The #1 source for pickleball news in New York's Greater Capital Region. Written by a journalist and pickleball player.
Lighted pickleball courts proposed in East Greenbush, and barriers to Olympic pickleball
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#058 July 6, 2024 | Read on the web Rensselaer County considers 8 dedicated pickleball courts with lightsThe Rensselaer County Legislature will vote next month on a proposed project to build 8 dedicated, outdoor pickleball courts behind the county office building on Route 4 in East Greenbush. The plan calls for the courts to have lights, which would make it the only large outdoor court venue in the region with night-time play. Woot, woot. Also in the plan are permanent bathrooms and vending machines. PLEASE HELP:This project came before the legislature once before and did not get enough votes. Please let Rensselaer County know these courts have supporters and will get used! Here is how you can help. 1) Write an email to RensCo leaders nowTell them where you live and why you would like to see these courts built. Even if you live outside of Rensselaer county, write a note of support letting leaders know the courts will be an attraction for pickleball players across the region who might be inclined to use nearby stores and restaurants. Write to: Smclaughlin@rensco.com, 2) Attend the Aug. 6 legislative meetingThe legislature is expected to vote on the project at its next meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. at the 99 Troy Rd. (Route 4), East Greenbush. » Add the meeting date to your calendar: https://calendar.app.google/apjRKA6arG3tBU9w7 Please attend the meeting and show your support! Nonsurgical therapy for pickleball injuriesProblems like tennis elbow, back pain, and knee pain can hamper your game and leave you sidelined. Richard Kim Medicine is the Capital area's Regenerative Medicine specialist. Dr. Kim's therapies are perfect to limit downtime and return to play. If you are looking for solutions before surgery then natural, regenerative medicine is ideal. Dr. Kim's office also offers hassle-free MRI service, where ANYONE can call and use, no referral and no wait time. Call today for a free consultation 518-871-9900. SPONSOR
True Tournament Series – Event 1Friday, Aug. 22 through Sunday, Aug. 24 at True Pickleball Club Friday, Aug. 22 – Youth & Singles Events
Saturday, Aug. 23 – Men’s and Women’s Doubles, $55 per player Sunday, Aug. 24 – Mixed Doubles, $55 per player Additional Information
Chuck Allen is looking for some Intermediate womenThe annual outdoor tournament on July 26/27 in Queensbury is filling up fast, but they could use a few more intermediate 3.0 level women. Register here: https://www.adkpickleball.com/events/chuck-allen-memorial-tournament/ More tournaments ...July 12-13 Electric City Open July 11-13 Salt City Open July 19: Senior Showdown Mixed Doubles at Southern Saratoga YMCA Oct. 4: Bethlehem Pickleball Tournament (Rain-date Oct. 5)
Free Teen "Learn to Play Pickleball" at Southern Saratoga YMCAThis four-week program is designed for teens ages 14-17 who want to learn the basics of pickleball in a supportive environment. No experience is necessary. Mondays starting July 21 at 3 p.m. https://operations.daxko.com/programs/redirector.aspx?cid=3063&pid=96365&sid=3223520 Youth Summer Camp at True PickleballOpen to youth participants. Players may sign up for one or more days. The camp includes instruction, games, and skill development led by experienced coaches. Activities are designed specifically for youth players of varying skill levels. Aug. 11 to 15, 9 a.m. to noon, $35 per day. https://truepickleballclub.org/lessons Get back to your signature pickleball moves fasterYour signature moves make you who you are — from a strong forehand to a perfect dink. Don’t let pain put them on pause. The new orthopedics program from St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates makes it easier than ever to reduce pain, heal faster and get back in the game. Make your move at sphp.com/moves. SPONSOR
Sportime beginner clinic and guided Open PlaySPORTIME Schenectady is offering a 4-week Beginner Clinic on Mondays, starting July 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Also, Sportime will have Guided Open Play for 2.5-3.0 players on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. You can find out about Sportime's latest activities on their Team Reach group: SportimeS New Novice Skills and Drill Class at Southern Saratoga YMCAA new class focused on building skills and confidence for beginner players through structured drills and practice at the Clifton Park Y. Mondays starting July 21, 4 to 4:45 p.m.https://operations.daxko.com/programs/redirector.aspx?cid=3063&pid=96365&sid=3223495
Cardio pickleball and DUPR play at SPORTIME SchenectadyTuesdays
Saturdays
Special Event
