The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
518: Albany wants YOU! Plus, six new courts and winter pickleball deals
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#084 Oct. 15, 2026 | Read on the web Albany seeks volunteers to bring pickleball to more playersThe city of Albany is looking for pickleball enthusiasts willing to share their love of the game and help expand opportunities for residents to play. Volunteers are needed to help run open play sessions at Albany West Community Center, 520 Livingston Ave., and to introduce children to pickleball during weekday morning programs. The city also hopes to connect with other community centers (JCC, Boys & Girls Clubs, Albany County...) interested in offering pickleball. Albany already has four dedicated outdoor pickleball courts at Capitol Hills Golf Course and four shared tennis and pickleball courts at Westland Hills, where the playing lines have recently been repainted. Now, the city is looking to build on those opportunities by bringing more programming into its community centers. Interested in helping? Contact Brian Rodriguez at brodriguez@albanyny.gov or call or text 518-603-6285.
Six new pickleball courts nearing completion in MoreauThe Town of Moreau is putting the finishing touches on new recreational facilities at Harry J. Betar Recreation Park, consisting of six pickleball courts, one tennis court and one basketball court. The Town of Moreau Highway Department demolished and removed the decades-old tennis courts that previously occupied the space at the Rec Park. The Town Board put out a request for proposals for construction of the courts and approved a bid from E&T O’Connor Construction for an amount not to exceed $198,900. All the courts are individually fenced and have an asphalt surface. Contractors installed two layers of asphalt: a 2-inch layer of asphalt binder (Type 3) and a 1.5-inch layer of asphalt top (Type 7). Currently, they are waiting for the paint to fully cure before putting up the nets. Construction and installation are expected to be complete by the end of October. At that time, the Town Board will look to set a date for a grand opening or ribbon-cutting ceremony. The information comes from the Town Supervisor’s Office, which will share the opening date when it is established. Thanks to Tony Pickles for letting me know about the courts! Watervliet Dome is still an option for indoor pickleballAs outdoor temperatures drop, here’s a reminder about an indoor pickleball option that players may have overlooked: the Watervliet Dome, 1300 Second Ave. in Watervliet. The dome has six lined pickleball courts, with nets provided. Courts are available when the facility isn’t reserved for other activities, and players can check the booking calendar at https://www.watervlietbooking.org. A $5-per-person donation is suggested to help cover expenses and upkeep. Players need to sign an insurance waiver and obtain an entry key fob from City Hall for a refundable $10 deposit. One important detail: The dome is not heated, so dress accordingly. For questions, contact the mayor’s office at 518-270-3815 or CPatricelli@WatervlietNY.gov.
Thanksgiving at Emma: Custom player gift revealed!The fifth annual Thanksgiving at Emma Willard Pickleball Tournament (Nov. 21–23) will feature custom medals and a special player gift: a custom Emma pom-pom winter hat! Only the first 200 paid registrants get hats, so register now! (170 players are already signed up.) Most doubles divisions are nearly full, and some have already sold out. Players hoping to compete — and get a hat — should register soon. You can see how many spots on the full list at the bottom of this email or on the registration site. Monday's events (11/23) could still use more players. There's plenty of room in the Super Senior Doubles (age 60+, 70+, & 80+) at noon, Skinny Singles divisions at 3 p.m. and Singles divisions at 6 p.m. The fifth annual tournament supports Joseph’s House and the Mt. Ida Food Pantry. Registration and event details: Upcoming pickleball tournamentsNov. 6-8: Support Our Heroes Tournament **NEW** Dec. 4-6: Frost & Fire Pickleball Classic SAVE THE DATE: May 18, 2027: Third Annual PINKleball Tournament
Celebrate National Padel Month at Brook Bound Inn in VermontCurious about padel? October is National Padel Month, and Brook Bound Inn in Wilmington, Vermont, is celebrating with three Sunday socials and two special clinics led by Whitney Kraft. Padel is a fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, played on a smaller, enclosed court where the walls are part of the game. It’s typically played as doubles, and its mix of strategy, quick reactions and social play makes it a natural fit for pickleball enthusiasts looking to try something new. Brook Bound Inn, located at 441 Coldbrook Road in Wilmington, VT, is hosting padel socials on Oct. 18, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The gatherings offer an opportunity to get on the court, meet other players and experience a different racket sport. On Sunday, Oct. 25, Whitney Kraft will also lead two additional clinics, one before and one after the social. Upcoming events:
Brook Bound Inn is in southern Vermont, making it a possible day trip or weekend getaway for Capital Region players who want to explore a new racket sport. For more information, contact Whitney at twhit10s@gmail.com. Celebrate Halloween at Columbia CourtsA Halloween Bash open play event is planned for Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Columbia Courts in East Greenbush. The cost is $20 per person. Sign up on court reserve.
