Mercer Bucks Pickleball Club is scheduled to open in January in Ewing Township. With nine indoor courts, the 26,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will be the largest indoor pickleball facility in the northeast, and only a 10 to 15 minute drive from Yardley and Newtown.
MBPC, the first such facility of its kind in Mercer and Bucks counties, aims to provide best-in-class amenities. Pro-Cushion courts will be easier on the joints than asphalt or concrete. Soundproofing will greatly diminish the “echo canyon” that most indoor paddle and sports facilities generate. Modern LED lights will provide excellent visibility and eliminate glare. The climate-controlled environment will always ensure perfect “pickleball weather” at the club.
Between games, players can catch a game of cornhole, relax in the spacious lounge, or enjoy the grab-and-go MBPC Café with light snacks or bring their own. There’s also a private event room that can host birthday parties, social gatherings or serve as a meeting space for business and team building events. For kids, summer camp options will be available.
The club will offer instruction at every level, from beginners to the more advanced aficionados. Instructors will be available for private and group lessons, as well as clinics and drills.
Players can book private courts by the hour or enroll in leagues, round robins and tournaments. An automatic ball machine and practice “dink” court (pickleball lingo for a wicked shot that arcs downward across the net) are available for anyone who wants to up their game. Balls and paddles will be available for those that have not yet purchased their own. The MBPC “Merch Nook” will offer demos and paddles, along with unique and fun pickleball-themed gifts and apparel.
Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in America, has burgeoned across the U.S., expanding by more than 21 percent to 4.2 million players through 2020 (USA Pickleball Association). A hybrid of tennis, ping pong and badminton, it offers an aerobic workout like tennis, but the courts are smaller, don’t demand the speed required by tennis, and result in a lower-impact game. Played with lightweight paddles and balls similar to wiffle balls, pickleball doesn’t impose the torque on elbows and shoulders that tennis does.
The biggest draw for many is the social benefits. Pickleball is an easy-to-learn and family-oriented game, so children, parents and grandparents can enjoy multigenerational time together on the court. Also, while most common as a doubles sport, pickleball accommodates singles too, allowing for spontaneous play whenever friends and family gather.
Researchers have been studying pickleball’s benefits, in particular among middle-aged and older people – the populations who have generated the most of the pickleball craze. On average, the sport burns 350 calories per hour (American Council on Exercise). Players also sharpen their minds because pickleball requires a fair amount of strategy. Studies have shown that pickleball can help stave off or control chronic disease, reduce the risk of depression and improve overall wellbeing.
MBPC was formed in fall 2020, when two recently-retired couples from Yardley started playing pickleball together. The Voelzkes and Gabrieles become impassioned by the lively sport and created a makeshift court with painters tape and a portable net in their cul-de-sac. As the weather changed, they realized the need for an indoor pickleball facility in the local area. The enterprising foursome decided to blend operational, marketing and business expertise with the passion for their favorite pastime. The result? The largest dedicated indoor pickleball club in the northeast.
“We visited indoor pickleball facilities across the country and were certain we could bring the best-of-the-best to Mercer and Bucks counties,” said Sharon Voelzke. “After searching the area for many months, we found the perfect location for fun and fitness with easy access for all.”
As the club prepares to open, MBPC is generating excitement with a limited number of pre-opening Premiere Memberships offering significant savings in court fees, organized play and more. Gift certificates make great stocking-stuffers.
Stay up-to-date at playmbpc.com and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. More details are forthcoming for the grand opening at 370 Sullivan Way in Ewing, New Jersey.
