It's time to mark our calendars for the
next national championship tournament.
It will be held, again, in our backyard at
the beautiful Tennis Garden in Indian
Wells. Last year saw the first of a series
of national tourneys to be staged at
the Garden as the USA Pickleball
Association has signed a long-term
deal for the event to be held in our low
desert. If you missed last year, plan to get down there this time.
You'll see pickleball at its finest and enjoy grand amenities. The
tournament will be Nov. 2 - 10.
Speaking of the USAPA, our club members should seriously
consider joining the national outfit. The dues are modest, just
$20 a year. You'll get access to the bi-monthly magazine that
features activities around the country and the globe. To sign up for
membership, just go to www.usapa.org for all the information. You
will be teaming with the fastest growing sport in America!
On the local front, our club has forged a very friendly relationship
with our fellow picklers in Yucaipa thanks to the graciousness of
Bryon Sterger, the president of their club. We have recently exchanged
visits with Bryon and our players have enjoyed their hospitality at
the 7th Street Park which has an unusual set-up. Their courts are
covered with a high-trussed roof that allows outdoor
play to be sheltered from the hot sun or occasional
shower.
If you use Facebook, check out the terrific Sun
Lakes Pickleball page and ask to join. Club
member Nancy Sheets regularly posts lots of
fun facts and events.
Our sport is, indeed, growing dramatically.
If you want to get a sense of just what's going
on, checkout articles online at www.55places.com. This is a
clearinghouse site featuring senior community activities around
the nation. If you enter "pickleball" in their search bar you'll find a
wealth of articles on our game. 55Places also reviews communities
and documents amenities. Their recent tabulation indicated that the
top-rated resorts actually have more pickleball courts than tennis
courts. Interesting!
We have welcomed new players in recent months, some new to
Sun Lakes and several who have just discovered the sport. To keep
abreast of our club play times and opportunities nearby, such as at
the Yucaipa facility, give one of our officers a call: President Leslie
Johnson at (909) 693-9922 or VP Tony Browne at (909) 509-0105.
See you on the courts!
| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2019 | 57
Pickleball Club
