The Fort Collins Pickleball Club (FCPC) is the heartbeat of pickleball in Northern Colorado, fostering community, competition, and camaraderie for players of all ages and skill levels. With over 1,700 members and a thriving presence in Fort Collins, this nonprofit social club is dedicated to making pickleball accessible, fun, and engaging. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just curious about joining the action, the FCPC offers a welcoming environment to dive into this fast-growing sport.
Why Join the Fort Collins Pickleball Club?
The FCPC isn’t just a club it’s a community hub that’s been transforming the local pickleball scene since its inception. With pickleball participation surging 223% nationally over the past three years, Fort Collins has embraced the sport, and the FCPC is at the forefront of this movement. Here’s why the club stands out:
- Vibrant Community: With over 1,700 members, the club connects players across generations, from young adults to seniors, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging.
- Organized Play: From beginner-friendly open play to competitive ladder leagues, there’s something for everyone.
- Advocacy for Growth: The club actively collaborates with the City of Fort Collins to expand pickleball facilities, ensuring more courts for the future.
- Affordable Access: Annual memberships provide exclusive perks like reserved court times, clinics, and discounts on equipment.
The club’s mission is to make pickleball a cornerstone of Fort Collins’ recreational culture, and its efforts are paying off with exciting new developments in 2025.
Latest Updates for 2025
The Fort Collins Pickleball Club is making waves with fresh initiatives and projects that reflect its commitment to growth and accessibility. Here are the most recent highlights:
New Outdoor Pickleball Complex at Fossil Creek Community Park
In a major win for pickleball enthusiasts, the City of Fort Collins, in partnership with the FCPC, has selected Fossil Creek Community Park as the site for a proposed 12-court outdoor pickleball complex. Spurred by a donation from the FCPC through the City Give program, this project aims to address the growing demand for dedicated courts. Key details include:
- Community Support: A September 2024 open house and survey showed overwhelming backing, with 349 community members in favor and only 19 opposed.
- Noise Mitigation: To address concerns, the city is hiring an independent acoustical engineer to ensure compliance with noise regulations and balance player excitement with neighborhood harmony.
- Amenities: The complex will feature hard-surface courts, lighting for evening play, shade structures, and seating areas.
- Timeline: While still in the feasibility phase, the project is gaining momentum, with hopes of breaking ground in late 2025 or early 2026.
This development underscores the FCPC’s role in shaping Fort Collins’ pickleball future, ensuring players have top-tier facilities to enjoy.
Fort Collins Fracas PPA Challenger Series
The FCPC is elevating Fort Collins’ pickleball profile by hosting the inaugural Fort Collins Fracas PPA Challenger Series from September 26–28, 2025, at the soon-to-open Zero Zero Two pickleball club. This prestigious event will:
- Feature amateur and aspiring professional players competing alongside top pros.
- Bring an estimated $800,000 in economic impact to Fort Collins through lodging, dining, and retail.
- Showcase the city’s vibrant pickleball culture to a national audience.
The FCPC is rallying members to volunteer and participate, making this a landmark moment for the club and the community.
Zero Zero Two: A Game-Changing Facility
Opening in August 2025, Zero Zero Two is set to redefine pickleball in Fort Collins pickleball club. Located at 4401 Innovation Drive, this premier facility will boast:
- 17 state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor courts.
- A membership model with a cap to ensure court availability.
- Programming like private lessons, skill-level classes, and tournaments.
- Amenities including a café, championship courts, and elevated viewing areas.
The FCPC is excited about the opportunities Zero Zero Two will bring, offering members a world-class venue to hone their skills and connect with fellow players.
Membership Benefits and How to Join
Joining the Fort Collins Pickleball Club unlocks a world of opportunities tailored to enhance your pickleball experience. Memberships are individual, annual, and renewable, with a default recurring option that you can cancel anytime by emailing [email protected]. Here’s what you get:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Reserved Court Time | Access exclusive open play sessions for various skill levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced. |
| Free Clinics | Introductory clinics cover rules and basic play, perfect for newcomers looking to jumpstart their skills. |
| Ladder Leagues | Weekly leagues run for six weeks, offering competitive play with quick sign-ups that often fill fast. |
| Equipment Discounts | Save $20 on the FCPC Official Net, the Swiftnet®, using code FCPC20. |
| Free Equipment Use | Access nets, screens, and Dakota Sno Blades at Spring Canyon Park and Twin Silo Park. |
| Community Connection | Share contact info with members (opt-out available) to arrange games and build friendships. |
To join, visit focopb.club and sign up online. Memberships start from the date of purchase, ensuring a full year of benefits. Note that dues are not tax-deductible, and kids participating in lessons or open play need their own memberships.
