March 25, 2025
The Date Is Set For Skyline Opening
We encourage everybody to come join us for the
Skyline Youth Optimist Pickleball Court dedication on
April 3, at 1:30 PM.
This park has the first dedicated pickleball courts (six) in the City Park system. We owe a debt of gratitude to former Representative Joe Molinar, District 4, for his donation of $75,000 discretionary funds for this project and the Skyline Youth Optimist organization for their diligent efforts in maintaining the park as a whole.
Last and NOT least - a huge shoutout to all of the Pickleball El Paso Members who attended and spoke in support of pickleball at FOUR City Council meetings between July - October. Progress is not automatic.
El Paso's First Divisional Tournament is in the Books!
The Inaugural Nusenda Sun Bowl drew 184 players, particularly in the Men's Doubles Open money event. Sixteen teams were divided into four pools for round robin play, with the first and second place finishers from each pool advancing to medal round competition. Pay outs were $500/team for first place, $300 for second, and $200 third.
The Women's and Mixed Doubles Open Divisions also paid cash prizes. Competition was fierce and spectators got a great show.
The Sun Bowl Association contacted Pickleball El Paso last June looking for advice and expertise on creating a pickleball tournament to add to its collection of events. Thanks to their resources and backing, plus the support of sponsor Nusenda Credit Union, the type of tournament players have been asking for became possible. The SBA provided the PA system, computers, printer, generator, party tents, t-shirts for players and volunteers, media coverage, volunteers, and the manpower for running that notoriously difficult tournament software - thank you Jay!
Here are just a few of the results. For complete draws and outcomes go to pickleball tournaments.
The Eastwood High School Administration was a generous host, letting us tape their tennis courts and sharing their students. Members of the football team helped tape 16 pickleball courts, a process that took 5 1/2 hours - yikes! The freshman basketball team got up early on Saturday with their coach to act as runners during the matches (take score sheets to the tournament desk). While Lia Shelton and Lynda Robbins were taping courts, a student asked Lynda if she was Cody's grandma. She is. Generations stay in El Paso, and we had players wearing their Trooper Alumni colors.
And of course our club members were there in force, taping, acting as court monitors, and donating their nets. Some donated their kids as volunteers as well - get themstarted young. 🤣
The Pickleball El Paso Board had been helping design this tournament since June of last year. Ben Avalos lost the most sleep, with Kelly Groves, Patty Morrow, Dina Chen, and Marc Aguirre slogging through those never-ending decisions of an inaugural event. From facility, to scope, to prizes, so many decisions had to be made. A big shout out goes to Terry Avalos for assembling 22 raffle baskets, the proceeds from which go to the club.
Now we have a starting point. Next year the question will be, "How will this event develop?" This is a big milestone for PEPA and the El Paso pickleball community.
Three Cheers For (More) Volunteers!
A big Thank you to our King of Clinics Ben Avalos, to Sandy McDermott and Reyna Montalvo who run the weekend shift at Chamizal outdoor, plus all of the volunteers that pitch in.
Serve Set to Open In Mid-May
Serve, a private pickleball venue on the westside, says they will be opening in mid-May. Located at 1633 Cimarron, they are close to the Walmart on Paseo del Norte. The facility has five indoor and four outdoor pickleball courts, one padel ball court, a restaurant and party facility for rental.
Galatzan Event and Then Pickleball Hours Suspended
There will be a tag-team event at Galatzan on Tuesday, April 15, and then Thursday April 17th at 2:00 through Saturday the 19th the gym will be unavailable for pickleball due to two Easter events. The same is probably happening at most gyms, so as we approach Easter you may want to verify pickleball hours with each gym before going.
Looking For A Place That is Not Too Crowded?
Traffic has been light on Wednesdays, noon - 3PM at San Juan near Bassett Center. If you want less waiting take three mates and give it a go.
Play happy,
Jamie Fisher
President, Pickleball El Paso Association
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