We would like to thank everyone who participated and volunteered in this year’s Madness – we would like to especially thank Senor Ron Pitcher and Senoras Dee Pitcher and Nancy Stern for all their organizing efforts.
Nancy leading the Mexican Madness Warm-up
Senor Frank – Mr MC
The Blue Team
The Green Team – the player in the front wins the Madness Prize ;-)
The Yellow Team
The Red Team
Our Colour Coordinated Exec Team
Pickleball players will now be serving at Beaufort Park thanks to work by Nanaimo Pickleball Club and City of Nanaimo Parks and Recreation.
The club and city hosted a grand opening event Saturday, which saw six courts officially unveiled to players. It was the culmination of a number of years of work by the two groups.
Dave Eaton, Nanaimo Pickleball Club president, said pickleball is increasing in popularity. Plans started three years ago when he began meeting with Richard Harding, city director of parks and rec, and Al Britton, city manager of parks operations.
“We worked out a plan to convert one of the tennis courts at Beban Park into two pickleball courts,” said Eaton. “That went very well and two years ago last May we opened those courts and it was just a huge success. The problem was there was only two courts and a lot of players wanting to play.”
Beaufort Park was decided on as a site for more courts to help alleviate the glut of players.
Coun. Bill Bestwick, parks, recreation and wellness committee chairman, said if there is demand, more pickleball courts could be added.
“I’m certain if the popularity of this venue here proves to be as successful as we think it will, I have no doubt that there will be a third request for another facility and time will tell, but certainly by all the activity that’s going on here … and at the one at Beban Park, I won’t be surprised to see another one in the near future,” said Bestwick.
Dwight Lobson, a pickleball player, was impressed with the new courts.
“It’s awesome,” said Lobson. “It’s a very good court. Nice and even. Lots of people coming out. Last week or so, it’s been just packed like this every morning.”
Karl Yu, reporter, Nanaimo News Bulletin
Check out the 6 new outdoor pickleball courts at Beaufort Park. Thanks to City of Nanaimo Parks and Rec and the efforts of our Club President, Dave Eaton, for making this happen. To find where the courts are go to the ‘Places to Play’ tab.
Be introduced to the fastest growing sport in North America in a fun and friendly environment.
Open to all skill levels.
Where: Oliver Woods Community Centre
When: 12:30 til 2:30pm
Make sure you wear gym clothes and indoor sneakers as you will be learning the basic rules & skills while playing games.
To register, call 250-756-5200. Space is limited so register early.
We are looking for support from our multi-talented membership to help manage club affairs. We are looking for assistance in the following areas:
Training,
Wednesday Play,
Saturday Play,
Social,
Tournaments,
City Liaison,
Publicity,
Greeter.
If you see a topic that interests you, please email us at nanaimopickleball@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you to discuss it further. More info is available below.
Nanaimo Pickleball Club Committees
Training – Organizes training opportunities for members. The committee members aren’t necessarily the trainers; rather they co-ordinate training
Saturday Play – Sign up players, collect fees, send out emails to participating players, organize courts and let players know about the results. This is ideally a 2-person committee to ensure someone is always taking care of weekly activities
Wednesday play – Sign up players, collect fees, send out emails to participating players, organize courts and let players know about the results. This is ideally a 2-person committee to ensure someone is always taking care of weekly activities
Social – Recommend to the Executive, plan and organize social activities for club members and their partners.
Tournaments – Find tournament directors for our 2 annual tournaments; find and help to assign volunteers, co-ordinate resources to ensure successful tournaments; in conjunction with tournament directors
Parks & Recreation/City of Nanaimo Liaison – President and Vice President co-chair this committee along with others who are interested in assisting. Involves contracts, future
Greeter/Membership – Meet new players at drop-in and other events, get contact info from newcomers, give out NPC contact info cards, advise newcomers and the general public about our club activities, maintain our Gmail membership list
Website/Facebook/publicity – Maintain and enhance our website, Facebook and other social media resources; promote our club activities in local and other media, with other pickleball clubs and organizations, and publicize the results of our tournaments and ladder play sessions as appropriate.