We are excited to announce that PICKLEBALL has arrived at the NSWC! We know you probably have many questions regarding the launch of pickleball, and we hope to answer your questions in this email. The court opening launches next week on February 8th, so let’s get started!

PICKLEBALL COURTS
There are 4 new pickleball courts located in the upper indoor tennis court area. Two squash courts were removed and two permanent pickleball courts were created in that space. In GameTime, these 2 permanent pickleball courts are numbered 1 and 2 under the Pickleball tab.

To add two additional courts, pickleball lines were painted on tennis court #7. All 4 pickleball courts have roll-out and lock-in place nets. The two convertible pickleball courts located on tennis court #7 are numbered 7a and 7b, under the Pickleball tab in GameTime.

** Please note that our new screen to cover the walls may not arrive by February 8. The screen is a special order and it is delayed. We will hang it up as soon as possible.

GAMETIME – BOOK A PICKLEBALL COURT
Members can book pickleball courts 1, 2, 7a and 7b in GameTime. When you login to GameTime, please note there is a new main tab labeled PICKLEBALL.

• Pickleball courts 1 and 2 are available to book from 6:45am to 9:45pm unless a court is blocked off for a lesson.  There will be limited availability in the afternoons (Mon, Wed, Thurs) between 1:30pm-6pm.
• Pickleball courts 7a and 7b are available when not booked for tennis lessons. Please check GameTime for availability.

Members will be able to start to advance book pickleball courts for February 8th, starting Friday February 5th at noon.

PLEASE NOTE: We are engaging in a soft opening at this time, and will be monitoring the demand for our new sport of pickleball during February and March. After that, court availability and access may be increased (or decreased) based on member demand.

Click HERE for Game Time PB Court Booking – Feb 5th @ 12PM

FREE CLINICS

The Club will be hosting FREE pickleball clinics for beginners and intermediate players. At these clinics, members will learn basic strokes and how to keep score. Members will also compete in fun singles matches! Members can sign up for these clinics in GameTime starting Thursday February 4th at noon. Paddles and balls will be provided at clinics.

We will be offering the first 72 members who sign up, will receive a free one-hour clinic. Please only sign-up for one clinic. We want to ensure as many members as possible have an opportunity to try this new and exciting game!

FIRST CLINIC: TUESDAY, February 9

6:00pm-7:00pm (6 players max)
7:00pm-8:00pm (6 players max)
8:00pm-9:00pm (6 players max)

SECOND CLINIC: SATURDAY, February 13

10:00am-11:00am (6 players max)
11:00am-12:00pm (6 players max)
12:00pm-1:00pm (6 players max)

THIRD CLINIC: THURSDAY, February 18

10:00am-11:00am (6 players max)
11:00am-12:00pm (6 players max)
12:00pm-1:00pm (6 players max)

FORTH CLINIC: SUNDAY, February 21

10:00am-11:00am (6 players max)
11:00am-12:00pm (6 players max)
12:00pm-1:00pm (6 players max)

Click HERE to register – Feb 4th @ 12PM

PICKLEBALL BOOKING RULES (same as tennis)

• Maximum 5 days in advance starting at 12pm
• Maximum 4 bookings per week (Sunday – Saturday)
• Maximum 2 prime bookings per week (6pm-9pm)
• 24-hour bookings are permitted, booking does not count towards 4 max per week
• No back to back bookings
• Do not book two courts at the same time under the same name
• All bookings are 1 hour 15 minutes with final 5 minutes mandatory time for members to clean the court

PICKLEBALL POLICIES (same as tennis)

• Appropriate court attire and footwear is required at all times
• Courteous behaviour is expected on and off the court
• 24-hour cancellation is in effect and must be done by calling Member services
• $25 charge for late cancellations
• $25 charge for no shows to all players booked
• All names are required on GameTime booking
• Required post-match COVID cleaning protocols in place

PADDLES AND BALLS
Pickleball paddles will be available at the Front Desk to rent for $5. Members will be required to leave their ID or keys in exchange for the paddle. Paddles will be sanitized after each use.

Pickleballs are for sale at the Front Desk for $5.

Additional Paddles are also available for purchase at Time Out Source for Sports (don’t forget, members receive a 15% discount!)

PICKLEBALL COMMITTEE
The Pickleball Committee met for their first Zoom committee meeting on January 27th. The Committee is made up of both members and staff that include: Josee Wilson, Alison Rakis, Rob Boyd, Frank Dennis, Fabio Walker, Amy Walker and Joanna Hayes.

Check out the new Pickleball page on the NSWC website. Click on PROGRAMS from the main page and then scroll down to Pickleball. We will be updating this page with new information and videos so check back often. For a direct link click here: https://www.nswc.ca/programs/racquets/pickleball/

If you have any questions regarding pickleball at the NSWC please email pickleball@nswc.ca.

THAT’S IT FOR NOW. HAVE A GREAT DAY!!