Published December 28, 2014 - www.northcarolinapickleball.net
When planning meets opportunity big things happen. Such is the case recently in Cornelius NC when both the Town Board and Parks Board unanimously approved a new court project. While there are still additional steps and contingencies that must be met, 12 professional pickleball and 6 new tennis courts are slated to be built near N.C. 115 and Bailey Road in Cornelius, NC. The project is a public/private partnership between Bluestream Partners LLC and the Town of Cornelius. In addition to the proposed new courts, additional restroom facilities and walking trails are on tap with construction beginning sometime in 2015. Once completed, numerous pickleball clinics, tournaments and match play will begin. Bailey’s Glen subdivision, adjacent to the park, already has 5 pickleball courts and with the addition of the Bailey Road courts along with existing park pickleball indoor and outdoor facilities, Cornelius will become a leader in pickleball court development within North Carolina.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Ladies Play Date in Georgia
Published December 24, 2014 - www.cherokeetribune.com
The North Georgia Pickleball Club hosted its first ladies play date Saturday (December 20). Players from the Big Canoe, Pickleball Northeast Cobb and the North Georgia Pickleball clubs took part. Games were organized so players could meet and interact with those from other clubs.
Tom and Ann Earley hosted the event at their home in Canton and were on hand to offer advice to the players.
The next play date is planned for February.
CLICK HERE to read more.
The North Georgia Pickleball Club hosted its first ladies play date Saturday (December 20). Players from the Big Canoe, Pickleball Northeast Cobb and the North Georgia Pickleball clubs took part. Games were organized so players could meet and interact with those from other clubs.
Tom and Ann Earley hosted the event at their home in Canton and were on hand to offer advice to the players.
The next play date is planned for February.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Friday, December 19, 2014
The Pickleball Effect
Posted December 18, 2014 - www.winstonsalempickleball.wordpress.com
I have to say, when I first heard there was a sport with the name Pickleball, I scoffed and did not give it another thought. I mean, come on, I consider myself a serious athlete, and the name alone oozed a comic, non-serious flavor that I initially turned my nose up to. A few months passed, and I kept on hearing mention of this game, a game named after the inventors dog, Pickles. I decided to peek my head into an area gymnasium and get a closer look. What I found was a group of people, ALL Ages, ALL skill levels, having a BLAST!! There were matches going on where the competition was top notch, as well as matches going on where the players were “newbies”, just learning how to play. The mix of all these types of players was AMAZING and from that moment on I have been ADDICTED!!
I now play EVERY chance I get, teach the game to anyone willing or wanting to pick up a paddle, sharing the game with EVERYONE I Can!! That is the reason for this blog!! I want to put into words and pictures everything that makes Pickleball so addictive, to show everyone the reasons behind this International Phenomenon!! I plan to travel to the ends of the state and beyond, introducing the people and players that are so colorful in personality and full of life, energy and enthusiasm!! My desire is that everyone experiences “The Pickleball Effect”!!
CLICK HERE to read more.
I have to say, when I first heard there was a sport with the name Pickleball, I scoffed and did not give it another thought. I mean, come on, I consider myself a serious athlete, and the name alone oozed a comic, non-serious flavor that I initially turned my nose up to. A few months passed, and I kept on hearing mention of this game, a game named after the inventors dog, Pickles. I decided to peek my head into an area gymnasium and get a closer look. What I found was a group of people, ALL Ages, ALL skill levels, having a BLAST!! There were matches going on where the competition was top notch, as well as matches going on where the players were “newbies”, just learning how to play. The mix of all these types of players was AMAZING and from that moment on I have been ADDICTED!!
I now play EVERY chance I get, teach the game to anyone willing or wanting to pick up a paddle, sharing the game with EVERYONE I Can!! That is the reason for this blog!! I want to put into words and pictures everything that makes Pickleball so addictive, to show everyone the reasons behind this International Phenomenon!! I plan to travel to the ends of the state and beyond, introducing the people and players that are so colorful in personality and full of life, energy and enthusiasm!! My desire is that everyone experiences “The Pickleball Effect”!!
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Thursday, December 18, 2014
Clearwater (FL) hosts pickleball clinic
Published December 17, 2014 - www.tbnweekly.com
CLEARWATER – The city of Clearwater will host a free pickleball clinic and exhibition from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex, 1000 Edenville Ave.
