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Paddle Up: Inside the PklPlex
A New Era for the SportsPlex
On a snow covered Thursday afternoon in Winchester, Virginia, the sounds of laughter and plastic paddles echo through the newly transformed PklPlex. What was once a multipurpose arena hosting basketball, floor hockey, and volleyball has evolved into something entirely different—six championship-quality indoor pickleball courts that are drawing players from teenagers to octogenarians.
Owners Tammy LaCroix and Mike Turpin spent over a year searching for the perfect location to open their pickleball club they tell host Janet Michael and co-host Justin Kerns on a recent episode of The Valley Today. After encountering numerous zoning issues with other buildings, they finally connected with the owner of the Winchester SportsPlex last summer. The facility, located at 221 Commonwealth Court just off Interstate 81 in Kernstown, wasn't being used to its full capacity. Consequently, they negotiated a lease for half the building and got to work transforming it into the region's premier indoor pickleball destination.
Building Something Special
The transformation wasn't simple. First, the team stripped the arena down to bare concrete, removing the old plastic tiles that had served multiple sports. Then, they brought in specialized equipment to prepare the surface for what would become elite-level courts. Using Laykold—a company trusted by USTA tennis facilities worldwide—they applied a seven-layer painting process with sand built into each layer for optimal traction.
Moreover, the PklPlex stands out as one of the only facilities on the East Coast to feature plexiglass barriers surrounding the courts. Unlike traditional chain-link fencing, these transparent walls allow spectators to watch every moment of play from the comfortable lounge area. This design choice creates an inviting atmosphere where families can relax on couches, enjoy snacks, and observe players at every skill level.
More Than Just a Sport
Pickleball's explosive growth didn't happen by accident. Mike, a lifelong tennis player, explains that the pandemic created a perfect storm for the sport's popularity. People desperately needed outdoor exercise combined with social interaction, and pickleball delivered both. Unlike tennis, which takes years to master, newcomers can learn the basics in just 15 to 20 minutes.
Furthermore, the sport's accessibility sets it apart. The court measures roughly half the size of a tennis court, players use lightweight paddles instead of heavy rackets, and the wiffle ball moves slower than a tennis ball. Additionally, the "kitchen"—a designated area near the net where players cannot spike the ball—prevents aggressive play and keeps the game friendly. Games only go to 11 points, making matches quick and allowing for frequent rotation among players.
Building Community One Game at a Time
What truly distinguishes the PklPlex is its emphasis on community. Tammy has created a tiered system of drop-in play sessions with delightfully creative names: Fresh Pickles for beginners, Paddle Rangers for intermediate players, Kitchen Masters for advanced players, and Court Commanders for the elite. Players register online through the Court Reserve app, which shows exactly who else will be playing.
The system works brilliantly. Each court accommodates six registered players—four playing while two wait. Every 15 minutes, players rotate, ensuring everyone gets equal court time. When a session fills up, Tammy simply opens another court. Throughout the day, her phone constantly dings with messages as players coordinate their visits.
Ages and Stages
The membership roster tells an impressive story. Members range from 17 to 80 years old, and recently, the facility's oldest and youngest members faced off across the net. Both held their own, chatting and laughing throughout the match. This intergenerational appeal makes pickleball unique among sports.
Families particularly love the flexibility. While members must be 17 or older to play independently, younger children can join their parents on private courts. Parents regularly book courts to play with their kids for an hour, creating quality family time. Meanwhile, high school and college students enjoy a special $5 drop-in rate, compared to the standard $15 visitor fee.
No Experience Required
For newcomers intimidated by trying a new sport, the PklPlex removes every barrier. The facility provides loaner paddles and balls, eliminating the need for upfront equipment purchases. Professional instructors offer lessons for those seeking to advance their skills, while Frederick County Parks and Recreation runs beginner classes on-site.
Most importantly, the culture welcomes absolute beginners. When new players arrive, experienced members actively help them learn rather than dominating the court. Tammy recalls watching an 80-year-old woman with double hip replacements join a game. Despite limited mobility, she possessed an incredible serve from her tennis background. Other players adapted their game to include her, hitting balls within her reach and celebrating her contributions.
Perfect for Visitors
Justin (Winchester Tourism) emphasizes the facility's appeal for travelers. The Court Reserve app allows visitors from anywhere in the country to find local clubs, check schedules, and book courts before they arrive. Whether someone has two hours to burn on a rainy day or wants to maintain their pickleball routine while traveling, the PklPlex accommodates them.
The facility operates Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 10 PM, offering both drop-in sessions and private court rentals. A well-stocked pro shop carries paddles, balls, and accessories for those who want to purchase their own gear. Additionally, the lounge area features ping pong and cornhole—both free to use—making it a complete recreational destination.
The Addiction Factor
Mike makes a bold claim: "Put a paddle in your hand—it's magic. You'll be addicted to pickleball." He insists he's never met anyone who tried the sport and didn't fall in love with it. The evidence supports him. One member stops by the desk daily to tell Tammy and Mike, "You have given me so much joy."
During the grand opening over Christmas break, hundreds of people showed up for free play. Many have since become regular members. Even Mike admits that after working 10 to 15 hours at the facility, he'll be walking out the door when someone asks if he wants to play a game. His answer is always yes.
A Sport Named After a Dog
Perhaps the most charming detail about pickleball is its origin story. The sport has nothing to do with pickles. Instead, a family in Washington state created the game in the 1980s, and their dog was named Pickles. That simple fact somehow makes the sport even more endearing—a backyard invention that has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, bringing communities together one game at a time.
For Winchester residents and visitors alike, the PklPlex offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely inclusive activity where 17-year-olds and 80-year-olds compete on equal footing, where strangers become friends within minutes, and where the only requirement for entry is a willingness to try something new.
