This is a history of pickleball at Riderwood

History of Pickleball at Riderwood

 

Early days: Jack McEleny and Joe Sumner Jim Henkelman-Bahn (Joe Sumner told me he was around at the beginning but wasn’t an organizer, but there was a third person besides Jack and Jim.)

 

Started in 2007? Name of Fitness Manager who promoted it?

 

Chalking down lines in the activity room

 

Did you ever use tape

 

Permanent painting of lines? (Did this happen after the flood in the room?)

 

Visit from Swedish(?) television crew.

 

Visit from Pickleball Ambassador (Sylvia Bell)

 

Visit to play at Leisure World

 

Other community visits

 

2018

 

First election of officers: Joe Finan president, Dee Sperling vice president, David Nation treasurer, Linda Pelletier Secretary

 

First playing on tennis court: October 18, 2018. Joe Finan, David Nation, Linda Pelletier, Dee Sperling, Bill Flank, Richard Bennof laid down masking tape for the court lines and played outdoor pickleball on a beautiful Fall morning.

 

Setting aside one hour a week for women-only play. Organized by Dee Sperling and Linda Pelletier.

 

Appointment of Competition Committee to try to standardize issues about play: Jack Hessler, Richard Benhof, Allen Slutsky.

 

How many paid members do we end up with?

 

2019

Move to outside

Played at Beltsville via carpool until Covid closed them down.

 

2020

 Lines on court

Playing outside with masks

Institution of ladder

 

2021

Tournament

New by-laws