CLICK HERE to read more.
CLEARWATER – The city of Clearwater will host a free pickleball clinic and exhibition from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex, 1000 Edenville Ave.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
Lee County pickleball players impress at Senior Games
Published December 15, 2014 - www.news-press.com
Mike Welter couldn't have been more pleased.
Not only did the Cape Coral resident win three medals in three days of pickleball competition at the Florida Senior Games, but he certainly wasn't alone in his accomplishments.
"I'm very, very proud of the Lee County players," said Welter. "They have done really, really well here. We were amazing in singles."
How good? Five-gold medal good.
Among them was Fort Myers' Barry Waddell who defended his 50-54 singles, mixed and men's doubles titles this weekend.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Mike Welter couldn't have been more pleased.
Not only did the Cape Coral resident win three medals in three days of pickleball competition at the Florida Senior Games, but he certainly wasn't alone in his accomplishments.
"I'm very, very proud of the Lee County players," said Welter. "They have done really, really well here. We were amazing in singles."
How good? Five-gold medal good.
Among them was Fort Myers' Barry Waddell who defended his 50-54 singles, mixed and men's doubles titles this weekend.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Senior Games concludes with more local gold
Published December 14, 2014 - www.news-press.com
The Florida International Senior Games & State Championships concluded Sunday in Lee County after nine days of competition featuring nearly 2,200 athletes over the age of 50.
When the final pickleball match ended Sunday evening at the Estero Recreation Center, it closed out more than 33 hours of the game between Friday and Sunday.
Barry Wadell teamed with Robert Denmark, both of Fort Myers, to win his third pickleball gold medal in men's doubles. The duo repeated as champions in the 50-54 age group. Waddell won the men's singles 50-54 age group gold medal Friday and teamed with Kimberly Shaw to win a mixed doubles 50-54 age group medal Saturday. Waddell and Denmark won all three matches in two games Sunday after Waddell and Shaw were pushed to three games in all four of their wins on Saturday.
CLICK HERE to read more.
The Florida International Senior Games & State Championships concluded Sunday in Lee County after nine days of competition featuring nearly 2,200 athletes over the age of 50.
When the final pickleball match ended Sunday evening at the Estero Recreation Center, it closed out more than 33 hours of the game between Friday and Sunday.
Barry Wadell teamed with Robert Denmark, both of Fort Myers, to win his third pickleball gold medal in men's doubles. The duo repeated as champions in the 50-54 age group. Waddell won the men's singles 50-54 age group gold medal Friday and teamed with Kimberly Shaw to win a mixed doubles 50-54 age group medal Saturday. Waddell and Denmark won all three matches in two games Sunday after Waddell and Shaw were pushed to three games in all four of their wins on Saturday.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Local pickleball players golden at Florida Senior Games
Published December 12, 2014 - www.news-press.com
Six local pickleball players were victorious in singles competition at Estero Community Park on Friday. Fort Myers’ David Warner won his fourth consecutive gold medal in the 60-64 age group, taking three matches en route to the championship. He defeated Guy Gauthier, also of Fort Myers, in the final, 11-2, 7-11, 11-1.
Cape Coral’s Robert Welter was undefeated in four matches and won his third gold medal in four years. He defeated Michael Thaler, of Briny Breezes, 11-9, 11-9, in the championship match of the 60-64 age group. Welter won the same age group in 2013 and the 55-59 age group gold in 2011.
In women’s singles, Bonita Springs’ Kimberly Shaw rebounded from a three-game loss to Meg Krenzer, of Hilton, NY, to win a 15-point championship match, 15-4. Krenzer lost to Shaw in the second round and won three elimination bracket games to set up a rematch in the championship round.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Six local pickleball players were victorious in singles competition at Estero Community Park on Friday. Fort Myers’ David Warner won his fourth consecutive gold medal in the 60-64 age group, taking three matches en route to the championship. He defeated Guy Gauthier, also of Fort Myers, in the final, 11-2, 7-11, 11-1.
Cape Coral’s Robert Welter was undefeated in four matches and won his third gold medal in four years. He defeated Michael Thaler, of Briny Breezes, 11-9, 11-9, in the championship match of the 60-64 age group. Welter won the same age group in 2013 and the 55-59 age group gold in 2011.
