Welcome to the Spalding County Pickleball Association

Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park, located at 1301 Cowan Road in Griffin, GA 30223, is a fantastic venue for sports enthusiasts, especially those interested in Griffin GA pickleball. The park hosts numerous events, including round robins for players of all skill levels. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Spalding County pickleball opportunities abound in this vibrant community, making it an ideal spot for pickleball Griffin GA fans and players alike.

Click to Become a member of Spalding County Pickleball Association

For inquiries about Spalding County pickleball and to learn more about upcoming round robins in Griffin GA, feel free to reach out at SpaldingPickleball@gmail.com. Join us for exciting pickleball events in Griffin GA!

Sign up now - Aug. 10TH "BACKPACK FOOD FOR KIDS' Round Robin

Registration is now open!

We invite everyone to participate in the "Backpack Food for Kids" Round Robin on Monday,August 10th, at 6:30 P.M. Check-in will begin at 6:00 P.M.

This is an SCPA fundraiser event for our community of kids.

SCPA membership IS NOT required to participate.

You do NOT have to play in the round robin to make a donation to this worthy cause.

In the upcoming school year, Backpack Food for Kids (BPFFK) program will serve over 400 students from all 11 elementary schools in the Griffin-Spalding County School System, who

experience food insecurity.

Every Friday, the students are provided with backpacks of non-perishable food items to sustain them over the weekend during the school year.

There is a $15 minimum donation to play in the Round Robin, but you can choose any of the amounts listed to go toward the kids.

There is also a “Donate Only” button below, if you are not able to join us in the Round Robin.

We would love to have 72 players and fill up our courts!!

This fundraiser is sponsored by the Spalding County Pickleball Association and approved by Griffin-Spalding County Schools.

All donations from the Round Robin will go directly to the Backpack Food for Kids Program and be administered by the Spalding County Collaborative Authority for Families and Children.

Deadline for the round robin registration was noon on Friday, August 7th. But it is not too late to make your donation.

Please note: Any donation DOES NOT apply to SCPA membership. It is a donation only, intended to support the BPFFK program.

About the Spalding County Pickleball Association

The Spalding County Pickleball Association (SCPA) provides a variety of opportunities for players, including open recreational play, lessons, skill level development, league play, special activities, and tournament play, all centered around pickleball in Griffin, GA.

Located in Griffin, Georgia, Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park boasts 18 dedicated pickleball courts, four of which are covered, making it a prime location for pickleball enthusiasts.

This impressive pickleball complex features 18 lighted courts, restrooms, a concession stand, and shade awnings, perfect for hosting round robins and other special events in the Spalding pickleball community.

Why Is the Sport Called ‘Pickleball’?

The name of the game pickleball has as clear an origin story as any other sport. But a debate eventually emerged over that name, which we’ll try to clear up.

Much like the ’90s trends of racewalking and Jazzercise, pickleball has become a major sporting craze, especially in areas like Griffin, GA. People of all ages enjoy this popular paddle sport, which admittedly has an unusual name. It’s not like the sport is played in a giant bath of brine, nor is anyone hurling dill pickles across the court, so why is it called “pickleball”?

In the summer of 1965, the Pritchard family was vacationing at their home in Bainbridge Island, Washington. To stave off boredom, U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friends cobbled together a game using a badminton court, some table tennis paddles, and a perforated plastic ball. Thus, pickleball was created.

The name of the game came from Joel’s wife, Joan. As an avid rowing fan, Joan threw out the name “pickle ball,” a reference to “pickle boat” rowing competitions in which leftover crew members are thrown together on a team. She felt this name was appropriate since the newly created game incorporated “leftover” elements of similar sports, such as badminton and table tennis. In the context of rowing, the term “pickle boat” came from old fishing fleets, as the very last boat to return to port was responsible for pickling that day’s catch. Joan’s recommendation was adopted and eventually shortened to one word.

But confusion over the name’s origins ensued. In 1968, the Pritchards got a new dog and named it Pickles. Years later, Joel was interviewed by a reporter about where the name “pickleball” came from, and he told the true story. Joel also joked about how they named it after the family dog, and the reporter opted to run with that (false) angle instead. This muddled the origin story for pickleball fans, including those in Spalding County pickleball circles, but it was Joan who originally came up with the name. Today, many players participate in round robins and enjoy the growing pickleball community, including those in Griffin, GA.

Table tennis paddle and balls on a netted surface.

Visit Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park

About the Park / Directions

Spalding County built Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park in 1993. This beautiful regional park of 164 acres is named after Olympic Gold medalist, Wyomia Tyus from Spalding County. She is a retired American track and field sprinter, the first to retain the Olympic 100 meter title. Since its opening, this park has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike, featuring 2 large picnic pavilions overlooking a 3-acre lake, soccer fields, baseball fields, and playgrounds. Notably, the park also offers options for sports enthusiasts, including Spalding County pickleball courts, making it a prime destination for pickleball in Griffin, GA. With facilities for round robins and a 5K walking trail, this park truly caters to a variety of outdoor activities.

Spalding County Pickleball Association

1301 Cowan Rd, Griffin, GA 30223

SpaldingPickleball@gmail.com P.O. Box 39 Experiment, GA 30212

Court Hours

Open today

08:00 am – 10:00 pm

Welcome to the Spalding County Pickleball Association

Sign up now - Aug. 10TH "BACKPACK FOOD FOR KIDS' Round Robin

Registration is now open!

About the Spalding County Pickleball Association

Why Is the Sport Called ‘Pickleball’?

Let's continue to build a pickleball community!

new franklin X-40 pickleballs for sale. Limited Quantity.

Visit Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park

About the Park / Directions

Spalding County Pickleball Association

Court Hours

Drop us an email.

Our Loaner Paddles Need to be Replenished.

The covered courts are a great option.

See us on Places2Play.com

Welcome to the Spalding County Pickleball Association

Sign up now - Aug. 10TH "BACKPACK FOOD FOR KIDS' Round Robin

Registration is now open!

About the Spalding County Pickleball Association

Click a logo below to connect with us on Social Media

Why Is the Sport Called ‘Pickleball’?

Let's continue to build a pickleball community!

new franklin X-40 pickleballs for sale. Limited Quantity.

Visit Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park

About the Park / Directions

Spalding County Pickleball Association

Court Hours

Drop us an email.

Our Loaner Paddles Need to be Replenished.

The covered courts are a great option.

See us on Places2Play.com

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