Fifteen years ago, Paul and Abi Tschetter and their two children moved from the Denver area to Whidbey Island. Abi notes: “We were tired of trying to keep up with life in the rat race.” They thought they would just be here for a yearlong sabbatical, but once they were here, they decided life on Whidbey Island was what they wanted for their family.
Paul discovered pickleball a few years ago and fell in love with the sport. An avid player, he quickly became aware that there was a need in the community for a place to play year-round pickleball. In the serendipitous world of Whidbey, a property that would work for this idea became available in Freeland. As a real-estate investor with a gift for seeing potential others miss, Paul had a vision for the building, which he shared with Abi. The vision is now a reality: Whidbey Pickle Barn at 5550 Vanbarr Place in Freeland.
Creating Whidbey Pickle Barn afforded the Tschetters a project they could work on together. Abi notes: “Paul and I wanted a hobby we could share, not only with one another, but also with our kids. Additionally, we wanted to be part of a shared community and connection on Whidbey. Whidbey Pickle Barn afforded an opportunity for us to meet our own needs and desires as well as to meet a need in our community in a real and tangible way.”
The Tschetters believe they are offering something needed and special. Abi adds: “Sure, this is a top-notch facility to play pickleball, but more than that, Whidbey Pickle Barn is a place for people to get outside of their homes and themselves. It's a place where we can come together to laugh and play and work together and lean on one another.”
Both members and visitors of all skill levels are welcome to register for daily drop-in sessions, clinics, and workshops by visiting their website: https://www.whidbeypicklebarn.com/. Please remember to bring a water bottle, your own paddle, and non-marking court shoes. For more information, call or text 360.822.BARN, or you can reach them by email at info@whidbeypicklebarn.com.
If you’d like to check out Whidbey Pickle Barn for yourself, please mark your calendar: Whidbey Pickle Barn will host a community open house on Saturday afternoon, March 16th.
