational club members—from beginners who are looking to learn the sport to more expert players who want to master their game…