Located just minutes from Bend, Oregon, Sunriver Resort spans over 3,300 acres in the Pacific Northwest. Its unique wilderness setting offers a variety of recreational activities from golf, kayaking, horseback riding, and more. In August of 2023, ten outdoor Pickleball courts were added, and eight more indoor courts followed a month later. Director of Sales and Marketing Lindsay Borkowski says, “In the past, pickleball at the resort was played on temporary courts, and there was organized play just two afternoons a week.” At the time, members of the fitness center had access to the courts, but now players can opt for the new pickleball membership offered by the resort.
Sunriver’s Pickleball Mixers are a big hit among players. “The great thing about these events is they allow our members and guests of different skill levels to play together with a little more structure compared to regular open play,” says Borkowski. Instructors help organize play while giving some instruction along the way. By moving the players around, they make sure everyone gets the chance to play different people. There are a lot of multi-generational families that visit the resort, and mixers give them a chance for family members of different levels to get some fun, competitive play. These mixers are offered two days a week, so it’s a great opportunity to change things up.
Borkowski explains that “many of our members enjoy mixers [not only] to play with a variety of skill levels, [but with the instructor] who occasionally jumps in to play when needed to round out a foursome.” This gives members a chance to learn while engaging in healthy competition. Members of the pickleball club also have access to daily pickleball events such as drills, round robins, and open play. They also offer partner challenges – a round robin where you can sign up with a partner and play with them the whole time. Members have the option to make court reservations and bring their own foursome or partner as well. One Friday each month, Sunriver hosts its “Wine Down” events. Borkowski describes this as a mixer-style pickleball play partnered with wine tastings to celebrate the end of the week. These are exceptionally popular as they incorporate the favored pickleball mixers with a casual social setting.
The indoor pickleball courts have a social area right next to them, where members can hang out between their matches. It includes tables, televisions, a pool table, and a shuffleboard. In addition to pickleball, members have full access to the Sage Springs Club and Spa, including a lap pool, hot tub, steam room, and fitness center.
Sunriver Resort has many options for all sorts of interests. Its wilderness setting provides members with the perfect place to relax and enjoy a wide variety of activities. The introduction of the pickleball membership has allowed players to connect and play at their leisure. The mixers ensure that everyone is challenged while integrating everyone who wants to join. They allow families to play with one another, encourage players to learn from more experienced ones, and create the perfect atmosphere to meet new people. Sunriver Resort has something for everyone.
