BE INCLUSIVE!

You may have heard stories of how hard it is to mix into play at an “exclusive club.” Translation: They are not welcoming to newcomers, or in letting waiting players use the courts during peak

times when the courts may be full (see pickleball guidelines below). It is up to us as club members to make sure the White Lake Pickleball Club (WLPC) maintains its reputation in the pickleball community.

The FAQ below should have all the information needed to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the Whitehall Township Park pickleball courts. If you have questions or suggestions, please Contact Us.  Also, don’t forget to bookmark our amazing calendar, a resource that includes dates of events, sign-up links, and much more. It can be sorted by day, month, and even list format.

FAQs

Where are the courts located?

There are 12 designated courts at Whitehall Township Park located at 7644 Durham Road in Whitehall, MI. The 12 courts are divided into two separate banks of 6 courts each and are connected by a sidewalk. The southern bank of courts are known as the Fischer Courts and The northern bank of courts are known as the River’s ACE Courts. There are also public restrooms and a large covered pavilion at the park.

Do you need to be a member of the WLPC to play at the Whitehall Township courts?

No, the courts are open for public play except during approved Member events and tournaments. Membership in the WLPC is optional, but is recommended and includes a number of exclusive benefits (see Member Benefits listed on Members page).

What are the court guidelines for playing at the Whitehall Township courts?

The basic rules or guidelines for for usage at BOTH banks of six courts is as follows: Other than during the open play hours on the “Rivers ACE Courts”, anytime there 4 or more players waiting for an open court, the 4 on, 4 off rotation begins until open courts become available. If your group finishes a game, please give your court to the next group that is waiting to play. Your group should then wait in line for the next available court.

What is “open play”?

Open play means that you can go up to a court and expect to play in the next open game. The six “River’s ACE” Courts are reserved for morning open play. Players on those court cannot tell the waiting players that they have a closed group and cannot play there. We have the six “Fischer” courts that are available for that purpose.

Open play is from 8:30 a.m – 11 a.m. When a game ends, if there are players waiting in line, two players leave the court. Winners split up and two new players join the court. If more than 8 players are waiting, those players should use the whiteboard and sign-up on the first available open box. Rotation then changes to 4 on, 4 off until there are less than 8 people waiting.

Does the WLPC give lessons?

During the summer months WLPC will offer a variety of classes and clinics. You can find a schedule of classes and clinic under on our Events Calendar and can sign up for a class on our website, whitelakepickleball.com. If  you would like to have private lessons here is a list of instructors that have asked us to post their information on our website.  https://whitelakepickleball.com/home/club-info/classes/

Are balls and paddles provided at the Whitehall Township Pickleball Courts?

Balls are provided for use during open play and and for other member events. Otherwise players are expected to provide their own balls and paddles.

There are a number of paddles available for use for those who either forgot their paddles or for those who are new to the game of pickleball.

Why should I sign up for a WLPC membership when I can play at the courts for free?

Membership is very important for number of reasons. First, it provides a sense of ownership and community for the club and everything that WLPC has accomplished at the Whitehall Township Park. The majority of the improvements related to pickleball at the park were financed by members and donors and were implemented by a dedicated group of volunteers. Those efforts are the main reason pickleball players can now enjoy the premier pickleball facility in the White Lake and surrounding area. The 12 designated pickleball courts, fencing , maintenance, nets, windscreens, bleachers, signage, etc. are all managed and paid for by WLPC. Whitelake Township owns the property, but we are the caretakers and developers for the pickleball areas. Membership doesn’t come close to covering the cost of everything that we have implemented at the park, but it certainly does help.

The club holds membership-only events at the courts and also provides balls for open play and club sponsored events.