In women’s singles, Bonita Springs’ Kimberly Shaw rebounded from a three-game loss to Meg Krenzer, of Hilton, NY, to win a 15-point championship match, 15-4. Krenzer lost to Shaw in the second round and won three elimination bracket games to set up a rematch in the championship round.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Pickleball? It’s seniors’ new thing
Published December 10, 2014 - www.mooresvilletribune.com
Most Mooresville (NC) residents have probably never played Pickleball, or even heard of it. But it’s a recreational activity that’s gaining steam in the area, one that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong to become popular with local seniors.
Pickleball is not a new sport, as according to the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) it was invented in 1965 by three fathers looking to create a new game to alleviate their children’s summertime boredom. However, the game has recently grown a local following, leading the Mooresville Recreation Center to add weekly play times at both the War Memorial Center and Talbert Recreation Center.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Most Mooresville (NC) residents have probably never played Pickleball, or even heard of it. But it’s a recreational activity that’s gaining steam in the area, one that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong to become popular with local seniors.Pickleball is not a new sport, as according to the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) it was invented in 1965 by three fathers looking to create a new game to alleviate their children’s summertime boredom. However, the game has recently grown a local following, leading the Mooresville Recreation Center to add weekly play times at both the War Memorial Center and Talbert Recreation Center.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Cornelius Parks Summer Pickleball Youth Camp 2015
Submitted by Robert Nibarger, District Ambassador, Piedmont District - North Carolina
Planned growth is the theme for Cornelius North Carolina Pickleball as the local parks department is planning for Youth Summer Pickleball Camps beginning next year. Pickleball is alive and well in the Charlotte NC area. However, there are several gaps. These gaps include limited gym space for indoor play, limited evening hour availability, lack of youth programs and not offering pickleball to all age groups. At least one of these gaps, no youth programs, will be addressed this next summer. Note: Earlier in the year the local pickleball club (Bailey’s Glen) challenged a group of students at Hugh High School. While the club won the first event, the students pledge to get revenge on the courts. The summer youth camp details are not available at this time but a meeting has been requested between the Parks Department and local pickleball enthusiasts representing the USAPA.
For more information, contact ncpickleball@aol.com
Planned growth is the theme for Cornelius North Carolina Pickleball as the local parks department is planning for Youth Summer Pickleball Camps beginning next year. Pickleball is alive and well in the Charlotte NC area. However, there are several gaps. These gaps include limited gym space for indoor play, limited evening hour availability, lack of youth programs and not offering pickleball to all age groups. At least one of these gaps, no youth programs, will be addressed this next summer. Note: Earlier in the year the local pickleball club (Bailey’s Glen) challenged a group of students at Hugh High School. While the club won the first event, the students pledge to get revenge on the courts. The summer youth camp details are not available at this time but a meeting has been requested between the Parks Department and local pickleball enthusiasts representing the USAPA.
For more information, contact ncpickleball@aol.com
Mooresville Pickleball Now On The Map
Submitted by Renee Bailey, Ambassador, Mooresville NC
Hello everyone,
Included are a few pictures from our first night at the Talbert Recreation Center this past Friday night. We had a great turnout and fun was had by all!
Hello everyone,
Included are a few pictures from our first night at the Talbert Recreation Center this past Friday night. We had a great turnout and fun was had by all!
The Friday night schedule for the Talbert Recreation Center will be 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm practice/drills. Open play is from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm.
Thank you so much for your support and I hope we can continue to grow in numbers and spread the word about the great sport of pickleball.
Learn To Play Pickleball
Published December 8, 2014 - www.noodls.com
The City of Clearwater (FL) invites the community to attend a free pickleball clinic and exhibition Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex, 1000 Edenville Avenue. Pickleball is a combination of badminton, ping-pong and tennis. It is simple to learn and suitable for all ages and athletic ability levels. To register or for questions, call (727) 669-1919.
The Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, 69 Esplanade, Clearwater, will also hold a pickleball demonstration and clinic Thursday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. Call (727) 462-6138 for more information.
CLICK HERE to read more.
