News Summary

Marcel Zuzarte, a semi-professional pickleball player, proposes a new sports facility in Bellingham designed to engage youth in pickleball. The project includes 17 indoor and 8 outdoor courts, aiming to provide free access for kids under 18. Zuzarte’s proposal is intended to boost local sports tourism while addressing community needs for more recreational options. Approval is pending from local commissioners, but Zuzarte’s optimistic vision could significantly enhance youth sports in the area.

Exciting Plans for Pickleball in Bellingham!

Big news is stirring in Bellingham as local semi-professional pickleball sensation Marcel Zuzarte steps into the spotlight with plans for a brand-new facility aimed at fostering youth engagement in sports. This proposal comes from a man whose journey is as inspiring as his athletic prowess. Originally hailing from Kenya and the youngest of twelve siblings, Zuzarte’s life has been a blend of challenges and triumphs, all woven together by a fierce love for sports.

Meet Marcel Zuzarte: A Pickleball Pro

At age 56, Marcel Zuzarte has proven that age is just a number. With an impressive skill level ranking him between 4.5 to 5.5 according to USA Pickleball, he’s not just playing the game; he’s excelling in it. Since he took up competitive pickleball in 2021, he’s racked up a multitude of tournament experiences, including a shining moment last summer when he clinched a gold medal in the 4.5 men’s doubles category at the Seattle Metro Classic. Most recently, he even showcased his talent at the prestigious 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships in sunny Florida.

From Tennis to Pickleball

Before his pickleball days, Zuzarte had a fruitful but tumultuous journey in tennis as a junior player in Kenya. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury and evolving immigration plans nudged him away from the competitive tennis scene. However, his passion for sports never waned, and for the past thirty-five years, he has embraced life in the Pacific Northwest. His daughter, Juliana, has also made her mark, earning a soccer scholarship to Hawaii Pacific University, and Zuzarte has enjoyed coaching soccer for two decades, although he has recently stepped back to support Juliana’s high school soccer endeavors.

A Vision for the Community

Transitioning into a coaching role in tennis, Zuzarte has taken on the mantle of head girls’ tennis coach after the previous coach’s departure. His extensive experience across different sports uniquely positions him to inspire the next generation of athletes. This ambition now takes shape in his groundbreaking proposal for a state-of-the-art pickleball facility in Bellingham.

The proposed facility is nothing short of impressive, set to span a remarkable 40,000-square-foot steel warehouse featuring 17 indoor and 8 outdoor pickleball courts. What’s perhaps most heartwarming about Zuzarte’s vision is his commitment to making sports accessible for young people. Under his plan, kids under 18 would enjoy free access, fostering active participation in sports, especially during the rainy weather that often blankets the Pacific Northwest.

Financing the Facility

The main revenue for the facility would come from adult memberships and drop-in fees, ensuring that the facility remains self-sustainable while serving the community. Zuzarte is not just thinking about immediate benefits; he believes larger pickleball tournaments hosted at the venue could attract over 2,500 players, boosting local businesses and creating a vibrant sports tourism scene.

Approval Process and Community Concerns

Current plans hinge on the approval of the Port of Bellingham commissioners, who need to sign off on the lease of 2.56 acres of land intended for a forty-year agreement. Initial discussions have raised eyebrows, with some commissioners expressing skepticism about whether pickleball could just be a fleeting trend and whether land might be better utilized for aeronautical purposes. However, Zuzarte has reassured them that should the sports facility not succeed, it could be converted to industrial use.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

If all goes as planned, and the lease gets approved, Marcel Zuzarte is hopeful for construction to kick off in the spring, aiming for an opening by fall 2025. Residents have expressed a growing need for more indoor recreational options like aquatic and ice sports facilities, and this new pickleball venue could be a fantastic addition to Whatcom County, which currently hosts at least eight indoor recreational courts for pickleball.

As discussions continue and community interest builds, it’s clear that Marcel Zuzarte’s vision could change the landscape of youth sports and recreational opportunities in Bellingham. Here’s to a brighter, more active future for the city’s youth!

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