Though its recent surge in popularity leads some to think the sport is new, Pickleball is actually decades old; invented in 1965 by Congressman Joel Pritchard and Businessman Bill Bell as a way to pass the time. Now, the Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club invites players of all skill levels to the largest pickleball facility in the Northeast.
Neighbors Bob and Sharon Voelzke and Becky and Frank Gabriele are avid pickleball players. They love the sport, which combines aspects of badminton, tennis, and ping pong on a small court. But they saw a lack of places to play indoors, leading them to dream up their own indoor facility. After finding a vacant warehouse in Ewing, The Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club was born. “When it came together, it was exactly what we pictured it to be,” Sharon says. “It was a fun experience to watch our vision come to life.”
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About Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club
The 26,000-square foot Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club is open to pickleball players of all skill levels. The facility offers nine courts and a climate-controlled space where members and guests can play the sport year-round. They host open play, tournaments, and lessons, in addition to offering equipment for purchase. The team’s motto is “Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club, where fun and fitness meet on the court.”
The club also has a players’ lounge for socializing, an event space for parties, a café, and a merchandise shop. Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club offers flexible membership options and pricing. Members can reserve private courts, bring guests, take lessons or clinics, or join a Social (Open) Play activity. Walk-ins are also welcome, but they do not have the same reservation privileges as members. In terms of skill level, Becky says a large portion of their 600 members are beginners or people who’ve never played before. Click here to see MBPC’s membership options.
Playing Pickleball
“It’s a very easy game to learn that doesn’t require a significant amount of athletic ability,” Sharon says. “Anyone who has played tennis, badminton, or ping pong can pick it up fairly easily,” she adds. At Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club, the goal is to simply have a good time. In fact, the facility provides complimentary paddles, though players are welcome to use their own equipment. At the merch shop, they offer equipment ranging from inexpensive to high end to further accommodate all players.
Meanwhile, frequent social events help connect members with both friends and new players. To emphasize the social aspect of the game, Becky says it’s perfectly fine to come alone. “You don’t have to know three other people to play,” she explains. Speaking about the four co-owners, Becky says “We’re the perfect example of the game. We didn’t know each other but we’re able to play together. It’s competitive and friendly and gives you the chance to talk as you’re playing.”
Visit Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club at 370 Sullivan Way in Ewing. (Click here to find them on Google Maps.) To learn more, click here to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.
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Photos #1 & #2: © Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club
Photo #3: DonnaLovelyPhotos.com (used with permission)
