Memphis, Tn

 

 

          

Mike Morgan Stands by his car (left image), Click on right image to see Memphis Magazine Article about Pickleball and Mike, Page 26.

Brownsville, Tx

Click pictures to see larger versions

My son and I went to the southern tip of Texas, to visit family, at the end of July. We also took our pickleball supplies; net, balls, paddles and tape to mark up some courts, I was able to hook up with the Brownsville Parks and Recreation Dept.  Coordinator, Ray Arellano, who let us do three demo's to kids and his staff, boy did they have a blast. After we were finished they were asking us  where they could sign up to play and when we were going to be back. My son and I had a great time showing them the sport that we have come to love. My main goal in doing this was to introduce the game in a city where many snow birds go for the winter (winter texans) so that they could get it set up and possiblally get some court ready for them to have a place to play. The coordinator is very interested in getting equipment needed to get this sport going!

(Editor Note: Ricardo Molina is an ambassador from Friendship, Tx, south of Houston.)

Hot Springs Village, Ar

Hot Spring Village is in the news again with the recently completed complex. It has eight courts and lights for night play. I am pretty sure the the picture views are from Dennis' bedroom window!! Click the pictures for a larger view.

Tellico Village, Tn

Ke Kai Ruckstuhl, recently appointed USAPA ambassador, reports that “Progress continues in Tellico Village, Tennessee.” Tellico Village, an active adult community of over 7,000 along the shores of Tellico Lake near Knoxville, now boasts about 270 active pickleball players.

“We now play temporarily on a tennis court converted to four pickleball courts. Plans are in the works for an eight court dedicated facility,” Ruckstuhl said. “We aim someday to hold USAPA tournaments here, while introducing visiting players to the beauty and attractions of Eastern Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains.”

Meanwhile, Ruckstuhl trains novice players and is working to foster pickleball awareness and skills in area schools and communities. “Playing and promoting pickleball is my passion,” she says.

Hot Springs New Indoor Venue

6/6/2011

We had an older lady come in about 4 weeks ago to learn about pickleball. She had very little racquet experience. The next week she brought a friend and then another. They are having a great time. After their second encounter, they wanted their own paddle and I was able to get them one. I learned they are 76, 76 and 72. They really get after it and are having a great time playing. They now have a forth and fifth joining us twice a week to play. They have now started playing with the rest of the players at the Y in Hot Springs and are fitting in very nicely.

I guess you are never too old to start something new.

On January 18th pickleball classes began at the Y in Hot Springs. They gave us Tuesday & Thursday from 9 - 10:30 am. We worked with them for 3 weeks (6 sessions).  There were 12 - 15 people at each session, and probably 30 - 40 different people that came. The Y has purchased 3 nets from USAPA, along with 12 paddles, and balls. So they now have a vested interest. A leader for the group emerged, and we have turned it over to him and the Activities Director at the Y. I believe that the group will continue to flourish, however we will be available to conduct clinics for new players from time to time.  We'll also go in and play with them once in a while.  They are now listed in "places to play", so if you get to Arkansas, COME ON DOWN!!!   Keep 'um in play;  

Jim, & Sandy McPherson

Canyon Lake Hosts Georgetown

On September 11th, the Canyon Lake Texas players hosted Georgetown Sun City. Players from both sides matched against one another and then with one another. The play was on both the three traditional indoor courts and also on the recently opened two outdoor courts. Tim Van Delden graciously offered up his BBQ 'grill and skills' for hamburgers and Canyon Lakers brought pot luck to share. "It was a great experience getting to play other players who love the sport".

Pickleball In San Antonio

"Pickleball is booming at Lou Hamilton Community Center. Participants of all ages come to play exciting games of pickleball Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Our two indoor courts are packed full of children, adults and seniors. We encourage new players to participate and even provide free equipment for our participants. The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department provides this program at no cost to the participants in an effort to promote healthy lifestyle choices for it's citizens. For more information about Lou Hamilton's pickleball program and the many other opportunities we have to offer, call 210-654-7749."

Pickleball Comes to Denton, Texas

Pickleball Comes to Kerrville, Texas

Pickleball came to Kerrville, Texas on May 15th at the Family Life Center of the First Presbyterian Church. New local ambassadors Floyd and Sharon Walling helped organize a clinic from 2 til 4 pm in order to introduce Kerrville to the 'art' of pickleball. Ed Beyster, ambassador from San Antonio, with help from his wife Beverly, Larry Honeycutt and Roxanne Ware from Canyon Lake put on a "how-to" clinic for the 30+ local participants of all ages. Also, thanks go out to Halsey Bascom for her help in organizing this event. Halsey works for the Corps Community Center in Kerrville.