U.C. Pickleball Association Opens Indoor Courts to Baker County Public

Residents of Baker County now have new indoor pickleball access at Preseason Playground and Wellness, 712 18th St., in La Grande, where the Union County Pickleball Association is running regular open-play sessions on four courts. The association says the sessions are designed to welcome all ages and skill levels, expanding year-round recreation capacity in the region.

The club currently has more than 50 members and organizes tournaments and clinics, but membership is not required to play. Open-play is scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Sunday afternoons. Paddles and balls are available at the facility, but players must bring and change into their own clean athletic shoes inside the building to keep the courts clean. Players under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.

Operational details shape how play runs. There are four courts with 16 on-court “places,” and a pool of 22 players typically rotates through those spots. The group uses a timer that sounds every 12 minutes; players may opt out, rest, and re-enter in the next rotation. “We have a timer that goes off every 12 minutes, and if you are tired, you can opt out, rest and re-enter 12 minutes later,” Lorna Omann said. Treasurer Julie Hickerson said the association “work[s] very closely with Shantay, and we rent the pickleball court by the hour,” referring to facility manager Shantay Mayes. Ken Nelson is named as the club’s current president.

From a local economic perspective, the arrangement increases utilization of an indoor facility that otherwise would see seasonal dips in activity. With a rotation interval of 12 minutes and 16 on-court players, theoretical throughput could approach 80 player-slots per hour during busy sessions, enabling more residents to participate without requiring new capital investment in courts. Hourly court rentals also create a steady revenue stream for the facility and the association, while tournaments and clinics provide opportunities for modest visitor spending at nearby businesses if events draw players from outside Union County.

Community and public-health angles are relevant for Baker County’s sizeable senior population. “People that have poor mobility can still play pickleball,” Mark Omann said. “Pickleball can be played by people who can barely move to people who are extremely athletic, so it is a sport that encompasses a wide range of physical activity and ability.” That inclusivity makes pickleball a practical option for recreation and social connection across age groups.

For Baker County readers ready to try it, check the association’s website for the detailed open-play schedule and show up with clean athletic shoes; paddles and balls are available on site. Expect ongoing opportunities as the Union County Pickleball Association develops clinics and tournaments, and watch for potential cross-county events that could bring more regular regional play and small-scale economic benefits to local businesses.