Deanna Irvin

At the heart of Rockwall, there’s a leader whose influence reaches beyond the boundaries of the business she manages. Deanna Irvin is the general manager of the Adventure Park of Rockwall, the 25-acre park comprising Urban Air, Oasis Pickleball Club, and Oasis Beach Club. But her impact can’t be measured in court space or membership numbers alone. She leads with a unique blend of faith, discipline, and compassion, bringing out the best in those around her and shaping the culture of the club and community alike.

The Adventure Park is not only an elite sports facility, it’s also a wholesome, welcoming space where families gather, teenagers get their first jobs, and lifelong friendships are formed. Deanna is the calm, purposeful force behind it.

For Deanna, leadership means perseverance. “The foundation of my leadership is rooted in my faith in God and a desire to inspire,” she says. “Whether through business, mentorship, or simply encouragement, we all have the ability to impact people in meaningful ways and be a steppingstone in someone’s life.”

That belief has shaped her journey from teenage entrepreneur to seasoned general manager of an extraordinary property. Deanna launched her first business — Designer Bodies Fitness — while still in high school. The venture grew into a thriving personal training company including kickboxing, Pilates, Spinning, step aerobics, and nutrition classes. Her business continued to grow over three decades, and she helped clients transform not just their physical health, but also their confidence, often using Scripture-based motivation to fuel their growth.

As the Adventure Park expanded, so did Deanna’s role as general manager. In 2020 she retired her Designer Bodies Fitness business to dedicate all her efforts to Urban Air and Oasis. Now, she oversees a team of 75+ employees, many of whom are high school and college students. She sees her role as more than a manager — she’s a mentor and a steady presence in their lives. “I don’t take it lightly that I’m a part of their formative years,” she says. “I want to be a positive influence and help them believe in themselves.”

The Adventure Park of Rockwall has expanded its impact beyond recreation. It has become a destination for families and travelers and recently was selected as a filming location for Pickleball: The Movie, directed by Jeff Hamm and starring Kevin Farley and Major Dodge. Despite the growing spotlight, Deanna stays grounded in her mission: to create a place where people connect, feel safe, and find joy.

She credits her success to collaboration and the strength of her team. “I’m grateful to work with some incredible people,” she says, acknowledging the club’s owner, Darren Rak, and pickleball director, Gene Click. Together, they ensure the club stays aligned with its vision of excellence, community, and bringing generations together for fun and making memories.

In every role — entrepreneur, coach, manager — Deanna Irvin leads with purpose. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or attention. It’s about quietly, consistently making things better for those around you.