Johnson Family returns to Pittsburg for Pickleball Court Ribbon Cutting

Julie, JW and Jorja Johnson, and their coach Jack Johnson – often referred to as the “first family of pickleball” – came back to their hometown to help celebrate the opening of the facility. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Johnsons played a round of pickleball with the community during “Play with the Pros” and sign autographs.

“We are very excited to officially open our new pickleball facility,” says Parks & Recreation Director Toby Book. “The additional court space will be a great asset to the community, and we hope to offer expanded open play, programming, lessons, leagues, and larger formatted tournaments.”

Approximately $600,000 was invested into the facilities, with ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding and proceeds from the 2023 Pickle in Pitt fundraiser contributing to the project. Bringing the total number of courts from six to 12, this project accommodates the need for additional play capacity. More improvements are planned for this summer and fall, including additional lighting, amenities, landscaping, and a water fountain.

Pickleball players were encouraged to attend the ribbon cutting for the new facilities and stick around afterward to play a round of pickleball with the Johnson Family. Sign-ups for Play with the Pros began at 12:30 pm, with the ribbon cutting at 1:00 pm, and Play with the Pros immediately following. A cooling tent and free water was provided.

The city is extending a special thank you to the Johnson Family for making this special trip to Pittsburg, and for their contributions to pickleball. The city would also like to thank the event sponsors Jake’s Fireworks and Arvest Bank.

ABOUT THE JOHNSON FAMILY:

Jack and Julie Johnson are both proud Pittsburg State University alumni. While attending Pitt State, Jack earned the title of All-American on the PSU tennis team.

Following graduation from PSU, Jack attended veterinary school at K-State and opened his own practice of 38 years at Broadway Animal Hospital in Pittsburg. Julie went on to earn her master’s degree in physical therapy from KU and was a physical therapist at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg for many years.

Jack coached tennis at Pittsburg High School, and his older children Elyse and John both graduated from PHS. Jack was instrumental in the development of tennis in the area, including the construction of the tennis courts at Pittsburg High School. In 2001, Jack was recognized by the City of Pittsburg with a monument naming the Four Oaks Tennis Courts in his honor.

Jack and Julie’s children JW and Jorja were born and raised in Pittsburg, and both attended George Nettels Elementary School. JW also attended Pittsburg Community Middle School.

The Johnsons first learned how to play the game of pickleball in Pittsburg, Kansas at Schlanger Park from their friend Don Porter. The family moved to Florida shortly after to pursue JW’s professional tennis career. While adjusting to their new home in the Sunshine State, the Johnsons made new friends by hitting the pickleball courts.

During the COVID pandemic, the Johnsons turned to pickleball to connect as a family. What started as a fun activity to pass the time, quickly turned into the family’s daily passion – not only for JW, but also his mother Julie and sister Jorja. The trifecta started playing in Pickleball tournaments throughout Florida, and amateur success turned into participation in professional events, where simultaneously professional tours were popping up all over the country.

FAMILY BIOS:

Julie Johnson began playing senior pro in 2021 and finished the year as number one in singles on World Pickleball Rankings, and number one overall on the APP (Association of Pickleball Players) tour. Julie was the 2022 number one senior pro female. Currently, Julie coaches the Dallas Flash, and her kids on the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) tour.

JW Johnson has the record for the most gold medals won on the APP tour for any male, including three triple crowns. During the 2019 tournament of champions, JW became the youngest male player to win a grand slam title at the age of 19. He has been ranked number one in the world in men’s doubles and singles. JW was also named 2023 national men’s singles champion, 2024 US Open men’s doubles and mixed doubles champion, and 2024 Major league Pickleball champion with the Dallas Flash.

Jorja won her first gold medal on the PPA tour at the age of 17 in mixed doubles with JW in Newport Beach CA. She was the 2024 US Open women’s singles champion, 2024 major league Pickleball champion with the Dallas Flash, and is currently ranked number two in mixed doubles alongside her brother on the PPA Carvana tour.

Jack Johnson enjoyed a highly successful four-year collegiate tennis career at Pitt State and reached All-American status as a senior. After college, he stayed close to the game as a coach while running his local veterinary practice. He was instrumental in his children’s introduction to pickleball along with wife Julie, and continues to play a vital role in support, keeping everyone fed, hydrated and equipped.

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The mission of the City of Pittsburg is to provide exceptional services, facilities and activities with integrity, professionalism, excellent customer service and a commitment to economic vitality.