Congratulations to Bill, Al, Bobbi, Dick, and Ray, our honored guests at Friday night's social. These five players are all 80+ years old. We are so proud of them and hope that we are all playing pickleball at 80. We wish you many more happy, healthy years.
We have been told by the city that some nets are not getting taken down after last play each day. It is imperative that ALL nets be taken down each day.
Please check the calendar to see if you are the last session for that day and if there is anyone playing on the court after you. If you are the last one in the gym and a net is still up that you did not use you MUST take it down. In addition, we have been advised that there have been days when we did not stop playing at the end of our provided time. We must stop on schedule and take nets down promptly.
Thanks to everyone for doing their part so we all can enjoy the gym.
Rasheka Gaines was recently named as the Recreation Program Supervisor at Odell Weeks, replacing Chrissey Miller. Rasheka has been employed at Odell Weeks by the City of Aiken Parks & Recreation for many years, so her face is familiar to many of us! Our pickleball players and our program will surely benefit under Rasheka's supervision. Congratulations, Rasheka!
The Pickleball Channel recently posted one of the greatest points ever played. To watch this amazing point, click here.
New outdoor pickleball courts are now available to the public at Eustis Park (located on Edgefield Ave., N.W, between Morgan Street, NW and Church Street NW.) There are 4 purpose built courts there and they are open during park hours (dawn to dusk). There are two courts available (multi-purpose) at Kalmia Hills (Westcliff) Park (3311 Summit Drive). These two courts are superimposed on the two tennis courts. The height of the net (34 " in the center) for pickleball may be achieved by sliding the strap in the middle of the tennis net to the right or left until the desired height is achieved. There are no lights at this park so play is during daylight only. Neither location presently provides paddles or balls so bring your own.
Click here for a map of places to play pickleball in Aiken.
Photo below: Kalmia Hills Park
Photo below: Eustis Park
Nancy Racki shared the following link to a good video on the proper way to pack a net into the bag provided.
Let's all give it a try. It will probably save some wear and tear on our equipment!
Thanks, Nancy!
Ron Nelson enjoyed some lively pickleball today with his son (Ron) and his grandson (Ron). Since there is not yet an R4 on the court, Dick Keeler filled in as the fourth.
Thank you to Pickleball Central for being one of the sponsors of the upcoming Palmetto Invitational Tournament. Pickleball Central, which is an online store selling everything related to pickleball, continues to offer our players a 5% discount on their orders. They also give Odell Weeks a 5% credit on each order. Just put in the discount code CRODELL when placing your order. It is a win/win for everyone, and helps pay for pickleball supplies at Odell Weeks. Check it out at www.pickleballcentral.com.
Buying a new pickleball paddle? Check out the grip size chart under the "Information" tab on the menu to see which size is right for you!