Malta offers fall pickleball clinicsMalta Parks and Recreation has several upcoming pickleball clinics with instructor Ed Koivula, including opportunities to work on strategy, court coverage, dinking and third-shot drops. The Court Coverage & Strategy clinics are scheduled for Fridays, Oct. 30 and Dec. 18, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The Dinking & Third Drop Shot clinic is Friday, Dec. 11, also from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Each single-session clinic costs $25 for residents and $29 for nonresidents. An Intermediate Practice series is scheduled for Fridays, Nov. 6 through Dec. 4, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The cost is $99 for residents and $109 for nonresidents. The series is expected to skip Thanksgiving Friday; participants should confirm the session dates when registering. For registration and additional information, visit https://maltaparksrec.com. True offers four kids camps in NovemberTrue Pickleball Club in Latham is offering four two-hour kids camps in November for ages 8-15, with all skill levels welcome. The camps will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3; Wednesday, Nov. 11; Wednesday, Nov. 25; and Friday, Nov. 27. Each camp is a standalone session, so families can register for one or more dates. Players will be grouped by skill level and work on technique, scoring, court positioning and game fundamentals through drills and games. The camps take place at 195 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham. Registration information is available through CourtReserve at https://www.truepickleballclub.org. Questions can be directed to manager@playtruepc.com.
Openings remain in True’s winter leaguesTrue Pickleball Club in Latham still has openings in three winter leagues, with organized competition for different skill levels.
All leagues are held at 195 Troy-Schenectady Road. Details and registration are available through CourtReserve at https://www.truepickleballclub.org or by emailing manager\@playtruepc.com.
Columbia Courts announces new hours and early bird specialsColumbia Courts has updated its hours and is offering weekday morning discounts and regular open play sessions. The facility is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Weekday early bird specials run from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, at $8 per person per hour. Beginner and intermediate open play sessions are scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Fridays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon, also at $8 per person per hour. The pavilion covered courts are located in East Greenbush. Frye Guys rolls out winter pricing and Big Chill membershipFrye Guys Pickleball Club in Clifton Park has announced its winter rates, effective Nov. 1 through April 30. Visitors will pay $15 per person for two hours of open play or $20 per person for a two-hour private court reservation. The club is also offering a Big Chill Membership for $25 per month over six months. Members pay $8 per person for two hours of open play or $10 per person for a two-hour private reservation. Membership registration opens Oct. 15. The membership is nonrefundable and nontransferable, and early termination fees apply. Frye Guys is at 1319 Route 146, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-902-8777. SPORTIME offers seasonal pickleball court reservationsPlayers looking for a regular indoor court throughout the winter can reserve a seasonal court at SPORTIME Capital Region for the 2026-27 season. Seasonal reservations provide the same court time each week throughout the indoor season. Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. View the rates here: All participants must be SPORTIME members or associates. A 50% deposit is required, with the final cost determined by the membership status of players on the roster. Remaining balances are due by Dec. 1. For reservations or questions, contact General Manager Robert Coleman at rcoleman@sportimeny.com. The Picklr files for bankruptcy — but not OUR Picklers!The national pickleball franchise The Picklr has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but don’t confuse it with Picklers Pickleball Club, the independently owned local club operated by Gary and Maura Miller. The Picklr founder Jorge Barragan acknowledged that early lease guarantees contributed to the company’s financial problems. The franchise says its locations will remain open as it works through restructuring. Meanwhile, our local Picklers Pickleball Club is a completely separate business and is doing well. Same sport, almost the same name, very different financial stories. Read more in the New York Post: https://nypost.com/2026/10/13/business/pickleball-company-files-for-bankruptcy-as-founder-acknowledges-business-mistake-i-own-it/
The fifth annual Thanksgiving at Emma tournament is just over five weeks away! Some divisions are filling up, and there are still opportunities to get in on the fun. It’s a great way to play some pickleball, celebrate the holiday season and support two Troy charities. https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/2026-thanksgiving-at-emma-willard/ Saturday, Nov. 21Men’s doubles 3.0: 7 teams, FULL. Sunday, Nov. 22 Mixed doubles 3.0, ages 10–49: 8 teams, FULL. Monday, Nov. 23(Waitlist mode means it is free to sign up, the event will move forward if there is enough interest) 3 p.m. Monday 6 p.m. Monday I hope you sign up for a Monday event! If you have questions, email me at cathleen@pickleball518.com Cathleen
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Pickleball518: Pickleball news from Upstate New York
The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
#083 Oct. 1, 2026 | Read on the web Want to sponsor Thanksgiving at Emma tournament? Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 5th annual Thanksgiving at Emma Pickleball Tournament in Troy. A big thank you to ShinePro Window Cleaning and Worthington Flowers (owned by pickleball player Sam Swart), who have already signed on as sponsors! If you own a business— or know one that would like to support a fun local event while reaching the Capital Region pickleball community—I 'd love to hear...
#082 Sept. 17, 2026 | Read on the web Pickleball518 takes on table tennis Last night, Pickleball518 players and friends gathered at All+ Table Tennis in Menands for a free night of ping pong — and we had a blast. We also introduced the table tennis crowd to a little piece of pickleball culture: the after-match paddle tap. It’s such a familiar part of pickleball’s sportsmanship and community that we barely think about it. The table tennis players thought it was a little strange, but hopefully...
#081 August 13, 2026 | Read on the web FREE* signups for the "Thanksgiving at Emma" tournament Tournament registration has become a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem. Players wait to see who else signs up before committing. But when everyone waits, divisions look empty, players get nervous about registering — and sometimes events that could have filled never get off the ground. So for this year’s Thanksgiving at Emma Pickleball Tournament, Nov. 21-23, I’m trying something different. For the...