Tracy Shick
Contributing Writer
(Tracy Shick/TCJ – Celebrating the new pickle ball courts in Bellevue at Jefferson Park are (from left): Ethan Jacobs, Brandon Balkema, Jim Mott, Scott Roberts, Hannah Coy, Janeen Willis, Nicole Roberts, Eric Bird.)
What began as a simple backyard game between friends has grown into one of America’s fastest-growing sports, and now Bellevue residents have a place of their own to join the fun.
Bellevue officially celebrated the opening of two new pickleball courts at Jefferson Park on Monday, June 29, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by village officials and Eaton County representatives.
Pickleball traces its roots back to 1965 on Bainbridge Island, where three fathers—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—were searching for a way to entertain their families.
Using a badminton court, homemade paddles, and a plastic ball with holes, they created a game that blended elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
What started as a summer afternoon activity has evolved into a sport enjoyed by millions across the country.
For decades, pickleball quietly gained a following in schools, community recreation programs, and retirement communities.
Over the last several years, however, its popularity has skyrocketed. Parks departments across America have added courts, professional tournaments have emerged, and players of every age have discovered why the game is so appealing.
Unlike tennis, pickleball is played on a smaller court using solid paddles and a lightweight plastic ball.
The smaller playing area requires less running, making it easier on the joints while still providing plenty of exercise. The game is simple to learn, inexpensive to play, and equally enjoyable for beginners and experienced athletes.
Families often find themselves playing together, while neighbors quickly become friends during doubles matches, making pickleball as much a social activity as a competitive sport.
Bellevue’s new courts became a reality thanks to Village Manager Nicole Roberts, who secured an Eaton County grant for park improvements in 2024.
Roberts shared that the Village is already exploring additional enhancements to Jefferson Park, including the possibility of adding designated parking spaces to make the park even more accessible for visitors.
Located at the corner of Ellsworth and Kendall Streets near Bellevue’s iconic Bronco Water Tower, Jefferson Park offers residents a growing recreational destination that also features a basketball court and skate park.
Following the ribbon cutting, District 13 Chairperson Jim Mott joined Village Trustee Scott Roberts for a one-on-one demonstration, giving attendees a firsthand look at how pickleball is played.
Their friendly match highlighted the sport’s quick pace, strategy, and accessibility, while encouraging residents to pick up a paddle and give it a try.
Also attending the celebration was Eaton County Parks and Recreation Director Ethan Jacobs, who announced that additional improvements at the Keehne Environmental Center will begin within the next week with the installation of a new picnic pad.
Jacobs also shared that residents will soon have opportunities to volunteer during upcoming clean-up projects at Keehne, with more information to be announced.
Residents will also have another opportunity to connect with county leadership next week when Mott and Eaton County Controller/Administrator Ben Dawson return to Bellevue for the Eaton County Connection Meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at the Bellevue High School Library.
The public meeting will provide county updates and offer residents the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues important to the community.
