An official army family and MWR Site

Pickleball

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History of Pickleball

Three friends. Extra crew team members. A dog. Some bored teenagers… and a badminton court on Bainbridge Island. What a mix! Put them together, and they’re all elements of the same origin story. The start of what has now become Washington state’s official state sport: Pickleball!

Truth be told, yes, the dog was named Pickles, but after the sport, not the other way around. The sport was actually named for those extra crew team members — the ones that didn’t get to race in the actual regatta races. They raced just for fun in their “pickle-boat” races, and are actually how the just-for-fun game got its name.

Pickleball has an interesting history for sure, but at present, all you really need to know is JBLM is your place to play.

Current Pickleball options - as of April 16
Courts are available for use all hours, except during PT (0630-0730)

Paddles and pickleballs are available for checkout at the above facilities.
Cost: Free, available to MWR-eligible patrons.

Events

Monthly tournaments beginning June 7 at Soldiers Field House

Open Indoor Pickleball Tournament April 25-26 Wilson Fitness Center

Open Indoor Pickleball Tournament Jan. 24-25 CHAMPS
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Open Indoor Pickleball Tournament April 25-26 CHAMPS: PB&J
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Coming soon

Several fitness centers have pickleball courts in the works. You’ll be able to practice, play and just have fun at these locations soon.

More Sports & Fitness

24/7 Fitness Center Access

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24/7 Fitness Center Access

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Fitness Class Schedule

JBLM fitness class schedule

Fitness Class Schedule

JBLM fitness class schedule

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CG Scramble

May 16 12 pm
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Armed Forces Day

Join us for JBLM's Armed Forces Day Celebration! Open to the public!

May 17 11 am - 6 pm
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JBLM Run to Remember

Join us for our third annual JBLM Run to Remember! Honoring through remembrance the men and women who have given their lives while serving in the U.S. Military.

May 22 9 am - 12 pm

JBLM Run to Remember

Join us for our third annual JBLM Run to Remember! Honoring through remembrance the men and women who have given their lives while serving in the U.S. Military.

May 22 9 am - 12 pm
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MURPH Challenge

May 22
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DONSA hours

May 23
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Holiday Hours

May 26
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JBLM Dodgeball Tournament

Join us for a free dodgeball tourney!

May 30 6 pm
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JBLM Soldiers Field House Pickleball Tournament

Join us for this monthly, free, drop-in pickleball tourney!

Jun 7 12:30 pm
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Lifeguard Training

Get lifeguard certified for FREE. Find out about lifeguard employment.

Jun 13 2025 - Jun 15 2025
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2025 Rainier Cup

54-hole competition over three courses.

Jun 20 1 pm
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Freedom Fest

Celebrate Independence Day early with us! Open to the public!*

Jun 28 1 pm
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Explore JBLM magazine

Explore JBLM magazine

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All-Army Sports

Attention Soldier-Athletes, Coaches, and Trainers! Are you ready to compete for a coveted spot on the Army's prestigious sports teams?

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All-Army Sports

Attention Soldier-Athletes, Coaches, and Trainers! Are you ready to compete for a coveted spot on the Army's prestigious sports teams?

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STRONG B.A.N.D.S.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL! With summer approaching, it’s the perfect time to improve everyone’s fitness with the 14th Anniversary of STRONG B.A.N.D.S.! Learn health and wellness tips here.

STRONG B.A.N.D.S.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL! With summer approaching, it’s the perfect time to improve everyone’s fitness with the 14th Anniversary of STRONG B.A.N.D.S.! Learn health and wellness tips here.

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