The first time you see the massive white dome rising above Skokie Valley Road, you know something is different. This isn’t just another indoor sports complex. It’s not just another makeshift space trying to ride the wave of pickleball’s popularity. This is something bigger. Something bolder. Something that lives up to the promise that your Park District of Highland Park has made: The Game Changes Now.

From the minute you open the doors of the brand-new Club Pickle & Padel, that promise rings true. The space buzzes with energy. There’s laughter from players gathering in the lounge, the rhythmic pop-pop of paddles against balls echoing from the courts, and the unmistakable hum of a community coming together.

“From the moment members and guests step into Club Pickle & Padel, they immediately feel the energy and warmth of the space. The lobby, lounge, pro shop, and rental areas were designed to be welcoming and comfortable, creating an environment where people want to gather, linger, and connect, said Nick Baird, Director of Recreation for the Park District.

You’ve been in a bunch of sports facilities. You’ve probably been in renovated strip-mall stores that just feel weird now that they’re masquerading as a “sports venue.”

The Club is not just another place to play pickleball or padel. This is where the future of paddle sports lives.

Step inside and you’re immediately greeted by 50,000 square feet of air, light, and possibility. The dome soars high overhead, but it never feels cavernous. The lighting is flawless. No glare, no shadows, no excuses. Every court looks like it’s been lit for prime time.

Even when the club is bustling, the sound doesn’t overwhelm you. The acoustics have been carefully engineered so the joyful chaos of paddle sports stays contained, allowing conversation to flow naturally on the courts and in the lounge and pro shop.

Let’s talk about the lounge. Imagine the lobby of a boutique hotel, not a sports dome. Comfortable seating, sleek décor, and a vibe that says: stay awhile. Members sip wine, grab a snack, or linger with friends after a hard-fought match. There are private shower rooms and a large indoor rental space we call “The Lawn,” perfect for parties or corporate outings.

This is what happens when you stop thinking of pickleball and padel as hobbies and start treating them like the serious, joyful, community-building sports they are.

• 50,000 sq. ft. year-round climate-controlled facility
• 10 dedicated pickleball courts built to pro standards
• 4 padel courts with glass walls and turf for optimal play
• Lounge & rental space with snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Showers and restrooms designed for comfort
• Pro shop with high-quality gear and accessories

This place didn’t happen by accident. It was the product of vision, persistence, and a community that believed in doing something extraordinary.

Highland Park native and Founding member of Club Pickle & Padel Ron Saslow is a lifelong athlete and self-described “Park District kid” who grew up on local courts and fields. When he saw the meteoric rise of pickleball and the untapped potential of padel, he knew this community deserved something world-class.

“Pickleball brings people together in a way few other sports can,” Saslow said. “It’s inclusive, easy to learn, and fun for all ages.”

We worked hard to create a space where people can play every day, at the highest level, in an environment that feels welcoming and premium at the same time.

Your Park District Board of Commissioners and the entire staff have embraced Ron’s vision, replacing an aging seasonal dome with a year-round facility designed for the next generation of paddle sports. The result is Club Pickle & Padel: equal parts competition, community social hub, and game-changer.

What Members Are Saying

“This place is incredible. You feel like a pro the second you step on court.”
“Finally, a facility that takes pickleball seriously. The lighting and space are unmatched.”
“The lounge feels like a hotel. I stay longer just to hang out.”
“I’d never tried padel before. Now I’m hooked. It’s addictive.”

When you walk from the lounge into the Club, the courts open up in a way that feels almost cinematic. The space is generous. No cramped sidelines, no bumping elbows with the next court over.

This was intentional. “We designed these courts for serious players,” said Robyn Liewehr, General Manager of Racquet Sports for the Park District. “We wanted the spacing, the lighting, the acoustics—absolutely everything in the Club—to support the best possible playing experience.”

And you can feel it. The ball travels cleanly. The courts breathe. The environment elevates your game.

For newcomers, getting started is just as smooth. Head Pro Justin Dill offers quick 15-minute evaluations to assign your skill rating, then guides you toward leagues, drills, or open play that fit your level. There’s no awkward guessing or mismatched pairings. It’s structured, smart, and fun.

Pickleball may be the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., but padel is quietly building its own revolution. Hugely popular in Europe and South America, padel is now taking root stateside, and Club Pickle & Padel is one of the few places in the area offering true professional-grade courts.

At first glance, padel looks like a mash-up of tennis and squash. The court is enclosed by glass walls, the paddles are solid, and the ball looks like a tennis ball, but with less pressure. The result? Fast, thrilling rallies that combine power, finesse, and creativity.

“We’re seeing a lot of tennis players come in curious,” Robyn explained. “And once they try it, they’re hooked. The price makes it really accessible, plus it’s just plain fun!”

Come and watch a doubles match in action. The walls come alive with ricochets, the pace is relentless, and the camaraderie is infectious. It’s easy to see why padel is exploding worldwide, and why Club Pickle & Padel is perfectly positioned to ride that wave.

For all the innovation and amenities, the heart of Club Pickle & Padel is community. You can see it everywhere you look: friends laughing between games, retirees competing fiercely but shaking hands warmly, and players of all ages drilling under the watchful eye of a generous coach.

Memberships are structured to keep that community spirit alive. There are options for juniors, families, and seniors, each designed to maximize value. And memberships give you sweet perks no private venue can compete with, like priority reservations on outdoor courts in the Park District!

Events and parties bring another layer of connection. The rental space can transform into a corporate team-builder, a birthday celebration, or a casual night out with friends. The ability to blend socializing and sport makes the Club a friendly hub in more ways than one.

Nick expressed what a lot of us who worked on this project are feeling: “It’s incredibly rewarding to hear how much our community enjoys spending time here—not just playing, but socializing, learning, and sharing experiences. This facility truly elevates the way people experience paddle sports, and it reflects our commitment to building spaces that are both extraordinary and inclusive.”

When you come to the Club, pause for a moment at the entrance where the Saslow family’s welcome message greets every guest. It’s warm, it’s personal, and it underscores everything you are about to experience: a facility built not just for games, but for people.

Pickleball and padel aren’t fads. They’re movements. And Club Pickle & Padel has created a space worthy of that momentum. It’s where beginners discover their new passion, where competitors sharpen their edge, and where community thrives.

At Club Pickle & Padel, The Game Changes Now is not a tagline. It’s our promise to you. It’s the truth.

Come see for yourself what the buzz is all about. We’ll meet you at the net!