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By Janet MichaelA New Era for the SportsPlex
On a snow covered Thursday afternoon in Winchester, Virginia, the sounds of laughter and plastic paddles echo through the newly transformed PklPlex. What was once a multipurpose arena hosting basketball, floor hockey, and volleyball has evolved into something entirely different—six championship-quality indoor pickleball courts that are drawing players from teenagers to octogenarians.
Owners Tammy LaCroix and Mike Turpin spent over a year searching for the perfect location to open their pickleball club they tell host Janet Michael and co-host Justin Kerns on a recent episode of The Valley Today. After encountering numerous zoning issues with other buildings, they finally connected with the owner of the Winchester SportsPlex last summer. The facility, located at 221 Commonwealth Court just off Interstate 81 in Kernstown, wasn't being used to its full capacity. Consequently, they negotiated a lease for half the building and got to work transforming it into the region's premier indoor pickleball destination.
Building Something Special
The transformation wasn't simple. First, the team stripped the arena down to bare concrete, removing the old plastic tiles that had served multiple sports. Then, they brought in specialized equipment to prepare the surface for what would become elite-level courts. Using Laykold—a company trusted by USTA tennis facilities worldwide—they applied a seven-layer painting process with sand built into each layer for optimal traction.
Moreover, the PklPlex stands out as one of the only facilities on the East Coast to feature plexiglass barriers surrounding the courts. Unlike traditional chain-link fencing, these transparent walls allow spectators to watch every moment of play from the comfortable lounge area. This design choice creates an inviting atmosphere where families can relax on couches, enjoy snacks, and observe players at every skill level.
More Than Just a Sport
Pickleball's explosive growth didn't happen by accident. Mike, a lifelong tennis player, explains that the pandemic created a perfect storm for the sport's popularity. People desperately needed outdoor exercise combined with social interaction, and pickleball delivered both. Unlike tennis, which takes years to master, newcomers can learn the basics in just 15 to 20 minutes.
Furthermore, the sport's accessibility sets it apart. The court measures roughly half the size of a tennis court, players use lightweight paddles instead of heavy rackets, and the wiffle ball moves slower than a tennis ball. Additionally, the "kitchen"—a designated area near the net where players cannot spike the ball—prevents aggressive play and keeps the game friendly. Games only go to 11 points, making matches quick and allowing for frequent rotation among players.
Building Community One Game at a Time
What truly distinguishes the PklPlex is its emphasis on community. Tammy has created a tiered system of drop-in play sessions with delightfully creative names: Fresh Pickles for beginners, Paddle Rangers for intermediate players, Kitchen Masters for advanced players, and Court Commanders for the elite. Players register online through the Court Reserve app, which shows exactly who else will be playing.
The system works brilliantly. Each court accommodates six registered players—four playing while two wait. Every 15 minutes, players rotate, ensuring everyone gets equal court time. When a session fills up, Tammy simply opens another court. Throughout the day, her phone constantly dings with messages as players coordinate their visits.
Ages and Stages
The membership roster tells an impressive story. Members range from 17 to 80 years old, and recently, the facility's oldest and youngest members faced off across the net. Both held their own, chatting and laughing throughout the match. This intergenerational appeal makes pickleball unique among sports.
Families particularly love the flexibility. While members must be 17 or older to play independently, younger children can join their parents on private courts. Parents regularly book courts to play with their kids for an hour, creating quality family time. Meanwhile, high school and college students enjoy a special $5 drop-in rate, compared to the standard $15 visitor fee.
No Experience Required
For newcomers intimidated by trying a new sport, the PklPlex removes every barrier. The facility provides loaner paddles and balls, eliminating the need for upfront equipment purchases. Professional instructors offer lessons for those seeking to advance their skills, while Frederick County Parks and Recreation runs beginner classes on-site.
Most importantly, the culture welcomes absolute beginners. When new players arrive, experienced members actively help them learn rather than dominating the court. Tammy recalls watching an 80-year-old woman with double hip replacements join a game. Despite limited mobility, she possessed an incredible serve from her tennis background. Other players adapted their game to include her, hitting balls within her reach and celebrating her contributions.
Perfect for Visitors
Justin (Winchester Tourism) emphasizes the facility's appeal for travelers. The Court Reserve app allows visitors from anywhere in the country to find local clubs, check schedules, and book courts before they arrive. Whether someone has two hours to burn on a rainy day or wants to maintain their pickleball routine while traveling, the PklPlex accommodates them.
The facility operates Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 10 PM, offering both drop-in sessions and private court rentals. A well-stocked pro shop carries paddles, balls, and accessories for those who want to purchase their own gear. Additionally, the lounge area features ping pong and cornhole—both free to use—making it a complete recreational destination.
The Addiction Factor
Mike makes a bold claim: "Put a paddle in your hand—it's magic. You'll be addicted to pickleball." He insists he's never met anyone who tried the sport and didn't fall in love with it. The evidence supports him. One member stops by the desk daily to tell Tammy and Mike, "You have given me so much joy."
During the grand opening over Christmas break, hundreds of people showed up for free play. Many have since become regular members. Even Mike admits that after working 10 to 15 hours at the facility, he'll be walking out the door when someone asks if he wants to play a game. His answer is always yes.
A Sport Named After a Dog
Perhaps the most charming detail about pickleball is its origin story. The sport has nothing to do with pickles. Instead, a family in Washington state created the game in the 1980s, and their dog was named Pickles. That simple fact somehow makes the sport even more endearing—a backyard invention that has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, bringing communities together one game at a time.
For Winchester residents and visitors alike, the PklPlex offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely inclusive activity where 17-year-olds and 80-year-olds compete on equal footing, where strangers become friends within minutes, and where the only requirement for entry is a willingness to try something new.