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Well, we've made it through the dog days of summer, and we are rolling into fall. If you're anything like me, you're looking forward to cooler days ahead.
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We have some great news and updates for you this month!
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- PCCC Labor Day celebration
- Fall Leagues – Info for everyone!
- Hot Topic: Lights at Harry G. Daniel
- Damage and vandalism at the courts
- Event Reminders: VSG tournament, PPA tour in Virginia Beach
- Update on Memorial Benches for Dave King and Kurt Johnson
- Sharing and Caring: a different perspective
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PCCC Special Event
Join us at the Scott Pickleball Center at Rockwood Park for our annual Labor Day celebration!
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There will be plenty of Open Play, and it’s always so much fun to hang out, catch up with old friends, or get to know new ones.
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The PCCC volunteers will set up the picnic table with tasty snacks/drinks, and we encourage you to bring your favorite dish to share if you'd like.
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- Date: Monday, September 7th
- Start time: 8:00am
- End time: 11:00am
- Location: Scott Pickleball Center, Rockwood Park (3401 Courthouse Rd, Richmond, VA 23236)
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Fall Leagues - Info for Everyone!
We are very excited to kick off our Fall Leagues today! We have a couple of new ones, and I’m eager to see how they do.
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However, I want to acknowledge that while many of us look forward to league play twice a year, we know it is an inconvenience for some who need to change their usual schedules to accommodate these reserved times.
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Leagues play a vital part in the growth of pickleball, offering opportunities for individual improvement and social connection within our community.
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All players benefit from leagues, even if you don't actively participate in one, because league fees are directly used to upgrade courts and amenities for everyone to use.
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The following information will help you to plan around league play:
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- All evening leagues will only use 1/2 of the total number of courts at each facility. That will leave 6 courts at CTC and 4 at Rockwood for open play each evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Daytime leagues on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 10:30 to 1:00 will leave at least 2 courts open at CTC. At Huguenot Park, 1 court will be open in the afternoon on Wednesdays.
All other times, the courts will operate as usual, so just plan around these reserved times for the next 8 weeks.
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HOT TOPIC: Lights at Harry G. Daniel Park
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One of the great things about playing pickleball at the various Chesterfield County parks is that most of the courts have lights. This perk allows us to extend our play well into the evening. Recently, the court lights at Harry G. Daniel have been… unpredictable. Players are naturally frustrated, and there’s been a lot of confusion about why the lights have been out of order. It's not only inconvenient, but it is also dangerous to not have lights at a public facility, including the parking lots. I have been assured that Parks and Rec is taking this very seriously and is working with Dominion Energy to resolve these issues.
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Damage & vandalism at the courts
Because damage does occur to our courts, we ask everyone to watch over them as if they were their own—because, in many ways, they are. The courts are built and maintained through your taxes, community donations, fundraisers, and PCCC funds when opportunities arise, such as the resurfacing at CTC.
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Please report damage or vandalism to the County when you see it happening, like skating/bike riding on the courts, or if you see damage after the fact.
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- During the day, call the main number: 804-748-1623.
- Evenings and weekends, call the after-hours number: 804-748-1624.
I recommend you put these numbers in your phones for quick reference for any Chesterfield County Parks concerns. Both numbers are also posted on bright yellow signs at each court. If a County employee doesn't come right away, please call the Non-Emergency Number for Chesterfield Police (804-748-1251, another important number to have in your phone!).
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It's sad that people would damage the courts intentionally (sometimes unintentionally through ignorance), but it happens.
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Event Reminders
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Virginia Senior Games
"Where Athletes are Forever Young"
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This isn’t just any tournament – it’s a qualifier for the National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma 2027.
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There’s still time to sign up, if that’s of interest to you (registration deadline is September 4th). But I would also like to encourage you to go as spectators. You’ll be impressed by the level of play, and it’s also a wonderful way to support and encourage our local players. Johnny Morris, for one, will be representing our area. Do you know of others? Please let me know so we can cheer them to victory, too.
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It’s been a while since I have visited the Massanutten, but the resort and the restaurants were very nice and there are discounts for this event! Check out their specials HERE.
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• Friday, September 11 – Men's & Women’s Doubles and Men's & Women's Singles
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• Saturday, September 12 – Mixed Doubles and Mens Singles
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• Sunday, September 13th – Rain Make up day
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Location: 4160 Delwebb Dr., Massanutten, Virginia, 22840
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Athletes will compete in 5 year age groups (50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89). Levels within each age group are either 3.5 and below OR 4.0 and above.
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A Little History of The Virginia Senior Games. Some of you old-timers will remember when this was the biggest local tournament of the year back in 2012 to 2019. We all played in it, as there was a level for everyone, from beginners through Advanced Play. Newport News Parks and Rec hosted for three years, and then Henrico Parks and Rec hosted for at least three more and moved the pickleball portion indoors to the Richmond Raceway. Both Parks and Rec Teams did an outstanding job. A shout-out is in order for Aaron Reidmiller, who managed all the Senior Games for Henrico and is now the Director of Parks and Rec for Hanover County, where he is doing some great work for the pickleball community. Now the Virginia Senior Games franchise is owned by a private company with headquarters in the Western part of the State. One day, they may bring the location back to our area so more of us can participate. Until then, let’s go to the mountains!
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PPA Tour in Virginia Beach
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Another important tournament is even closer by, and this time you get to play in it or come watch the pros amaze you!
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Get a bunch of friends together and come on down. Again, check out the special PCCC discounts!
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Everyone who went last year found it to be a wonderful experience, and they are going back this year, too. The Virginia Beach Pickleball venue provides the whole experience of a fun pickleball festival with music, vendors, food trucks, and of course, professional pickleball!
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Tournament players and camp attendees also receive $20 off their registrations.
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The PPA Tour runs from October 12th through the 18th. We hope you'll take advantage of this incredible opportunity!
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Update on Memorial Benches for Dave King and Kurt Johnson
The memorial benches for Dave King and Kurt Johnson have arrived. Now we are waiting for the printed dedication plaques to be delivered and attached to the benches.
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A huge thank you goes out to Andy and Karen Bradshaw for assembling and delivering the benches to CTC. Once complete, one bench will be taken to Harry G. Daniels and another to Rockwood Park. Marilyn Miller has agreed to attach the plaques for us.
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Quick Links
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Here's some good news in your inbox: Pickleball made an historic debut as an official sport in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. USA Pickleball hails this milestone celebrating "the power of inclusion" that is natural for the sport. Of special interest was the Virginia team wowing everyone with their "thrilling comeback victories." I hope everyone will take a peek at the full article and truly appreciate the resiliency of these athletes.
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And finally, I want to wrap this up with what I witnessed at CTC on Saturday Morning.
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When I visited the courts at CTC this day, I was so encouraged. The courts were very busy, and yet I saw players welcoming, playing with, and encouraging new players. Not for their own benefit, but out of love for the game and a desire to share the joy they have found in this quirky sport.
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This is what pickleball is all about, and I am always so delighted to see it in action at any location I visit. You guys/gals are the best of the best.
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Rarely am I at the courts without someone sharing how pickleball has changed their life for the better. In some cases, they feel it saved their life through the support and friendships fostered by the people they have met and the life-long friendships they have made. Players who never knew each other now get together socially and, in some cases, vacation together.
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These words mean the world to me. I can think of no better way to thank those of us who freely give our time to grow this sport. Knowing that pickleball has made--and continues to make--such a huge impact on people’s lives is rewarding.
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I appreciate the sweaty hugs, and I love to hear your stories. Keep 'em coming.... :-)
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