Union County group expands indoor pickleball access in La Grande

Pickleball players in La Grande now have regular indoor access thanks to the Union County Pickleball Association, a nonprofit that hosts open play and clinics at Preseason Playground and Wellness, 712 18th St. The club provides organized hours, equipment, and a low-cost entry point for newcomers and longtime players alike.

Shantay Mayes manages the courts inside the facility, and Treasurer Julie Hickerson said the club rents court time by the hour. “We work very closely with Shantay, and we rent the pickleball court by the hour,” Hickerson said. “We have open play hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.” The schedule and contact information are posted at ucpickleball.com.

The club has more than 50 members and operates four indoor courts. Play sessions are organized to accommodate 16 players on court at a time, with a rotation of about 22 people moving in and out during busy periods. “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, explaining how the club keeps games flowing and lets players manage their energy.

Pickleball’s appeal in Union County is broad: the club runs tournaments, clinics and a Wednesday drill session from 9 to 10 a.m. for beginners. Equipment is available on site—paddles and balls—but players must bring clean athletic shoes and change into them inside to protect court surfaces. Players under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.

The sport’s accessibility is a selling point for the local 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 range helps the club function as both a health resource and a social hub for residents across age groups.

Nonmembers can try a session for free, and then pay a $10 drop-in fee for subsequent visits. “You can pay a drop-in fee of $10 and come play. The first time is free, play for a couple of hours, and after that, you can play with a $10 drop-in fee,” Lorna Omann said. Membership costs include a one-time lifetime initiation fee of $75 and a monthly fee of $40, with payments accepted via Venmo or PayPal on the club’s website.

The availability of indoor courts during winter months stabilizes recreational options in La Grande, reducing weather-related cancellations and supporting consistent activity for seniors and working adults. The club’s tournaments and clinics could also modestly boost local spending on small events and encourage use of nearby businesses over time.

The takeaway? Try the free first session, bring clean court shoes, and check Wednesday drills at 9 a.m. if you’re new. If you like it, joining helps sustain affordable, year-round play in Union County.