Welcome to AAPA!
Our Mission: to foster pickleball in the greater Athens area by educating the community and assisting the local government in improving public pickleball facilities
Did You Know?
Pickleball is now the fastest growing sport both locally and statewide, and for the last 15 years, the fastest growing sport in America.
The TRUE creation of Pickleball: Maybe it wasn’t a dog… Read here.
The sport is especially favored by seniors but is being played by people of all ages. Our courts are often filled with UGA students. (The youngest 5.0 player was 12 yrs. old when he reached that rank.)
The Athens Area Pickleball Association (AAPA) began with just six interested people in 2013.
As the governing and organizing body for pickleball play in the Athens area, AAPA promotes the sport as well as works with schools, community centers, and others to give back to the community. AAPA now has over 500 registered players. (It is estimated that there are that many students and other players who have not registered, not counting the number of travelers to this area).
Athens is recognized as one of the top places in Georgia for Pickleball. Our purpose is to promote, encourage, teach, and play Pickleball in the Athens Area. Everyone is welcome!
Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department has done an amazing job of meeting our need for places to play. We have six designated pickleball courts at Southeast Clarke Park and three indoor courts each at Thomas Lay Park gym and Aaron Heard Park gym. Outside tennis courts with pickleball lines are located at Satterfield, Bishop Park, and Aaron Heard Park. The university’s Ramsey Center, YWCO, and some local churches have also provided courts to our many pickleball enthusiasts.
“We relocated to Athens from out of state. The primary factor in our decision was an established and vibrant pickleball community.“
– Katherine W.
We Need You!
Please Join and Become a Member of our Athens Area Pickleball Association or renew your annual membership. You will be helping us supply the balls you play with and the nets you use, and you’ll be joining a great group of Pickleballers. First time members receive an AAPA car magnet. All members get a vote at our general meetings and receive the combination to our storage lockers at the outdoor parks. Annual Membership is $25 a year per person or $40 per family (same household).
What We Do
Free instruction for beginners at Aaron Heard Community Center every Monday morning (see Where We Play for address).
Quarterly luncheons (potluck) and social events
Regular communication with updates regarding closings, upcoming events, and recognition of AAPA member success
Work with Athens Leisure Services and other community leaders to ensure numerous places to play (inside and outside) free of charge.
Maintain an active website with information related to places to play, pickleball rules, self rating, discounts, paddle exchange, and more
Provide nets and balls as well as assist with improving facilities
Offer more outdoor play for members and a special code for nets and balls at certain facilities in Athens
What Can You Do?
The AAPA provides many opportunities for members to become involved with our organization beyond just playing pickleball. View the list below to see if you can help.
The Board of Directors is always looking for more volunteers to help throughout the year. If there is a committee you might be interested in working on email [email protected] and the committee chair will contact you. These committees include:
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Membership Committee: promote pickleball and help with social media
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Social Committee: assist with quarterly luncheons and other events
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Tournaments/Clinics: help set up round robins, tournaments, clinics