The City of Clearwater (FL) invites the community to attend a free pickleball clinic and exhibition Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex, 1000 Edenville Avenue. Pickleball is a combination of badminton, ping-pong and tennis. It is simple to learn and suitable for all ages and athletic ability levels. To register or for questions, call (727) 669-1919.
The Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, 69 Esplanade, Clearwater, will also hold a pickleball demonstration and clinic Thursday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. Call (727) 462-6138 for more information.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Pickleball Tournament Economic Impact Important
Submitted by Robert Nibarger, District Ambassador, Piedmont District - North Carolina
Metrics are now a regular part of the pickleball planning process as you approach parks departments and cities and towns for new or expanded pickleball facilities. Metrics you should collect include the number of motel/hotel rooms, restaurant spending, event receipts and other data deemed necessary for the report. Local authorities use this information to make development decisions based on the return of investment.
My advice is to check early and find out what type of information is needed. Often times the local visitors bureau will collect his information for you. The above example is data collected by the Cabarrus Visitor’s Bureau in North Carolina. For more information contact ncpickleball@aol.com.
Metrics are now a regular part of the pickleball planning process as you approach parks departments and cities and towns for new or expanded pickleball facilities. Metrics you should collect include the number of motel/hotel rooms, restaurant spending, event receipts and other data deemed necessary for the report. Local authorities use this information to make development decisions based on the return of investment.
My advice is to check early and find out what type of information is needed. Often times the local visitors bureau will collect his information for you. The above example is data collected by the Cabarrus Visitor’s Bureau in North Carolina. For more information contact ncpickleball@aol.com.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Social Media Provides Critical Member Contact
Submitted by Robert Nibarger, District Ambassador, Piedmont District - North Carolina
A challenge we face as Ambassadors is attracting new members while keeping in contact with our pickleball base. We know that our players utilize a variety of sources to keep current with pickleball. Some use traditional media like email and publications. Others have migrated to social media like FACEBOOK, Twitter, Instagram and others.
A recent media success story occurred immediately after the Holiday Smash Pickleball Tournament held on November 22nd at Carolina Courts in Concord, NC. A volunteer photographer, Jack Higgins, had a goal to capture as many players as possible to include action shots and human interest shots. The photos were posted on the web site Shutterfly. Word quickly spread through emails and within 3 days the site had over 110 hits. Not bad considering there were 120+ registered for the tourney. This pickleball media success prompted the creation of another Social media site on FACEBOOK GROUPS – “North Carolina Pickleball.” Within 2 days, the site had over 28 members.
What is next? Well I am not sure but I will continue to promote Pickleball on both traditional and new social media. Remember to hit “LIKE” when using FACEBOOK as it promotes Pickleball Madness.
A challenge we face as Ambassadors is attracting new members while keeping in contact with our pickleball base. We know that our players utilize a variety of sources to keep current with pickleball. Some use traditional media like email and publications. Others have migrated to social media like FACEBOOK, Twitter, Instagram and others.
A recent media success story occurred immediately after the Holiday Smash Pickleball Tournament held on November 22nd at Carolina Courts in Concord, NC. A volunteer photographer, Jack Higgins, had a goal to capture as many players as possible to include action shots and human interest shots. The photos were posted on the web site Shutterfly. Word quickly spread through emails and within 3 days the site had over 110 hits. Not bad considering there were 120+ registered for the tourney. This pickleball media success prompted the creation of another Social media site on FACEBOOK GROUPS – “North Carolina Pickleball.” Within 2 days, the site had over 28 members.
What is next? Well I am not sure but I will continue to promote Pickleball on both traditional and new social media. Remember to hit “LIKE” when using FACEBOOK as it promotes Pickleball Madness.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Space Coast's First Pickleball Store
Submitted by Scott Nelson, District Ambassador, Central Florida
Announcing Brevard County, FL's first Pickleball store...
DinkDinkDink has just opened for business to support not
only Brevard and the neighboring counties but web business as well.
Just in time for Christmas, DinkDinkDink has an amazing
inventory of new competitively priced paddles and accessories.
Please check out the new site DinkDinkDink.com
For any questions, please feel free to call 321-243-8287 or
Email greg@dinkdinkdink.com
DinkDinkDink is located at 700 South John Rodes Blvd, Unit
E5, Melbourne, FL, 32909
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