On Tuesday, August 13th, the pickleball community came together to celebrate “Pickleball in Paradise,” an event honoring the one-year anniversary of the official opening of the pickleball courts in Marine Park. This festive event, initially planned to celebrate National Pickleball Day, had been rescheduled due to weather, but the enthusiasm was still strong as participants arrived in their Hawaiian shirts, ready to enjoy the beautiful morning sun and play some pickleball!
The breakfast featured a vibrant Hawaiian theme, complete with leis for the attendees and a decorated tree designed to resemble an island palm. A full breakfast buffet was laid out, offering a super morning continental spread that included rich coffee, an array of pastries, fresh fruits, bagels, muffins and even Greek treats. The highlight of the festivities was a grand cake, designed to look like a pickleball court, complete with net, paddles and a pickleball.
Donna Ward, one of the organizers, spoke to the crowd, introducing new brooms for the courts. Paul Curiale, executive director of Millennium Development, also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the community’s ongoing support. Funds collected from the event will go toward much-needed equipment for the courts, including windscreens, thanks to sponsorship by Millennium Development.
A pause in the morning’s pickleball games allowed participants to gather for a group photo, capturing the spirit of the event and the camaraderie of the community. Others took playful photos against the decorated caricature-themed cardboard cutouts of a pickle and a ball. Marine Park Pickleball Club co-founders, Bob Spieler (affectionately known as “Pickleball Bob”) and Mike Chaiet, spearheaded the original plan to bring pickleball to Marine Park and were among those who played a role in the day’s success, along with other volunteers like Donna Ward and Peggy Katen.
The celebration was a true group effort, embodying the shared love for the game and the joy of community, with every participant contributing to the ongoing success of pickleball in Marine Park.
