Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1500272
| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2023 | 57 The Sun Lakes Pickleball Complex was bustling on the last Saturday of April. A grand day began early with Master Board member Lori Hazelton doing the honors in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to inaugurate the new courts. Also in attendance were Board President Bob Walter and FirstResidential General Manager Chris Mitchell along with Assistant GM Jason Ewals, all of whom have played key roles in accomplishing the court renovation. Club president Tony Browne shared his appreciation to the whole Master Board and the staff who have delivered such a worthy facility. Our club is the direct beneficiary, of course, and the dozens of players who took time out from their morning routine to join the festivities were a very visible testimony to the large number of Sun Lakers who are part of this activity. But the community benefits as well. Real estate mogul Mauricio Umansky has recently asserted that the number one amenity in high-end real properties is pickleball. He should know. Mauricio has personally sold over $4 billion in luxury units. He is an avid player so maybe he's biased but his company, The Agency, is a $57 billion empire so… We don't need to be in his price level to know that retirees are gravitating to pickleball, in droves. Sun Lakes is making an investment in all of our futures with the new courts. The Saturday celebration continued as the club hosted a picnic at the courts for members and friends. The club provided the proteins and light beverages while the members graced us all with various dishes. The weather was as warm as the camaraderie and everyone had a great time. After lunch, several courts were occupied as many enjoyed a postprandial workout. The club uses a GroupMe app for member communications and the next days were filled with praises and thank-yous from the 80 or so who participated. This proved to be an outstanding event to kick off the new era for pickleball in Sun Lakes. As this edition of the Lifestyles is released, there is still a week or so to sign up for our Charity Week Tournament. It's all for the community and for fun so come on out and give it a whirl. If you need any information on playing times or just to connect with the gentle folks who pickle, give Judy Luna a call at (949) 929-2390. See you on the courts! Pickleball Club e new Pickleball Complex is already hopping!