Saratoga stages inaugural Pickleball tourney

The town of Saratoga, and the Saratoga Recreation Department, staged the 1st Annual Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, July 22, at Veterans Island. The event drew 20 players, competing in doubles, divided into two flights; beginners and intermediate level players. Most teams were local; from Saratoga and Rawlins, but a team from Cheyenne and one from Casper were also competing.

It is notable that Saratoga staged this tournament of the popular sport since just six weeks ago the courts did not exist. The new pickleball courts, located by the skateboard ramps, were the vision of Cindy Carnes and Barb Youngberg, and they moved the project through to completion. The courts were laid out and lines painted by volunteers. From vision, to inception, to tournament in five short weeks is a credit to everyone involved.

Although Pickleball was first developed and played in 1965, the fast paced growth of the sport has occurred over the past five years, with a professional league formed about three years ago. Courts, and the players to fill those courts, can be found springing up in large metro areas and small towns, like Saratoga.

Kathy Beck serves as the Town Council liaison to the Rec Department. She has been involved in the development of the courts, and was instrumental in organizing the tournament. Players will find some equipment provided on site so anyone interested in trying the game can simply show up and play for free. Currently courts do not have to be reserved.

Last month’s tournament was called the ‘inaugural’ Saratoga Pickleball Tournament. Plans are for the tourney to be on the schedule every year. There were a number of volunteers working with registration, judging the matches and helping out with the raffle prizes, water and all the things necessary to stage the event. According to Ms. Berg “ The Recreation Commission wants to make these types of activities possible. We are working on providing our community with opportunities to gather for wellness, beautification, culture and fun!”.