Events and Open Play Schedule
The FCPC keeps the pickleball calendar buzzing with events and open play sessions designed to suit every player. Here’s a snapshot of what’s on offer in 2025:
- Open Play Sessions (Members Only):
- Beginner Sessions: Drop-in at Troutman Park or Spring Canyon for a welcoming intro to the game.
- Skill-Specific Times: Sessions for intermediate, advanced, men-only, women-only, and 20s/30s players ensure a good match.
- Locations: Spring Canyon, Twin Silo, and City Park courts host regular play, with schedules posted on focopb.club.
- Ladder Leagues:
- Six-week cycles with weekly meetups.
- Open to all skill levels, but spots fill quickly, so members should sign up early.
- Tournaments:
- Local tournaments organized by the FCPC, with more details to come as Zero Zero Two opens.
- Support for the PPA Challenger Series, offering volunteer and spectator opportunities.
- Clinics and Lessons:
- Free introductory clinics for new players.
- Paid lessons with certified coaches for skill improvement.
Check the club’s website or PlaytimeScheduler for the latest schedule and to reserve your spot. The FCPC encourages players to follow etiquette, like retrieving stray balls courteously, to keep the vibe friendly and fun.
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Where to Play: Courts and Facilities
Fort Collins Pickleball Club offers a mix of indoor and outdoor courts, many of which the FCPC utilizes for its programs. Here’s a quick guide to key locations:
- Spring Canyon Community Park (2626 W. Horsetooth Rd.):
- Outdoor courts with FCPC-provided Swiftnet® nets and Dakota Sno Blades for snow clearing.
- Reservation required via Lewis Tennis (970-493-7000); $8/hr for a tennis court with four pickleball lines.
- Twin Silo Park (5400 Ziegler Rd.):
- Dedicated pickleball court #4 for drop-in play (no reservations except for tournaments).
- Free nets and screens for members.
- City Park:
- Courts #1 and #2 closed in winter; #4 open for drop-in play.
- Free play on unreserved courts.
- The Picklr (Opening TBD, Jessup Farm Artisan Village):
- 10 indoor courts, membership-based, with clinics and leagues.
- Open 6 AM–midnight daily.
- Zero Zero Two (Opening August 2025):
- 17 courts, indoor/outdoor mix, with premium amenities.
- Early Bird Deposits available to secure membership.
The FCPC also supports players using PlaytimeScheduler to organize games at public courts, keeping the community connected and active.
Community Impact and Future Vision
The Fort Collins Pickleball Club isn’t just about playing it’s about building a legacy. President Russ Cowart emphasizes the club’s role in community-building, noting how pickleball has evolved from a senior-center staple to a multigenerational phenomenon. The club’s collaboration with the city has already led to tangible results, like the planned Fossil Creek complex, and its advocacy ensures pickleball remains a priority in Fort Collins’ parks planning.
Looking ahead, the FCPC aims to:
- Expand youth programs to engage younger players.
- Host more regional tournaments to put Fort Collins on the pickleball map.
- Support the development of additional courts, aligning with the city’s 2040 goal of 13 new outdoor courts.
By joining the FCPC, you’re not just picking up a paddle you’re contributing to a vibrant, growing community that’s passionate about pickleball.
Get Involved Today!
The Fort Collins Pickleball Club is your gateway to an exciting, social, and active lifestyle. With new facilities like Zero Zero Two, a major tournament on the horizon, and a groundbreaking outdoor complex in the works, 2025 is the perfect time to discover your passion for pickleball. Visit focopb.club to join, check the open play schedule, or learn about upcoming events. Whether you’re swinging for fun or aiming for the pros, the FCPC welcomes you with open courts and a warm community.
Ready to play? Grab your paddle, sign up, and let the Fort Collins Pickleball Club ignite your love for the game!
