Every day, pickleball seems to become more popular, even being featured in an episode of the hit show, "The Golden Bachelor." As the women battled in a pickleball proxy war for the dashing bachelor's attention, one subplot was readily apparent: without exception, they all knew what the sport was and how to play it. What they may not have known is that pickleball originated in the Evergreen State. In fact, this fun form of exercise may be one of Washington's most popular inventions.

Though it's certainly been a hit among older generations, pickleball is popular with younger folks, too, accruing an estimated 4.2 million routine players in the U.S. alone. For five years, it's topped the charts as the country's fastest-growing sport.

What's the draw? While there are likely social factors at play— including an increased interest in health post-pandemic— part of what's made pickleball so ubiquitous is that it intuitively combines games most people already know. Drawing on tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, it's accessible, fun, and space-saving, making it a favorite in communities where square footage comes at a premium, be it retirement homes or cities.

Provided you don't live in a rural area, you're likely just a short drive from a pickleball court. And, if you live in Western Washington, you're likely closer than you think to where the game was first played on Bainbridge Island.

It all began one hot summer Saturday in 1965 when Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell returned to Pritchard's Bainbridge home after a less-than-stellar round of golf.

The property housed a dilapidated badminton court. The men decided to play a match to keep their young families entertained but couldn't find a set of rackets. With a bit of creativity, they landed on using table tennis paddles and wiffle balls.

Over the next several weeks, Pritchard, Bell, their families, and their friends developed the game, slowly solidifying the rules that would form the basis of the sport. Pickleball's first governing organization wouldn't crop up until seven years later, in 1972. By 1990, the sport was being played in all 50 states.

From the start, pickleball was all about inclusivity, designed for individuals of all ages and abilities to play together. With this in mind, it makes sense that so many people have taken to the sport. While just over four million individuals consider themselves avid players, between August 2021 and August 2022, 36.5 million Americans at least gave the game a try.

As a relatively low-impact, aerobic workout, pickleball is hearty-healthy, but it's also raised some people's blood pressure. Naysayers warn that the sport's recognizable sound poses a hazard to local health, even claiming that courts put endangered animal species at risk. While most perspectives can claim a bit of truth, to these folks, I recommend taking a beat to relax and have a little fun. Maybe with a match of doubles?

Every day, more people discover their new favorite form of exercise in pickleball. It may just be one of Washington's most popular inventions. If you're already a convert, consider making the trek to stunning Bainbridge and seeing where it all began. This safe island community is the perfect location for a weekend getaway.