The Bend Pickleball Club is a cornerstone of the vibrant pickleball community in Bend, Oregon, fostering a love for the sport and providing players with world-class facilities and events. Founded in 2011, this non-profit organization has grown to over 1,500 members, making it one of the largest pickleball clubs in the Pacific Northwest. With its home at Pine Nursery Park and a commitment to expanding access to the sport, the club offers a dynamic schedule, premier tournaments, and a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels. This article dives into the latest updates for 2025, including membership details, court schedules, upcoming events, and the club’s ambitious plans for growth.
Overview of Bend Pickleball Club
Located in the heart of Central Oregon, the Bend Pickleball Club operates primarily at Pine Nursery Park, which boasts 16 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts. The club is renowned for its commitment to fostering community, promoting skill development, and hosting high-profile tournaments like the Pacific Northwest Classic. With a mission to ensure players have access to quality facilities, the club has become a hub for both local enthusiasts and visiting players looking to engage in competitive and recreational play.
Key Features of Bend Pickleball Club
- Membership: Over 1,500 active members with a waitlist of 500+ due to high demand.
- Facilities: 16 outdoor courts at Pine Nursery Park, with courts 1-4 open to the public and 5-16 reserved for members during specific hours.
- Events: Hosts the annual Pacific Northwest Classic, a USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournament, and other club-specific events.
- Community Focus: Offers training clinics, round robins, and opportunities for beginners and advanced players alike.
2025 Playing Schedule and Court Access
The Bend Pickleball Club has priority access to courts 5-16 at Pine Nursery Park from Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM during the summer season (April through October) and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the winter season (November through March). Courts 1-4 are designated as public courts, available on a first-come, first-served basis seven days a week. After 2:00 PM Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday, courts 5-16 are also open to the public.
2025 Court Usage Details
| Court Number | Availability | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courts 1-4 | Public | All day, every day | First-come, first-served; separated by fences to prevent interference. |
| Courts 5-16 | Club Members | Mon-Sat, 7:00 AM–2:00 PM (Summer); 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (Winter) | Reserved for member round robins, challenge play, and court reservations via CourtReserve. |
| Courts 5-16 | Public | Mon-Sat after 2:00 PM, all day Sunday | Available for drop-in play. |
Members can reserve courts up to seven days in advance through the CourtReserve platform, ensuring access to preferred playing times. The club emphasizes a “fair use” policy, where players waiting for a court can place their paddles to signal their intent to play, with a 60-minute time limit for ongoing games once a request is made.
Membership and Guest Policies
Due to the club’s large membership and a waitlist exceeding 500, Bend Pickleball Club has implemented strict policies to prioritize member access. As of April 1, 2023, guest passes are no longer provided or honored, and 30-day visitor memberships are not available for short-term visitors. Non-members can access public courts 1-4 at Pine Nursery Park or use courts 5-16 during public hours.
Membership Benefits
- Access to reserved courts during club hours.
- Participation in organized round robins, challenge play, and training clinics.
- Eligibility to register for club tournaments and events.
- Club-provided name badges for identification during play.
All members are required to wear club-provided name badges at Pine Nursery Park to distinguish them from non-members. This policy helps maintain order and ensures that club hours are reserved for members. Non-members are encouraged to explore other local facilities, such as Pickleball Zone Bend or Widgi Creek, for additional playing opportunities.
2025 Pacific Northwest Classic: A Premier Tournament
The Bend Pickleball Club is gearing up for its sixth annual Pacific Northwest Classic (PNC), sponsored by Pickleball Zone, scheduled for July 23-27, 2025, at Pine Nursery Park. This USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournament attracts players from across the country and introduces a new format for 2025, focusing on all-doubles round-robin play for skill levels 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0. Each participant is guaranteed a minimum of five games, making it a dynamic and engaging event for players and spectators alike.
Key Details of the 2025 PNC
- Format: All-doubles round-robin with single-elimination playoffs to determine medal winners.
- Skill Levels: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0.
- Registration: Open now at pickleballbrackets.com?pnwc2025.
