Pickleball Club & Drop-in Play

GMRC Courts # 5-12

Club Play         Tu, Th, Sat        9am-11am

Drop-In Play   Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-11am

BBR Pickleball News | September 3, 2021

Evan Sims

Black Butte Ranch is excited to welcome back Evan Sims as the Director of Tennis for the 2021 Summer Tennis Season. A Central Oregon native, Evan brings a lot of coaching and playing experience with him.

Following his college graduation in 2013, Evan decided to pursue his USPTA certification and secured a teaching position at the Bainbridge Athletic Club, in Washington, working alongside the head professional running clinics and teaching private lessons.

Since then Evan has been working seasonally maintaining his summer position here at Black Butte Ranch and filling his winters at various clubs around the Pacific Northwest.

He has spent his winters in Portland at St. John’s Tennis Center, The Valley Club, in Sun Valley Idaho and most recently at Tennis Center Sand Point; a 10 court indoor facility in Seattle, WA.

He has held the positions of assistant professional, head professional and facility manager at the various locations before accepting the job as director of tennis at Black Butte Ranch. He has taught a variety of adult and junior tennis classes, ran tournaments, coached numerous USTA teams as well as private lessons, and pickleball clinics.

As a player, Evan played two years for Santa Rosa Junior College, a perennial top performer in California. Eventually, Evan transferred to finish his degree at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon, where he earned his B.S. in Kinesiology. Off the tennis court you will find Evan enjoying all that a central Oregon summer has to offer from biking, hiking, rock climbing and camping. Evan will be directing both the tennis and pickleball program, and is available for private, group and hitting lessons for all ages and levels.

Pickleball Private and Group Lessons

Available during the summer months. Please call the Tennis office (541) 595-1285 to set up a time.

Come see why this is the fastest growing sport in the nation! Bring a friend or the entire extended family (limit 8 players). Our racket director supplies the balls and paddles. Come learning the basics or if you are a skilled player and want to make it a clinic with drills and games we can accommodate that as well.

Mixer | $15/player

1-4 players |  $45 total

5-8 players | $75 total

Pickleball Rentals

$8 for a one-hour rental from the GMRC Recreation Desk. Includes one racket and one ball.

BB Pickleball FAQs

How many pickleball courts are on Black Butte Ranch (BBR) and where are the courts located?

• Courts 1-4 are located at the Glaze Meadow Family Recreation Area
• Courts 5-12 are located at the Glaze Meadow Recreation Center (GMRC)
• Upper Glaze Meadow pool area has 2 tennis courts with pickleball lines; tennis nets are used; these courts are non-reservation

How do I reserve a pickleball court for play?

• Walk-in and reserve at GMRC Desk or call (541) 595-5881

Is there equipment I can rent to play pickleball?

• Paddles and balls are available to rent at the GMRC, (541) 595-5881. Pickleball clothing and equipment are for sale in the GMRC Sports Shop.

What is Drop-In Play?

• Drop-In Play is a set time for homeowners, family members, and guests to meet others to form teams or matches with other players. It is a great way to meet other players and enjoy a fun or challenging match.  Contact GMRC 541-595-5881 for times for drop-in play

After I show up for Drop-In Play, how will I know what to do?

• At each session of Drop-In Play a host will help players get organized and get play started. Balls will be provided.  Players must provide their own paddles or rent paddles from the GMRC.

What is the Black Butte Ranch Pickleball Club?

• The purpose of the Club is to grow the game of Pickleball for all ages, levels, and The Club creates an environment that promotes health, social interaction, good sportsmanship, and fun.  Skill and mentoring programs are continually offered to enhance organized recreational, and competitive play. The Club consists of many passionate pickleball homeowners, (full time and part-time) and their family members.  The current 100 Club members range in skill level from beginners to advanced players.
• Any homeowner or homeowner family member is eligible to join the Club by simply emailing their contact information: first and last name, email address, phone number and lot number to Brody@gmail.com

Is there someone available who can help me improve my skills?

• The Black Butte Ranch Tennis and Pickleball Instructor is Evan Sims. To schedule a pickleball lesson or sign up for his special events, call GMRC (541) 595-5881, or stop by the desk and speak to the assistant.

I’ve seen a pickleball practice machine on the court, how can I have access to it.

• A pickleball practice machine has been purchased by the Pickleball Club through donations and is available to only Club Members, for use during Club playing times and by reservation.

Pickleball Courts 1-4 at the Glaze Meadow Family Recreation Area

Pickleball Courts 5-12 at the Glaze Meadow Recreation Center (GMRC)

Non-reservation Courts

Upper Glaze Meadow #12-13 (tennis & pickleball lines on court)

Paulina Court #14 (no parking available: bike or walk)

Lighted Reservation Courts

Glaze Meadow Courts #7-9

Limit of one hour of play/household/day

Courts are lit until 11pm

Evan Sims

Black Butte Ranch is excited to welcome back Evan Sims as the Director of Tennis for the 2021 Summer Tennis Season. A Central Oregon native, Evan brings a lot of coaching and playing experience with him.

Following his college graduation in 2013, Evan decided to pursue his USPTA certification and secured a teaching position at the Bainbridge Athletic Club, in Washington, working alongside the head professional running clinics and teaching private lessons.

