Founded in 2018, Wolverine Pickleball has quickly established itself as a community hub in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Co-founder and CEO Christy Howden attributes the brand’s success to its unique approach to community engagement and innovative amenities. “It’s not just pickleball at Wolverine Pickleball,” Howden explains, highlighting the brand’s diverse offerings including a tap wall, outdoor sand courts for beach volleyball and tennis, bocce lanes, and expansive lounge areas.
The origin of Wolverine Pickleball is a testament to community effort and innovation. Beginning with a do-it-yourself retrofit of a warehouse, the venture has grown into a custom-built facility designed to cater to the specific needs of its patrons.
Wolverine Pickleball sets itself apart by creating a robust and engaged community. Howden notes the importance of competitive play across all skill levels in fostering this community. The approach has proven successful, drawing players who are enthusiastic about both the sport and the social opportunities it provides.
From a business perspective, Howden has observed a trend where many new facilities open without adequate research or a solid plan, predicting a “shake out” of facilities in the coming years. Her advice to those looking to enter the industry is clear: “Do your homework, know who your players will be. ‘Build and they will come’ is not a plan.”
The community-centric model has been a cornerstone of Wolverine Pickleball’s development. The initial facility was a collaborative effort, with community members directly involved in the DIY transformation of the space. This communal spirit carried over to their second facility, with community investments helping to fund its development. “It’s wonderful to have such community support,” said Howden.
Choosing to build a new facility from the ground up was driven by a desire to overcome the limitations of the first location, such as parking constraints and less-than-ideal conditions. The new facility not only addresses these issues but also adds amenities that enhance both the pickleball experience and the community’s growth.
A novel feature of Wolverine Pickleball is its self-pour option for beer and wine, which Howden says “made sense for our community,” emphasizing a tailored approach to meet community preferences.
To develop a strong pickleball community, Wolverine Pickleball focuses on understanding and responding to the needs of its clientele. This strategy is something Howden recommends to other operators looking to cultivate a similarly robust community around their venues.
Wolverine Pickleball continues to evolve, driven by a commitment to its community and a keen eye on industry trends, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the pickleball world.
Check out an in-depth video feature on Wolverine Pickleball on PBS.
