Pickleball Magazine 2-6 | Page 11

FROM THE USAPA USAPA Launches New ‘Places 2 Play’ O ver the last 12 years, one of the most utilized features on the USAPA website is the Places to Play database. This program lists all known pickleball locations and has been credited for being one of the driving forces behind the growth of pickleball. Over the past year, USAPA has been making significant updates and changes to the website. The new MemberLeap database system, complete with its fully automated and real-time registration and renewal process, has been very well-received. Likewise, the new web and mobile-based USAPA Rewards Program has been a tremendously popular feature. Now, USAPA is pleased to announce the latest upgrade to the USAPA software suite — PLACES 2 PLAY! This exciting new program has been in the works for most of this year and in fact has been available (no USAPA branding) as a mobile app test platform in the Apple Store for nearly two months. Just recently, a new version of the mobile app was launched, complete with the entire USAPA location database, theme and official logo. Members and the entire pickleball community can download the mobile app straight to their phones or tablets (just search USAPA Places 2 Play). A corresponding desktop version of the program was also developed and is now linked to the USAPA website. In addition, Places 2 Play is integrated to work with the new USAPA mobile app. Features of the official USAPA Places 2 Play: • Find places near you or near your next trip destination on an easy-to-use map. • The advanced search engine can find sites by name, city, state, zip code or tags. • Upload and view pictures of each place (when available). • View weather conditions at your favorite outdoor places to play. • Submit site updates right from the app. The new Places 2 Play is quite different than our previous version, so it will take some getting used to. However, the new program comes complete with a handy Help Guide, which has been designed to get everyone up to speed as quickly as possible. USAPA would like to thank former USAPA president Bill Booth for his work in developing the original Places to Play program. It has served the pickleball community well for nearly 12 years and we are grateful for the time and energy Bill (and countless ambassadors) have spent making it easy for users to find pickleball courts in their area.  • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 | MAGAZINE 9