ACME — A sport created almost 60 years ago has been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years. We’re talking about pickleball!
But with winter weather in Northern Michigan, the need for indoor facilities is growing with the sport.
One family in Grand Traverse County wanted to create a facility where the community can play year-round. That’s how Dave Sexton got the idea for Pickle U, a way to help bring indoor pickleball facilities to Grand Traverse County.
“I was a racquetball instructor in my youth, my past. And I just decided to tell my wife, ‘I think Northern Michigan and the Traverse City area needs an indoor pickleball court,’” said Dave.
Dave knew that he couldn’t do this alone, and with his son having a degree in mechanical engineering and a passion for business, he knew Tyler would be on board.
“We’re hoping that that will get people to come in the door, especially on a snowy day like today, and have a nice warm atmosphere where they feel like they’re a part of a community and a family,” said Tyler Sexton, CFO of Pickle U.
Dave knew that he couldn’t do this alone, and with his son having a degree in mechanical engineering and a passion for business, he knew Tyler would be on board.
“Dave brought up the idea of opening Pickleball Courts here. I looked into it and I saw that it was absolutely growing and blooming, that there was a lot of promise to it. And I was like ‘yeah, this is it, let’s do it, let’s get it going,’” said Tyler.
From there, the dream came to life and now those courts will bring the community together.
“This is the Big Ten has Michigan, Michigan State, then we have West and Central,” said Dave.
But of course, they had to include the rival team to get pickle players in the competitive mentality.
“I grew up as an SEC fan in Athens, Georgia. So go Dogs,” he said.
The other two courts include colors for Alabama and Florida. They plan to have eight courts in total.
Believe it or not, pickleball wasn’t always in the Sexton family.
“When he (Tyler) seen what all the possibilities were, he came on board and was ready to try it out. And so this is a new adventure for all of us.” said Dave. “We hope that everybody can become part of our family, part of our community, and enjoy playing pickleball here.”
No membership is required, and you can come even if you’ve never played the game. Pickle U is looking to bring trainers to the facility.
“Our rates are $7 an hour for open play, $28 an hour for up to six people to reserve a court or $50 for two hours, up to six people to reserve a court. No memberships and we’re a pro shop and are going to be representatives for Selkirk. We’re also representatives for pickleball wholesale, which are tours of the major players in the pickleball industry,” said Dave.
The courts are located in the old K-Mart building in Acme at 6455 US-31. You can find Pickle U on their Facebook page.
