Pickleball was invented in 1965 as a children's backyard game, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The spread of the sport is attributed to its popularity within community centers, physical education classes, public parks, private health clubs, YMCA facilities and retirement communities. There are thousands of pickleball tournaments throughout the United States as well as numerous international championships each year.

Harrison Bruce Park features lighted tennis courts that are also striped for pickleball, picnic shelters, a playground and a membership-based dog park.