Sara Dolentz and Fiona Wilson weren’t looking to open a pickleball court facility, and when she caught the pickleball bug and happened upon a space, Pickleball Garage in Jackson, Wyoming, was born.
“I fell in love with pickleball and when we found this facility, we knew the need for indoor courts was there and this space would fill it,” says Sara. With high property prices, the business partners realized even with space for only two courts they could make it work.
A Two-Court Indoor Pickleball Facility Designed for Its Space
Open since October 2024, Pickleball Garage was designed specifically for pickleball. It accommodates two 60 x 30-foot courts end to end and two bathrooms. With such a small space, there isn’t room for additional amenities, and it’s working.
Running a Fully Automated, Staff-Free Club
The facility is essentially 100% automated with members receiving a four-digit code and handle their own entry and use of the facility. Without a traditional front desk staff or staff at all, the keyless entry has become a successful part of their business model.
“We’ve found we can offer somewhat of a semi-private experience through smaller group instruction, private lessons and more,” Sara says.
Building Community in a Small Pickleball Facility
Sara adds the club’s purpose is to fulfill a need in community and bring people together. As a resident for over 20 years, Sara says it has connected her to people she hadn’t met yet and that is true for many of the members and players. That feeling of community has woven itself in many ways throughout the club. Players are taking ownership of the space to the point where if someone spills something, they clean it up. They also help others with the automated system and make the small space welcoming for all.
Balancing Supply and Demand for Open Play
An early challenge was determining how to manage supply and demand with paying members. Through trial and error, the club realized that limiting open play to 10 players ensures that all are happy with their play time. Smaller groups keep the community feel and provides the court time members want.
Serving Tourists and New Players in a Resort Town
The small space also comes in handy living in a large tourist area. The club offers Selkirk paddles and balls to accommodate tourists and new players alike. With a small marketing budget, they rely on website, Instagram and word of mouth and ensure facility usage instructions are visible to all.
Navigating Seasonal Fluctuations Without Cutting Prices
Like many facilities, Pickleball Garage has seasonal fluctuations. October through March finds most courts fully booked. With competition from outdoor courts, Pickleball Garage adapted rather than accepting.
“We stayed the course with pricing as we knew it wouldn’t be financially wise to lower prices for open play,” Sara says. “And now in our second summer we’re seeing our courts filling more.”
Players that are now used to playing in the facility are appreciating the guaranteed court time and consistent weather. The co-owners also sponsor balls at local courts to keep Pickleball Garage top of mind and as the facility isn’t large enough to host a tournament, they are happy to be sponsors.
Small Footprint, Big Community Impact
With over 1,100 emails in their system, Pickleball Garage continues to grow year after year and still maintain their community feel. Each pickleball facility has its own feel whether 20 courts or two. While the footprint is small, the impact on the community and members has been huge.
FAQ: Small Pickleball Facility Operations
How many courts does Pickleball Garage have?
Pickleball Garage in Jackson, Wyoming operates two 60 x 30-foot indoor courts placed end to end, plus two bathrooms. The facility was purpose-built for pickleball and has no additional amenities.
How does a pickleball facility run without staff?
Pickleball Garage is essentially 100% automated. Members receive a four-digit entry code and handle their own access and use of the facility, so there is no front desk or on-site staff.
How does a small pickleball club manage open play demand?
Pickleball Garage caps open play at 10 players. The limit ensures every member gets satisfying court time while keeping the community feel of a smaller group.
How does an indoor pickleball facility compete with free outdoor courts in summer?
Pickleball Garage held its pricing rather than discounting open play. By its second summer, courts began filling more as players came to value guaranteed court time and consistent weather. The owners also sponsor balls at local outdoor courts to stay top of mind.
