Seattle will soon welcome a new destination for pickleball with the opening of Pickle at the Palms, a 20-court indoor facility under construction in the city’s Interbay neighborhood. Led by Seattle Storm co-owner Ginny Gilder and family, the project is designed from the ground up to serve every type of pickleball player while building lasting community connections.
“We’re excited to offer robust programming with something for every age and every skill level, including a class series for those who would like to learn to play,” said Kyle Schraeder, a co-owner and general manager. “Players will enjoy clinics, personal coaching, round robins, ladders, tournaments and intriguing events too. Pickle at the Palms will be a social, fun environment where everyone feels that they belong.”
Unlike many facilities that convert existing buildings, Pickle at the Palms is a purpose-built project. The 20 professional-quality courts will span two levels, supported by climate control, a café, and two court-view lounges designed for relaxation and socializing. Thoughtful details like acoustics, court padding and PlaySight recording technology further set it apart.
“I have walked into so many facilities and I can’t hear myself think — they’re not taking care of the acoustics the same way,” Schraeder explained. “A lot of those attentions to detail and those finer details we get to complete because it’s a build from the ground up.”
Owning the property was also a strategic move. Schraeder noted that retrofitting comes with drawbacks, from landlord restrictions to long-term lease uncertainty. “To be able to have a financial model that’s representative of a buy-in for us — it allows us to set a price that is hopefully a little bit more affordable for everyone, which is our goal,” he said.
For Schraeder, programming is the heart of success. Drawing on more than a decade in tennis facility management, he sees the biggest differentiator as designing opportunities for every type of player.
“For pickleball there’s social, beginner, recreational and then some that really want to play competitive,” said Schraeder. “Making sure that everyone feels like they have a place is what will set us apart.”
That mindset echoes the facility’s mission to welcome both first-timers and competitive athletes under the same roof.
Pickle at the Palms is more than a sports venue — it’s a family project rooted in Seattle. Built alongside other athletic destinations such as the Interbay Golf Center and Ballard FC soccer, the facility strengthens a growing local sports hub.
“We’re local Seattleites,” said Schraeder. “We’re not looking to build a franchise off of this. This is just our baby and our family project.”
Looking ahead, Schraeder believes the industry will benefit from stronger collaboration across facilities, similar to the model tennis has long enjoyed.
“It’s interesting, because you want these facilities to match up and have the ability to find collaboration through leagues and something that could create more national attention,” said Schraeder. “I think we’re doing a really good job regionally, but you just don’t have the same connection that tennis did. That’s something I’m looking forward to trying to get more connected with.”
His advice to other operators? “Never be afraid to reach out for collaboration or connection within this industry, because people are always welcoming — and that’s part of the pickleball experience,” said Schraeder.
Slated to open in summer 2026, Pickle at the Palms blends state-of-the-art amenities, intentional programming, and community focus into one of the most ambitious pickleball projects in the Pacific Northwest. For Schraeder and his team, the goal is clear: create a facility where everyone, from casual players to seasoned competitors, feels they belong.
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With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
