The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
518: An open play idea the Capital Region should steal
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#080 July 9, 2026 | Read on the web A vacation idea worth bringing homeOne of my favorite parts of traveling is seeing how other pickleball communities do things. While vacationing in Avalon, New Jersey, I had the chance to play several open play sessions at the borough’s beautiful 20-court complex. What impressed me most wasn’t the facility itself — it was how smoothly open play was organized. Two staff members oversee every session, keeping players moving and helping everyone get on the court quickly. The courts are divided into two different formats. On one side, 10 courts operate with a two players on, two players off rotation. Every game brings two new players together, and the winners can either stay together or split up. On the other side, 10 courts use a four on, four off system, allowing groups of friends to stay together throughout the session if they choose. It’s a simple concept, but it offers something for everyone. Players looking to meet new partners and mix things up can do so, while those who came with a foursome can continue playing together. The system is also organized by skill level. During busy weeks, separate time slots are dedicated to intermediate and advanced players. During quieter weeks, designated courts serve those groups instead. Many of our local municipal courts use a similar paddle-queue system, but most rely entirely on volunteers and players to keep things moving. That can be challenging, especially for newcomers who may be unsure of local etiquette or how to get into the rotation. Seeing Avalon in action made me wonder whether local parks could benefit from having volunteer court hosts during busy open play sessions. A friendly person to welcome new players, answer questions and help organize the rotations could make the experience more inviting while keeping games moving efficiently. It was one of those ideas that was worth packing in my suitcase and bringing back to the Capital Region.
Hillhurst Summer Pickleball Brawl opens registrationThe Hillhurst Summer Pickleball Brawl returns to Hillhurst Park for five days of competition Aug. 5-9, 2026. The tournament features singles, doubles and mixed doubles across intermediate, advanced, age-based and youth divisions, along with an Open event. Event Details Dates: Aug. 5-9, 2026 Location: Hillhurst Park, Campbell Avenue, Schenectady Tentative Schedule (subject to change):
Registration: $30 for one event, plus $10 for each additional division. The Open event is $50, with $40 going toward payouts. If we get 10 teams $200 will be added. Payment is accepted through Venmo @Barton-Metzold or by contacting 518-701-6520. Or register here https://www.pbheart.com/register/events/hillhurst-summer-pickleball-brawl-2026
Registration closing soon for the July 25-26 Chuck Allen in Queensbury The Chuck Allen Tournament in Queensbury on July 25-26 has 150 players and registration closes soon. The tournament director is Mary Hilliard of the Adirondack Pickleball Club. All proceeds benefit charity.https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/6th-annual-chuck-allen-memorial-pickleball-tournament >>I posted the full list of teams at the bottom of this newsletter. If this is your first tournament on PickleballTournaments.com, here is a tutorial that shows you how to set up your profile and connect it to DUPR.
Save the date: Dink for Pink returns Sept. 26The 3rd Annual Dink for Pink Pickleball Tournament will return on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Clifton Park Pickleball Club at the Hockey Hut. The charity tournament benefits Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the American Cancer Society, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting the cause. Organizers say additional details and registration information will be announced soon, but players are encouraged to mark their calendars now. The event will also feature raffle prizes.
Columbia Courts announces summer kids pickleball club on SundaysColumbia Courts is launching a six-week Kids Summer Pickleball Club with certified instructor Mary Pat Knepper for players ages 7-10 and 11-14. The program combines four instructional clinics with two parent-child open play sessions to help young players build skills and confidence throughout the summer. Sessions begin July 12 and continue through Aug. 16. Columbia Courts, 40 Iroquois Pl, East Greenbush, NY 12061 True Pickleball Club hosting weeklong youth campTrue Pickleball Club will host a Kids Camp July 13-17 from 2-4 p.m. each day for players ages 8-16. Participants may attend a single day or multiple sessions. Instruction is tailored each day to the ages and skill levels of those attending. Multi-day and sibling discounts are available. Registration is available through CourtReserve at:
Brook Bound Inn offers adult pickleball and padel mini-campsBrook Bound Inn in Wilmington, Vermont, will host two three-day adult Pickleball & Padel Mini-Camps in August. The camps include professional instruction, guided play, skill assessments, welcome barbecue, lodging, meals on camp days and gifts from Adidas, Paddletek, Master Athletics and Real Turf. Session One: Aug. 9-11 Session Two: Aug. 16-18 The camps are designed for players looking to improve their skills in an immersive learning environment while enjoying the resort setting. Contact teaching pro Whitney Kraft at twhit10s@gmail.com.
