Carmel, Ind. (August 20, 2024) — Pickle On Penn — affectionately nicknamed “POP” — a premier pickleball country club featuring eight indoor courts opened the doors to its state-of-the-art facility in Hamilton County on July 15 and will be followed by the opening of The Kitchen at Pickle On Penn, a 90-seat restaurant and bar, next month.
The highly anticipated 23,500-square-foot facility was designed to create a bright and friendly atmosphere where both seasoned professionals and those just learning the game can grow their skills and feel welcome. Conveniently located to serve the thriving communities of Marion and Hamilton counties, POP offers members the luxury of year-round play, unparalleled access to teaching professionals, and engaging opportunities for all levels of players.
Featuring eight regulation-size indoor pickleball courts, the building is flanked by commercial garage doors capable of connecting players with the outdoors during warm weather months. A pro shop, luxurious locker rooms, and a lounge area round out the main level. Plans to host regular tournaments, clinics, classes, leagues, and social events, are scheduled as part of the club’s plan to create a connected and engaged community of pickleball enthusiasts. Individual and family memberships, guest passes, and free pickleball 101 experiences are available. All reservations can be made through the Court Reserve app.
POP is a private club led by a dynamic ownership team, featuring esteemed local entrepreneurs Steve and Kelly Bodner. With a vision of creating a pickleball-focused club that embodies the same structure and culture that encompasses country clubs across the county, Pickle On Penn was born. The team hired longtime coaching professional Ryan Atkinson, PharmD, MBA, PPR, as the club’s General Manager and Director of Pickleball. He brings a distinguished coaching tenure to POP and is responsible for fostering the programming and membership
experience.
“I couldn’t be more excited about joining the amazing POP team at the ground level,” said Atkinson. “Pickleball has changed my life, not to mention this is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. I am so thankful to Kelly Bodner and SC Bodner Company for their support and vision within the industry.”
Opening in September 2024, The Kitchen at Pickle On Penn, “The Kitchen”, will be led by locally renowned executive chef Carlesa Smith. Located on the second level of the Pickle On Penn building and open to the public, The Kitchen will feature artfully crafted American dishes, a full bar, and one-of-a-kind picture windows overlooking the pickleball
courts below.
“We offer a different kind of pickleball and restaurant experience,” says Bodner. “Join us at Pickle on Penn to experience the infectious energy of our elite club, unleash your competitive spirit, and revel in laughter-filled moments with new friends.” Even if you’re not yet a pickleball player, you are encouraged to visit The Kitchen for a delicious meal and to experience the magic of a community that welcomes all.