For months at a time, pickleball players have had to put their desire to play on hold because of outdoor conditions or jump through hoops to reserve court time or find an open gym.

But not any longer. 

Located on Beck Road in Post Falls, The Flying Pickle is a new, state-of-the-art pickleball gym meant to give pickleballers a place to compete year-round. 

Mike Johansen, club director, said The Flying Pickle isn't just a place to play a game, but gives North Idaho a “third place” to build friends and community. 

“It’s a great spot to eat, hangout or do some work if you have to,” he said. 

The 83,000-square-foot facility contains 24 individual pickleball courts built to professional standards. Each court has a camera system that can capture and send game footage to players so that special plays can be relived over and over.

“It’s, obviously, pickleball first, but we also have a full bar and restaurant open to the public," Johansen said. "Our Selkirk Pro Shop is open to the public and our mezzanine space as well."

In partnership with Kootenai Health, The Flying Pickle also has a “recovery zone” stocked with massage guns and compression boots. 

Lessons cost $10 for guests and are free for club members.

The club plans to host its first tournament Oct. 18.

Club Owner Duane McPherson took his first swing at pickleball at the club's grand opening event. Since then, he has grown fond of the game and what it can do for communities. 

“I was watching a grandmother play with her grandson this morning,” McPherson said. “There’s nothing cooler than that.”

He said it is important for people to spend time together, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced and popularized the sport for many, including Johansen.

“I started looking to get out of the house and do something,” Johansen said. 

He said the smaller courts and intimate play made the game more social, calling it a “cultural hug.”

Pickleballer Joe Beatty, who plays at The Flying Pickle, said that he picked up pickleball after aging out of being a triathlete, runner and basketball player. As a former P.E. teacher, Beatty had taught the sport for several years before picking it up again.

"We're playing two and half years, and I just love it, it's awesome," Beatty said. 

Now he calls the game "part of life" and loves the "lifelong friends" that he has made through it. 

Info: www.theflyingpickle.com

    Irene Boon and Tom Darzees hit the ball back to Mike Johansen and Mariann, who declined to give her last name, on Thursday, Aug. 18, at The Flying Pickle in Post Falls.