One opening remains in Wilton coed DUPR leagueOnly one spot remains in Wilton Pickleball Club's Wednesday Coed DUPR League for Session III. The league runs July 29-Aug. 26 from 5:45-8:30 p.m. at McGregor Links Country Club and welcomes players from low intermediate through advanced. The men's and women's leagues are already full, with waitlists forming. Substitute players are also welcome throughout the season. League registration: Substitute registration: True Pickleball Club has league openingsTrue Pickleball Club still has limited openings in two of its eight-week Summer Leagues: the Novice League and the Advanced League. Both leagues use the club's rotating partner ladder format, giving players a different partner each week while climbing the standings based on results. The Novice League meets Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., and the Advanced League meets Thursdays from 8-10 p.m. Cost is $165. Registration is available through CourtReserve or by contacting the club:
The list of players for the Chuck Allen Tournament on July 25-26 in Queensbury is long. It's not too late to join them? https://pickleballtournaments.com/tournaments/6th-annual-chuck-allen-memorial-pickleball-tournament Saturday, July 25Mens Doubles Skill: (3.500 To 3.999) Age: (50 And Above)(9 of 12 teams registered — 3 spots available)
Mens Doubles Skill: (4.0 And Above) Age: (12 To 49)(10 of 12 teams registered — 2 spots available)
Mens Doubles Skill: (4.0 And Above) Age: (50 And Above)(13 of 16 teams registered — 3 spots available)
Mens Doubles Skill: (3.000 To 3.499) Age: (12 To 49)(2 of 12 teams registered — 10 spots available)
Mens Doubles Skill: (3.000 To 3.499) Age: (50 And Above)(4 of 12 teams registered — 8 spots available)
Mens Doubles Skill: (3.500 To 3.999) Age: (12 To 49)(1 of 12 teams registered — 11 spots available)
Womens Doubles Skill: (3.000 To 3.499) Age: (12 To 49)(4 of 12 teams registered — 8 spots available)
Womens Doubles Skill: (3.000 To 3.499) Age: (50 And Above)(4 of 12 teams registered — 8 spots available)
Womens Doubles Skill: (3.500 To 3.999) Age: (12 To 49)(0 of 12 teams registered — 12 spots available)
Womens Doubles Skill: (3.500 To 3.999) Age: (50 And Above)(8 of 12 teams registered — 4 spots available)
Womens Doubles Skill: (4.0 And Above) Age: (12 To 49)(2 of 12 teams registered — 10 spots available)
Womens Doubles Skill: (4.0 And Above) Age: (50 And Above)(5 of 12 teams registered — 7 spots available)
Sunday, July 26Mixed Doubles Skill: (3.500 To 3.999) Age: (50 And Above)(10 of 18 teams registered — 8 spots available)
Mixed Doubles Skill: (4.0 And Above) Age: (12 To 49)(14 of 18 teams registered — 4 spots available)
Mixed Doubles Skill: (4.0 And Above) Age: (50 And Above)(14 of 18 teams registered — 4 spots available)
Mixed Doubles Skill: (3.000 To 3.499) Age: (12 To 49)(1 of 12 teams registered — 11 spots available)
Mixed Doubles Skill: (3.000 To 3.499) Age: (50 And Above)(4 of 12 teams registered — 8 spots available)
Mixed Doubles Skill: (3.500 To 3.999) Age: (12 To 49)(4 of 16 teams registered — 12 spots available)
I hope to see you on the court, 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.
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