When Lake Forest resident Cynthia Williams set out to build a business with her husband, she wasn’t simply looking to open a new facility, she was hoping to create something rooted in wellness, connection, and community.

“I had been looking for a way to build a business with my husband, something meaningful, something active, and something our daughter could grow up in. Community is incredibly important to me,” Cynthia shared. “As a nutritionist and trainer, my work has always centered around creating spaces that are inclusive, supportive, and empowering.”

That philosophy ultimately led to the opening of Pickle & Pong, Louisville’s first 24/7 pickleball and ping-pong club, which opened in July 2025 and is located just minutes from Lake Forest.

Cynthia and her husband discovered pickleball about two years ago and were instantly drawn to the sport’s energy and accessibility. “When we discovered pickleball about two years ago, we instantly fell in love with the sport. It was fun, social, accessible, and had that community energy we were looking for,” she said. “Over time, the idea kept growing: what if we created a place where people of all ages and backgrounds could come together, feel welcome, stay active, and be part of something bigger?”

That idea became a reality with Pickle & Pong as a family-built business centered on wellness, inclusivity, and connection.

What makes Pickle & Pong truly unique is its around-the-clock accessibility. “We are proud to be Louisville’s first 24/7 pickleball and ping-pong club, offering true around-the-clock access to courts and community,” Cynthia explained. “Players can book a court any time of day—literally. We have people who come in at 3 a.m. to play.”

The facility welcomes both members and non-members, offering court rentals, open play, clinics, leagues, and classes for players of all ages and skill levels. “Our goal is to be inclusive, not just in who we welcome, but in how we operate,” Cynthia said. “No matter your work schedule, lifestyle, or time constraints, you have a place to play here.”

Youth programming is also a major focus for the business. “We truly believe pickleball is on track to expand into schools and even collegiate programs over the next five years, and we want to be at the forefront of that development,” Cynthia shared. “Not every child connects with traditional sports, and pickleball offers an inclusive, approachable alternative for all kids.”

Cynthia’s background as a nutritionist and trainer strongly influences how the facility operates. “As a nutritionist and trainer, I’ve always been deeply connected to health-focused communities, and my work centers on helping people feel confident, comfortable, and supported in their wellness journey,” she said. “When building our facility, I wanted to carry that same philosophy into Pickleball.”

She was intentional about creating a space that feels welcoming to everyone. “Yes, we have highly skilled, competitive players who come in to train and play, but it was equally important to create a space where beginners and brand-new players feel welcome the moment they walk through the door.”

Beyond the business, Cynthia and her family have deep roots in Louisville. She grew up in Texas before returning to Louisville in eighth grade when her family moved back in 1991. Her husband is a lifelong resident of Jeffersontown, and together they are raising their six-year-old daughter, who attends Portland Christian School.

The couple balances full-time careers, Cynthia as a nutritionist and trainer, and her husband at LG&E, while also running Pickle & Pong together. “On top of that, we run our pickleball business together—so yes, we are busy, busy, busy, but we genuinely enjoy every minute of it,” Cynthia said. “We love Louisville and are proud to support this community in every way we can.”

For Lake Forest residents interested in getting involved, Cynthia offers plenty of encouragement. “We encourage the Lake Forest community to explore Pickleball and table tennis if you’re looking for an activity that’s fun, engaging, and community-driven,” she said. “Whether you want a new way to stay active, a sport your kids can enjoy, or a place where your whole family can spend quality time together, our facility offers countless opportunities to connect, move, and have fun.”

Pickle & Pong offers beginner clinics, youth clinics, leagues, tournaments, women-only and men-only sessions, and even free introductory classes. “We believe that bringing people together through sport helps strengthen community, get kids off screens, give adults a break from phones, and create meaningful opportunities to reconnect with ourselves, with each other, and with a shared sense of belonging.”

As a special welcome to neighbors, Cynthia is extending an exclusive promotion to Lake Forest residents. Use promo code LAKEFOREST to receive $10 off court rentals, classes, clinics, leagues, or upcoming events.

“We truly want you to experience what we’ve built—we’re literally in your backyard, just two minutes away!” she said. “We would love to welcome you through our doors.”