Regional
matters
continued
Newest Addition to Pickleball
Heaven in Southwest Florida
I
n December 2016, a small group of players in Punta
Gorda, Florida, met and shared their desire for a
premier pickleball facility in Charlotte County. Their
conversation led to a dream, which is currently taking
shape on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State
College—the PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda.
PicklePlex®️ board members--Gloria Reilly, Sue Carman,
Ted Kegeris, (city council liaison Mayor Nancy Prafke),
Doug Gammie, Dave Fox and Joel Shaffer
Some of the goals of the PicklePlex are to provide a positive
environment for youth to learn and play the sport as well as
providing free and open play for all. League play will also be
offered for all ages.
PicklePlex will be completed in three phases. Opening in
May are the first 16 sanctioned outdoor courts. Plans are to
construct a concession stand later this year. Phase two includes
16 additional sanctioned outdoor courts, and phase three
includes a 40,000-square-foot building that will house eight
indoor courts, a pro shop, fitness center and restaurant.
PicklePlex is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation that has raised
funds from the local pickleball community, businesses and
individuals through donations and sponsorships to construct the
outdoor courts. Court sponsorships are available.
The PicklePlex board has tournaments and events planned
monthly from June through February 2020. The Grand Opening
Tournament is scheduled for January 10-12, 2020.
For more information, go to pickleplex.org or email info@
pickleplex.org. •
GET YOUR HEAD
IN THE GAME.
Save 30% off at
www.headsweats.com with code:
PICKLEBALL
72
TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM