- Tri-Cities Central
- Posts
- Fox Valley PickleFinder helps Tri-Cities players connect and compete
Fox Valley PickleFinder helps Tri-Cities players connect and compete
A Geneva-based player is helping the Tri-Cities' pickleball scene grow by creating a new platform for finding courts and discovering events while connecting and supporting local facilities.
Sam Kraft
April 26, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
Get yours: subscribe here. Refer a friend: share this link.
Pickleball isn’t just having a moment — it’s exploding. The nation's fastest-growing sport saw a 45.8% jump in participation from 2023 to 2024.
Locally, a new resource is making it easier than ever to get in the game.
Fox Valley PickleFinder was recently founded by Kevin Howe, an avid Geneva-based pickleball player and former engineering leader at companies like Groupon and Expedia. Drawing on his tech background and passion for the sport, Howe created the platform to help players across the Fox Valley — and beyond — easily find courts, view them before visiting and discover tournaments, facilities and and events.
For example, did you know about Belgium Town Park — a quiet spot in St. Charles with a single dedicated pickleball court tucked away just off Route 64? That’s one of many hidden gems Fox Valley PickleFinder is helping players discover.
The site also gives local organizations and facilities a new way to promote their pickleball offerings to a growing community of players. It currently features more than 290 courts in more than 56 locations across the Fox Valley (searchable via an interactive map) and continues to grow quickly.
"Pickleball has created such an amazing sense of community, but finding the right courts and events hasn’t been easy," said Kevin Howe, founder of Fox Valley PickleFinder. "I wanted to build a resource that makes it simple for players to discover new places to play, actually see the courts before they go, and connect with everything the local pickleball scene has to offer. Whether you're brand new or have been playing for years, there's a place for you here."
In addition to courts and events, the site includes additional resources like podcast episodes, equipment reviews and opportunities to sign up for training with local pros.
It’s a useful hub for both folks who are picking up a paddle for the first time and experienced players looking for their next competitive match.
Explore the local scene for yourself at fvpicklefinder.com.
📖 Thanks for reading
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.
Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.
Reply