Accel Digital Solutions, a Walker-based tech startup specializing in additive manufacturing, is combining its need for a commercial office space with increased community demand for pickleball, a growing sport nationwide. The company is opening the Great Lakes Pickleball Club, a multipurpose facility with pickleball courts and event spaces that will also headquarter Accel.
Co-founder Brandon Teets said he envisions the facility as similar to the pickleball version of a boutique distillery or brewery, with the social opportunity provided by the courts combined with in-house manufacturing of the company’s pickleball products. The facility, located in Plainfield Township, will open in the first quarter of 2026.
Pickleball, a paddle sport blending tennis, badminton and table tennis, has grown quickly in popularity over the last several years, in part because of its versatility and a low barrier to entry. According to USA Pickleball’s 2024 growth report, there were around 18,455 new courts added in 2024, bringing the total number of courts to approximately 68,458 nationwide.
Several West Michigan projects in 2025 have centered around adding pickleball courts, and developers and local officials say they’re among the most requested community additions. But the sport, played with a solid paddle and perforated plastic ball in singles and doubles, has also been the continued subject of debate because of its noise level.
Source: https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2025/12/west-michigan-township-scores-pickleball-club-project-set-to-open-in-2026.html?outputType=amp