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National Pickleball Month Celebration
​Ken Calkin honored as The Godfather of Pickleball in Athens. (Photos here.)

see where we play for special closings

Covid Play Guidance
​and Vaccine Pre-registration for non-healthcare workers.
covid-19-return-to-play_usapa.pdf
File Size: 149 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Link to Georgia vaccine preregistration.
Dates for the 2022 Pickled Peach Valentine Classic are set for Feb 4–7. More info will be provided as it becomes available.
Mission Statement: To foster Pickleball in the greater Athens area by educating the community about and assisting the local government to improve public Pickleball facilities.

did you know?

  • Pickleball is now the fastest growing sport both locally and statewide, and for the last 15 years, the fastest growing sport in America.
  • The sport is especially favored by seniors but is being played by people of all ages. (The youngest 5.0 player was 12 yrs. old when he reached that rank.)
  • The Athens Area Pickleball Association (AAPA) began with just six interested people in 2013.
  • As the governing and organizing body for pickleball play in the Athens area, AAPA promotes the sport as well as works with schools, community centers, and others to give back to the community.
  • There are now more than 300 pickleball players in the Athens area. AAPA has seen an annualized growth of >36% from 2015–2020. 

   

  • Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department has done an amazing job of meeting our need for places to play. Beginning with three indoor courts at Thomas Lay Park just four years ago, Leisure Services now provides six indoor courts, ten courts shared with tennis, and a beautiful six court pickleball only facility at Southeast Clarke Park. The university’s Ramsey Center and some local churches have also provided courts to our many pickleball enthusiasts. 
  • Athens is recognized as one of the top places in Georgia for Pickleball. Our purpose is to promote, encourage, teach, and play Pickleball in the Athens Area. Everyone is welcome!  ​
“We relocated to Athens from out of state. The primary factor  in our decision was an established and vibrant pickleball community.“ Katherine W.

You are needed

  • Please Join/Renew our Athens Area Pickleball Association. You will be helping us supply the balls you play with and the nets you use, and you'll be joining a great group of Pickleballers. 
  • First timers get a great T-shirt. All members get a vote at our general meetings and the combination to our storage lockers at the outdoor parks. It's $25.00 a year per person or $40 per couple.

what we do

  • Free instruction for beginners at East Athens community Center every Monday morning
  • Quarterly luncheons (potluck) and social events 
  • Regular communication with updates regarding closings, upcoming events, and recognition of AAPA member success
  • Work with Athens Leisure Services and other community leaders to ensure numerous places to play (inside and outside) free of charge.
  • Maintain an active website with information related to places to play, pickleball rules, self rating, discounts, paddle exchange, and more
  • Provide money for nets and balls as well as assist with improving facilities
  • Offer more outdoor play for members and a special code for nets and balls at certain facilities in Athens

what you can do

There are many opportunities to become involved with AAPA other than just playing.  The Board of Directors is always looking for more volunteers to help throughout the year. If there is a committee you might be interested in working on email athensareapickleball@gmail.com and the committee chair will contact you.
  • Membership Committee: promote pickleball and help with social media
  • Social Committee: assist twith quarterly luncheons and other events
  • Tournaments/Clinics: help set up round robins, tournaments, clinics