Covered Courts at Camano Park Project

When I had breast cancer in 2011, removal of lymph nodes meant I could no longer play tennis, but after rehab, I was happy that I could continue my love of racquet sports with PB!

 

There are a number of us in our 70s and 80s who enjoy playing with all ages. I recently played with a 14 year old and his grandpa....an inter-generational event! The sport is physically easier to play than tennis and does not require expensive sports gear.

 

Sylvia D.

 

 

My only frustration has been that given the marginal weather here from October through April, the opportunities to play during the fall and winter months are severely limited since currently there are no indoor or covered public courts anywhere on Camano. What a huge gift this will be to anyone who loves this sport, as well as a tremendous gift to the entire Camano - Stanwood community. This will be a game changer!!

 

Tim J.

 

 

I am a 68-year-old whose life pretty much revolves around pickleball. Because of pickleball, I am in the best shape of my life, have a social life, and volunteer more. Having covered courts on Camano would be a dream come true.

 

Theresa F.

 

 

I love pickleball because it’s the perfect mix of fun, fitness, and connection. It’s competitive without being intimidating, and the pace keeps me energized without wearing me out, making it the kind of activity I look forward to every time I step on the court.

 

Gordy H.

 

 

Pickleball has also helped me lead a healthier lifestyle - eating better, getting adequate rest, strengthening body parts, in order to play better. Pickleball helps me reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance my overall well-being, making it invaluable for mental health. More than just a hobby, it builds social ties, enhances community, and creates lasting friendships. Pickleball has also helped me raise funds for several causes, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the American Cancer Society, and the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation.

 

Adrian L.

 

 

On the courts, I’ve interacted with people of different ages, backgrounds, incomes, political views, and walks of life. Pickleball has truly been a case study in how to foster diversity and build a stronger sense of community. Adding covered courts here on Camano would strengthen all of these benefits even further, continuing to bring citizens together, supporting local businesses, and promoting health and well-being year-round for participants.

 

Paul S.

 

 

Having a year-round court that provides the ability to play at all times of the day and all weather conditions will give me much more opportunity to stay close to home and support our community. It's not unusual for folks to play and then convene at a local restaurant for drinks and food - it would be so nice to be able to do this in our own town instead of traveling to other communities that have these covered facilities.

 

Robin M.

 

 

I have lived on Camano for 28 years and have been playing pickleball on the Camano courts for the past 3 years. Joining CSPA has made me feel like part of a community for the first time since moving here. But when the weather changes I have to drive to Burlington just to play on the covered courts there, often eating out afterwards. I would much prefer to stay on Camano and spend my time and money close to home.

 

Jenn C.

 

 

I love the sport because it's so fun to play, it's competitive in a friendly way. It would also be great to have dedicated pickleball courts so we can play in the mornings and not have conflicts with the tennis players. In the winter I often drive 40 minutes up to Mount Vernon to play under covered courts, so it would be fantastic to have our own covered courts here in the island so that we can play year round without having to travel. We need more courts to support this wonderful sport and the growth of people who want to play!

 

Kelly K.

 

 

Pickleball works! It’s got a crazy scoring system, the courts are smaller, the games are shorter, and, with a little background in racket sports, it’s even easier to pick up…Competition and fun – it’s hard to beat.

 

John H.

 

 

I’ve lived on Camano Island for over 20 years. Up until 2022, however, I did not feel connected to the community. I work in Arlington and really had limited ties to people or events here. That changed entirely three years ago when I started playing pickleball with the Camano Stanwood Pickleball Club. Now I hear about and often attend community events like Pride, the Soapbox Derby and music at Terry’s Corner.

 

Becca H.

 

 

When I moved to Camano Island a few years ago, I didn’t know many people and was looking for a way to stay active—and that’s when I discovered pickleball. Every single friend I’ve made here has come through pickleball, and the sense of community and laughter on the courts has made this island truly feel like home. It’s not just a sport. It’s given me better health, meaningful connections, and a reason to look forward to each day.

 

Mike P.

 

 

The CSPA club has also opened up volunteer opportunities to me so that I can give back to the community that has done so much for me. Regardless of one's ability, from highly competitive to mainly social, there is a level of play for each and every person. With all that pickleball has to offer, it should be a year-round activity, and the only way to accomplish that in our Pacific Northwest weather is with covered courts.

 

Peggy P.

 

 

I started playing pickleball about two years ago, and it’s been one of the best decisions for both my health and my social life. Adding pickleball to an already active lifestyle led to a measurable drop of 10 bpm in my resting heart rate, and I’ve seen similar gains in my overall cardiovascular fitness. It’s become a vital ritual that keeps me energized, focused, and connected.

 

Unfortunately, our outdoor season is short and often cut even shorter by rain or wind. Having a covered facility would be transformative and it would give our community a welcoming place to gather and grow.

 

Victor