Since then Evan has been working seasonally maintaining his summer position here at Black Butte Ranch and filling his winters at various clubs around the Pacific Northwest.

He has spent his winters in Portland at St. John’s Tennis Center, The Valley Club, in Sun Valley Idaho and most recently at Tennis Center Sand Point; a 10 court indoor facility in Seattle, WA.

He has held the positions of assistant professional, head professional and facility manager at the various locations before accepting the job as director of tennis at Black Butte Ranch. He has taught a variety of adult and junior tennis classes, ran tournaments, coached numerous USTA teams as well as private lessons, and pickleball clinics.

As a player, Evan played two years for Santa Rosa Junior College, a perennial top performer in California. Eventually, Evan transferred to finish his degree at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon, where he earned his B.S. in Kinesiology. Off the tennis court you will find Evan enjoying all that a central Oregon summer has to offer from biking, hiking, rock climbing and camping. Evan will be directing both the tennis and pickleball program, and is available for private, group and hitting lessons for all ages and levels.

2021 Summer Tennis Classes & Programs

June 9 – September 30, 2021

NEW – Tennis Doubles | Drop-in
Mondays 8am-10am, Tuesdays 4pm-6pm

Begins June 21 at GMRC, courts #10-11. All ages and abilities welcome. No partner required.

Cardio Tennis
Thursday/Saturday 9-10am (all levels welcome)

This popular, fast pace clinic is a fun, group activity featuring drills and games to give players of all abilities an ultimate, high-energy workout. Cardio Tennis includes a warm-up, cardio workout, and cool down phases. If you want to find a healthy, new way to get in shape and to burn calories, join us at the Glaze Meadow tennis courts.  Adult drop-in: $25/clinic

Skills and Drills
Thursday 10-11am

If you are looking for point play and strategy with a particular focus each week, this class will give you new tools to use in your USTA matches. A great compliment to our other adult classes at BBR, we will give you a game plan to take with you in your doubles and singles matches by focusing on point play, movement, and strategy. Learn new patterns of play, tactics, and point development. Adult drop-in: $25/clinic

Liveball
Saturday 10-11am (all levels welcome)

This is a fast-paced class that puts all the focus on point play. This addicting fast-paced doubles game is sweeping the nation!  BBR Liveball will help build stamina, focus, reaction time, and confidence on the tennis court. Come to the courts for an hour of Liveball and see why this drill session is all the rage.  Adult drop-in: $25/clinic

Lil Shots
Wednesday/Friday 9-10am 

Let us introduce your child to the game of tennis. We use Quick Start balls and nets to ensure all of our Lil’ Shots find success and have fun with every hit. Build the foundation of tennis with energetic games and athletic movements. Hand-eye coordination and FUN are the center points of tennis at this age. $25/player

Big Shots
Wednesday/Friday 10-11 am 

Whether your child is just starting or has been playing for years, this class will help reinforce stroke fundamentals and introduce sportsmanship, rallying, and scorekeeping in a fun environment. Through the summer the kids will learn all the strokes it takes to play a match at their level and age. $25/player

Teen Tennis
Thursday 11am-12pm

This class is for the middle to high school tennis players who are looking to gain some ground in their match play next season. With lots of point play and stroke production, the juniors will be fired up and ready for next year’s tennis season. Practice makes permanent and there is nothing better than a summer on the tennis courts at BBR to hone your game. $25/player

Twilight Tennis
Wednesday 5-6:30pm (all levels welcome)

Join us once a week in the evening after the heat of the day for an hour and a half of point play and Liveball coordinated by our tennis staff. Mingle with homeowners and vacationers during this social tennis evening. $25/player

Private Lesson Happy Hour

Wednesday & Friday 4-5 pm

Come take a one hour private lesson for a discounted rate in the late afternoon. Perfect for the person who is just getting into to tennis and wants to start with a few lessons from a USPTA teaching professional at an introductory price. $60/hr

Tennis Racquet Rentals and Repair

Tennis racquets are available to rent at the Rental Shop located inside the Glaze Meadow Rec Center. (541) 595-5877. Equipment rental shop hours include:

June 3-20 | Wednesday – Sunday | 9:30am-5:00pm

June 21-30 | Daily | 9am-5pm

Stringing Service is available through our Tennis Director Evan Sims, USPTA, at the tennis office at the GMRC.

Pricing

Happy Hour | $60/hr

Private lessons | $80/hr; $40/half hr

2 people | $45/player

3 people | $35/player

Drop-in adult & junior clinics | $25/player

Pickleball mixer | $15/player

Pickleball lessons (1-4 players) | $45 total

Pickleball lessons (5-8 players) | $75 total

Summer Smash Pass (adult)* | $125 (1 private lesson & 3 adult clinics)

Summer Smash Pass (junior) | 1 private lesson & 2 junior clinics)

*Adult clinics are for players 18 years or older, unless approved by the tennis staff.

Tennis Players List

The Glaze Meadow Tennis office keeps a list of people interested in playing tennis. Call (541) 595-1285 and leave your name, ability level and phone number. Or come in any time to talk with our tennis and front desk staff.

Racquet Stringing Service

Stringing Service is available through our Tennis Director Evan Sims, USPTA, at the tennis office at the GMRC. Price dependent on string choice.