As reported by WPBN/WGTU, Dave Sexton, owner of Pickle U, said he played his first game of pickleball two and a half years ago and immediately went home and told his wife he wanted to bring indoor courts to Grand Traverse County. His entire family is now involved with the business "This is a family-oriented business, my wife and my son and his wife are partners in this, "highlighted Sexton" So, we would just love for you guys to come and be a part of our community and family." Sexton is originally from Georgia and is an SEC football fan but considers himself an "adopted" Big 10 fan. He took his love for college football and used it as the theme for the facility. The pickleball courts use the team colors of University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, University of Florida, University of Alabama and University of Georgia. There are also two courts with the team colors of Traverse City West and Central high schools. Sexton emphasized that this is the plan for how they will start, but they plan to make adjustments as they go along to see what works best for the community. "We're hoping to get the schools involved around here in pickleball, because this is an intergenerational sport, and it's the fastest growing sport," said Sexton. "Boys and girls can play together, they can play separate and they can play round robin."
The family has been working around the clock to be ready and open for business by the end of the year. Sexton said they're just waiting on final permitting to be allowed to officially open. "We're going to have open play Monday through Saturday, probably from 8:00 a.m. to noon on at least five courts," said Sexton. "Then reservations from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m."
Sexton emphasized that this is the plan for how they will start, but they plan to make adjustments as they go along to see what works best for the community. Two instructors are already on staff. No membership is required to play at this time, and reservations ahead of time will be made online. They are putting the finishing touches on the website.
Pricing is $7 per person for open play. $28 for up to six people for a reservation for an hour. $50 for six people for two hours," said Sexton. "That's what we're starting with." Sexton said he's received feedback regarding the "glossiness" of the floors and explained it's because the floors are brand new. They consulted with their instructors, and once fully cured the floor coating meets slip resistance standards. "There's a lot of questions about the floor," said Sexton. "This floor is nonslip and the shine will wear off. It's a 40mil polyurethane joint friendly. I'm not saying you won't go home sore, but it's more friendly than concrete."
For more information about Pickle U and the Oak Shore Commons Apartment project please visit www.oakshorecommons.com.