Amateur Pickleball League – Summer SessionThe Summer session of the Amateur Pickleball League (APL), powered by VAIR, is now underway with nearly 90 players already competing across the region. It's not too late to join. The league is open to all skill levels and has flexible scheduling - you can play as much as you want, even multiple times a week. Matches are competitive and based on your rating or experience. No substitutes are needed. Anyone can join - VAIRified players are eligible for cash playoffs:
Create your free account: https://www.vairified.com/?ambassador=5717273 Sign up for Summer APL: https://www.vairified.com/amateur-league?ambassador=5717273 View standings: https://www.vairified.com/apl-standings Find an APL event near you: https://www.vairified.com/apl-events-list
VAIR ratings upgraded with Men's, Women's and Mixed ratingsVAIR has rolled out a major upgrade to its amateur pickleball rating system, adding new layers of detail and accuracy for players across the country. The algorithm now separates ratings into Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, and Overall—giving players a clearer view of their strengths across different match types. In addition to doubles, singles ratings are now live. More segmentation is on the way, with Over 50, Over 60, and Over 70 divisions in development. These updates are designed to reflect how players actually compete and evolve over time, improving accuracy while helping tournament directors build more balanced brackets. More information: https://www.vairified.com Coach Brian Santacruz launches Santacruz Spark PickleballBrian Santacruz, a certified PPR instructor and 5.0+ level player has launched Santacruz Spark Pickleball, a premier pickleball coaching service for all levels and ages. For more information including Brian's pickleball bio, lesson/clinic schedule, pricing, and locations check out his website https://cal.com/santacruz.spark.pb and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SantacruzSparkPickleball. Reach
Is USA Pickleball helping or hurting the chances of pickleball getting into the Olympics?If you have 15 minutes, it is worth listening to a segment of The Dink Podcast, hosted by Zane Navratil. Zane interviews World Pickleball Federation (WPF) founder Seymour Rifkind, who has led an effort to merge the international pickleball bodies into one and get pickleball into the Olympics. Seymour makes the case that USA Pickleball is getting in the way. WPF has a mission to create a governing body that represents all countries and gives every member country a vote, Seymour said. USA Pickleball had been in talks to join the WPF, but formed a splinter group instead. "I knew right then and there, they did not like what was happening simply because we were following the model of 100 percent democracy and USA Pickleball felt because they are USA Pickleball that they should control the international federation," Seymour said. He said the International Olympic Committee likes pickleball and he believes it could become an Olympic sport, but the international governance issue is a significant barrier. On top of that, Seymour said tennis leaders had hoped that pickleball would go away, but now that it is obvious it won't, tennis is trying to take over pickleball. Seymour said in September the International Tennis Federation of Tennis is voting on whether to bring pickleball under the ITF umbrella. Zane and Seymour's conversation begins at the 16:30 minute mark and are worth a listen: https://youtu.be/wyJ4DCQMLak?si=bQfGvAngK0L1uUNl&t=995 Is that enough pickleball news for ya? Hope to see you on the courts. 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.
#057 June 19, 2025 | Read on the web Registration is open for the Bethlehem Pickleball Tournament The 2nd Annual Bethlehem Pickleball Tournament to support the Bethlehem Senior Projects will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 with a rain-date of Sunday, Oct. 5. The regular registration price is $50 but you can register now for $35. The "First Dinker" discount is for players who sign up super early. Fun fact: Early registrations shape tournament divisions. As a tournament director, I have eliminated...
#056 June 5, 2025 | Read on the web Pickleball courts open at Prospect Park in Troy New courts at Prospect Park in Troy. The City of Troy has six new, dedicated pickleball courts at Prospect Park! The park sits on a hill just south of RPI. Thank Colleen Morrissey for this photo. https://www.news10.com/community/upgrades-unveiled-at-troys-prospect-park/ Here is a map link to the courts: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b9ks47y9PL8WjCGg9 Nonsurgical therapy for pickleball injuries Dr. Richard Kim...
#055 May 22, 2025 | Read on the web Meet the 2025 Dink for A Cure Honorees This year’s Dink for A Cure Tournament to benefit the Arthritis Foundation honors three amazing Capital Region individuals whose stories reflect courage, determination and hope. Lilah – Child HonoreeDiagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) just before her 2nd birthday, Lilah has faced pain and treatment with bravery far beyond her years. She powers through every day with a bright smile and unstoppable spirit,...