- Sponsors: Pickleball Zone (Title Sponsor), Horizon Broadcasting Group, Selkirk, Mike’s Fence Center, Pacific Source, Jigsaw Health, and Paulson-Coletti Trial Attorneys.
- Prizes: Medals for all skill levels; cash purse for Open events ($500/Gold, $300/Silver, $200/Bronze per team with minimum 8 team entries).
- Additional Perks: Tournament shirt included with registration (size selection not guaranteed after June 1, 2025).
Tournament Director Kirk Foster emphasized the player-driven changes: “We are excited to bring a fresh new format to this year’s tournament. Players have told us this is what they want, and Bend Pickleball Club listened.” The event will adhere to USA Pickleball rules, with only approved equipment permitted and brackets managed at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
Fundraising for New Courts
To accommodate the growing pickleball community in Central Oregon, the Bend Pickleball Club is fundraising to build eight new, lighted pickleball courts at Pine Nursery Park. The goal is to raise $550,000 by June 1, 2025, with a target completion date of 2026. These courts will enhance the club’s capacity to host larger tournaments and provide more playing opportunities for members and the public.
How to Contribute
- Donations: Tax-deductible contributions can be made at bendpickleballclub.com.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Businesses can sponsor the 2025 PNC or contribute to court construction. Contact details are available at bendpickleballclub.com/pnwc2025/#sponsor.
Kirk Foster noted, “It’s no secret that Central Oregon’s pickleball community is continuing to grow. These new courts would help to accomplish our goal of ensuring players have a place to enjoy the sport they love.” The expansion will also support the growth of the Pacific Northwest Classic, solidifying Bend’s reputation as a pickleball destination.
Upcoming Events in 2025
In addition to the Pacific Northwest Classic, the Bend Pickleball Club hosts various events to engage its members and the community. The following are confirmed events for 2025:
- Annual General Meeting: Saturday, April 19, 2025, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Pine Nursery Park.
- Community Event: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 5:30 PM–7:00 PM at Larkspur Community Center, 1600 SE Reed Market Road, Bend.
These events provide opportunities for members to connect, discuss club initiatives, and contribute to the organization’s growth. Check the club’s website or CourtReserve for additional event announcements and registration details.
Other Places to Play in Bend
While Pine Nursery Park is the club’s home, Bend offers several other pickleball facilities for non-members or those seeking indoor options:
- Pickleball Zone Bend: 8 indoor courts, open to members and the public. Offers clinics, lessons, and court rentals. Contact: pzbend.com, 541-323-0100.
- Widgi Creek: 10 indoor courts with open play, lessons, and clinics. Cost: $17–$18 for two hours. Contact: 541-797-7070.
- Broken Top Club: 8 outdoor courts, membership required. Contact: 541-383-8200.
- Larkspur Community Center: 1 outdoor court, beginner-friendly. Contact: 541-389-7275.
These venues complement the Bend Pickleball Club’s offerings, ensuring players have year-round access to courts across Central Oregon.
Read More: Bergen Pickleball Zone
Why Join Bend Pickleball Club?
The Bend Pickleball Club stands out for its commitment to community, high-quality facilities, and a robust schedule of events. With over 1,500 members, the club fosters a sense of camaraderie and provides structured opportunities for skill development and competitive play. Its partnership with Pine Nursery Park and sponsorship from local businesses like Pickleball Zone ensure a top-tier experience for players.
For those looking to join, the club’s waitlist reflects its popularity, but the benefits of membership exclusive court access, organized play, and participation in premier events like the PNC make it worth the wait. Visitors can still enjoy public courts at Pine Nursery Park or explore other local facilities for immediate playing opportunities.
Conclusion
The Bend Pickleball Club is a driving force in Central Oregon’s pickleball scene, offering unparalleled facilities, a thriving community, and exciting events like the 2025 Pacific Northwest Classic. With plans to expand Pine Nursery Park’s courts and a commitment to player satisfaction, the club continues to elevate the sport in Bend. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, the Bend Pickleball Club provides a welcoming environment to connect, compete, and grow. Visit bendpickleballclub.com for membership details, event registration, or to contribute to the court expansion fund.
