Pickleball players play a pick up game at Club Northwest in Grants Pass on Sept. 1, 2025 during a community pot luck event.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. – Fitness center Club Northwest in Grants Pass held a free community pickleball potluck on Labor Day.
“Some people are here for competition, some people are here for the social aspect,” David Johnson said. “Some people are here for both.” The former professional pickleball player said the sport’s low barrier to entry and how easy it is to learn is why the sport is growing in Southern Oregon.
Club Northwest member Mischa Fiske started playing pickleball and now fits the sport into her routine any chance she has. She loves how the sport improves cardio, balance and mobility in a fun way.
“ I’ve never been a person who wants to just go run on a treadmill,” Fiske said. “You can play really relaxed, you know, casual games, but you can also play really competitive games. For me that’s fulfilling because I have a competitive streak and so I enjoy that part of it as well.”
Fiske showed up to get the competitive juices out of her system, but the director of programs at Club Northwest said the purpose of the fitness centers is to bring the community together.
“Club Northwest wouldn’t be here without our members in the community” Jesse Sallas, director of programs at Club Northwest said. “Just how great our members are and coming out on a holiday, be able to hang out, and this being a part of their day.”
Fitness center Club Northwest in Grants Pass held a free community pickleball potluck on Labor Day.
The next holiday event this year is on Halloween, but every Tuesday the gym offers free pickleball and provides paddles and balls.