What can SMPA do for you?
Seattle Metro Pickleball Association (SMPA) is your voice in speaking up to the city or county parks departments to ask for pickleball facilities, more court time indoors, and work to develop dedicated pickleball facilities. SMPA is why Green Lake pickleball courts exist for the 50+ players there each Saturday and Sunday. SMPA is why there are semipermanent pickleball nets popping up at lined tennis courts. An SMPA founder was key to the city of Shoreline creating the lined courts at Shoreview. When we speak, the cities listen.
On the fun side of things, SMPA hosts meet and greets and pickleball skills clinics to help you connect with other pickleball players, improve your playing skills, and grow pickleball.
Why belong to SMPA?
You may be only one player, however your voice matters. When Seattle Metro Pickleball Association (SMPA) approaches the Seattle Parks and Recreation to advocate lining underutilized tennis courts, or we plead for more indoor play hours, organize responses to cities all around as they develop recreation plans, and we continue to work all fronts needed to develop dedicated pickleball facilities, your participation as a member is critical.
Our History
The Seattle Metro Pickleball Association (SMPA) started with a bang as we rallied local pickleball players to attend a Seattle Parks Board meetings to ask for their support to create more outdoor pickleball facilities. Following that lively appearance at the Parks Board, we have:
- Actively engaged with the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation to improve pickleball access
- Increased the number of courts in the Parks Department Pickleball Pilot program from two to seven venues with 24 lined pickleball courts throughout Seattle
- Organized as a nonprofit, elected Directors, and grown the membership to over 600 strong and counting
- Held well-attended Pickleball in the Park events to introduce ourselves and engage local pickleball players
- Helped raise funds for and participated in grant and fundraising events to place semipermanent nets at several venues in Shoreline, Seattle, and West Seattle
- Sponsored the biggest outdoor tournament in 2019 in Shoreline, and followed with an even bigger event in 2021 and 2022.
The SMPA Board of Directors continues to reach out to and meet with the metro area civic governments as we lead the charge to create more pickleball playing opportunities and events in the Seattle metro area and beyond.
We invite all Seattle metro area pickleball players to JOIN our organization in the pursuit of FUN, FITNESS, and FRIENDSHIP.
Visit us on Facebook. And before you go, consider pressing the button to join our organization and help grow pickleball in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Discount Program
When you join SMPA you have access to our club discount from the largest pickleball retailer when you order paddles, balls, and other gear from Pickleball Central in Kent. Local pickleball league manager and equipment supplier Smash Pickleball offers SMPA members a discount on gear. Discounted fee when you sign up for Westside Pickleball League.
Donations
Seattle Metro Pickleball Association (SMPA) started in 2017 with a mission of expanding pickleball play opportunities in the Seattle metro area. From newly lined tennis courts, to increased indoor play times, to adding semipermanent nets at locations as diverse as Shoreview Park, Miller Playfield, Green Lake, and West Seattle, SMPA works to improve pickleball for you. Your donation will help to fund our priorities which include working to develop dedicated pickleball facilities, and as always, making pickleball available to players of all ages, abilities, income levels, and ethnicities, in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
All gifts to Seattle Metro Pickleball Association (EIN 82-2938882), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Ask your employer if your company offers Matching Funds for your personal donation.