Over 150 pickleball players will be in Picton from as far away the southern United States to take part in Prince Edward Pickleball’s second annual fundraising tournament. The event supports PEP’s plan to build six dedicated pickleball courts at Delhi Park.

About 100 players took part last year — so this weekend’s event is a success no matter which way the pickleball bounces.

PEP Chair Stephanie Roth confirmed local pickleball courts have seen a significant uptick in the number of players this summer. The organization offered introductory lessons for 77 new participants and  intermediate and advanced clinics for another 54. A new Friday Night Beginners Round Robin program in Bloomfield quickly filled.

“We hosted them at the Bloomfield Mill Pond courts because courts at Benson Park were too busy,” said Ms. Roth. The program at Benson offered through the Picton Recreation Committee boasts over 360 players.

The courts at Delhi can’t come quickly enough for the County’s Picklers. Ms. Roth said PEP is in a position to launch a Request For Proposal through municipal staff for the six-court design. 

“This is the first step before asking for more grants and sponsorships,” she said. The most recent design drawings locate the courts at the former T-Ball diamond.

The action starts at Huff Estates Arena at 8 a.m. Saturday sees men’s and women’s doubles action while Sunday offers mixed doubles play. Tournament sponsors are Onix, Picton Home Hardware, and Waring House.

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Prince Edward pickelballer Carlos Herrera digs out a volley during afternoon action at the Benson Park courts on Wednesday. Over 150 pickleball players will be taking part in a two-day tournament at Huff Estates Arena this weekend.