Largest indoor pickleball facility in Michigan coming to Northville

A group of pickleball-loving Northville residents are feeling blessed after Northville’s Ward Presbyterian Church agreed to offer property for the construction of the largest indoor pickleball facility in Michigan, according to its investors.

Ground-breaking for The Northville Pickleball Club is expected to occur in the coming weeks, with a grand opening set for as early as spring of 2025.

Pickleball is considered the fastest-growing sport in the world due to its appeal to people from 8 years old to 88.

Northville Pickleball Club, which will be a 50,000-square-foot indoor venue, is a unique combination of partnership between Ward Church (40000 Six Mile Rd.) private investment and public input.

Several amenities

The complex will feature 16 indoor, climate-controlled courts (including a stadium court for tournaments, professional exhibitions and matches) as well as:

• Daily Open play for court rental;
• Level-specific session play for beginners, 2.5-5.0 and advanced skill level players;
• Availability for weekly planned and scheduled groups and leagues;
• Clinics, lessons and 1-on-1 instruction from a team of pickleball pros on staff;
• Pro shop with pickleball equipment and clothing from leading and local brands;
• Locker rooms for players’ pre- and post-play use;
• Café featuring light snacks and beverages;
• Meeting rooms available for parties, team-building and business meetings; and
• Player lounge for socialization and tournaments

The Northville Pickleball Club is the brainchild of local residents Mike Schmitt, Mike Kowalczyk and Christy Howden, co-owner/CEO of Wolverine Pickleball.

“There are no pickleball courts in Northville, so my friends and I who have grown to love the sport have had to drive to Ann Arbor and other communities to find courts,” said Kowalczyk.

“We feel fortunate that the community-minded leaders at Ward Church have agreed to join us in this endeavor that will help fill the pickleball court void in Northville.”

“We’ve been searching for the right location to do this project for some time,” Schmitt added. “The Ward Church location was not only a perfect spot, but also represents an opportunity for us to bring world-class facilities for pickleball players in the community.

For pickleball lovers of all ages, skill levels

There is nothing like what we are doing in the I-275 corridor — and finally local residents and fellow pickleball enthusiasts of all levels and ages will have a place to call home.”

Howden brings her experience of starting Wolverine Pickleball, a premier destination for players in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area.

She emphasized the club will be more than a place to play pickleball.

“Northville Pickleball Club will be a creation of a new community that fosters relationships, both new ones and long-time friends,” she said. “It will be a place for new players to feel welcome and start their pickleball journey with lessons and play times with other new players and experienced players to find competitive play. We will have options for all levels of pickleball skill.”

More than a place to worship

Ward Church Senior Pastor Scott McKee said Ward leadership considers the the church more than a building with worship services on Sundays.

“We want to be good neighbors and an integral part of the fabric of the local community – all week long, all year long,” McKee elaborated.

“We want to serve our neighboring community. And we try and use our building and grounds to that end.”

Northville Pickleball Club will feature Open Play as well as Membership options, with various leagues, classes and lessons.

Cunningham-Limp will be leading the design, development and construction of the project with a long history of large-scale and community-based projects around the country.

Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.