MENTOR PICKLEBALL
JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Below is information about Pickleball in the Mentor, OH area:
1. Outdoor Tournament Schedule – registration now open for 7 tournaments
2. Outdoor Leagues (Mentor Civic Center Park) – Session 2 (July-August)
3. Beginner Class (July 18 thru Aug 8), Beginner Clinic (August 31), and Beginner League (Aug 3 - Sept 21)
4. “3 and Me” Sessions / Lessons
5. Outdoor Play  (Mentor Civic Center Park)
6. Indoor Play (Pickleball Play 365 - Grand Opening: Sat, July 13)
7. Places to Play
8. About Us

NOTE:  THE CITY OF MENTOR HAS INFORMED US THAT THE MENTOR CIVIC CENTER PICKLEBALL COURTS WILL BE CLOSED ON SATURDAY. JULY 27 AND SUNDAY, JULY 28 IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE THE SSL CHAMPION SWIM MEET WHERE 10 LOCAL SWIM CLUBS WILL BE COMPETING OVER THE COURSE OF 2 DAYS.  THIS IS EXPECTED TO BE ONE OF THE LARGEST SWIM MEETS EVER CONDUCTED AT CIVIC CENTER PARK, AND OVERFLOW SPACE NEAR AND ON THE PICKLEBALL COURTS WILL BE NEEDED TO ACCOMMODATE THE LARGE EXPECTED CROWDS.

ALSO, THE MENTOR CIVIC CENTER COURTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE RE-PAINTED SOMETIME THIS OUTDOOR SEASON.  WHEN THE WORK IS DONE, ALL COURTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE CLOSED.


1.  OUTDOOR TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 Outdoor Shootout Tournaments will be held at Mentor Civic Center Park, 8600 Munson Rd, Mentor, OH 44060. Cost for each  event is $25 per person, which covers tournament entry, medals for top 3 teams in each division, and pizza at end of the event.  Events typically run 3 to 3-1/2 hours.  Teams will play a game against each other team in their skill division, and divisions will normally max out at 10 teams.

For details, and to register for all Shootouts, go to:
https://mentor.royalpickleball.com

Don't get shut out - these events often fill up and we have to turn people away!

REMAINING 2024 OUTDOOR SCHEDULE:

JULY 13 WOMEN'S DOUBLES SHOOTOUT - Saturday, July 13th, 11:00 am.  Registration is OPEN.  Looking for teams in 4.0, 3.5, and 3.0 divisions.
JULY 20 SINGLES SHOOTOUT - Saturday, July 20th, 11:00 am.  Registration is OPEN. 
AUG 3 MIXED DOUBLES SHOOTOUT - Saturday, Aug 3rd, 11:00 am.  Registration is OPEN. 
AUG 10 SINGLES SHOOTOUT - Saturday, Aug 10th, 11:00 am.  Registration is OPEN.
AUG 24 MIXED DOUBLES SHOOTOUT - Saturday, Aug 24th, 11:00 am.  Registration is OPEN. 
SEPT 7  MEN'S DOUBLES SHOOTOUT - Saturday, Sept 7th, 11:00 am.  Registration is OPEN. 
SEPT 21 MIXED DOUBLES SHOOTOUT - Saturday, Sept 21st, 11:00 am.  Registration is OPEN. 
OCT 5 FORMAT TBD - Saturday, Oct 5th, 11:00 am.  Registration opening TBD.

We are utilizing a new online website (mentor.royalpickleball.com) to handle all sign ups for our Shootouts.  The new website provides a number of benefits:
- 24/7 convenience for registration
- Immediate view of available openings in each division
- Ability to view other players and teams signed up
- Added capability to pay via credit card (with small service fee)
- Eases workload for tournament organizers, allowing us to offer more tournaments!

HOW TO REGISTER:
For details, and to register for all Shootouts, go to:
https://mentor.royalpickleball.com

If there are any questions, best to e-mail Ken Werner at [email protected].  Or you can text/call at 440-478-6542.


2.  OUTDOOR LEAGUES

We currently have openings for the July-August session in our Pickleball leagues which are held outdoors at Mentor Civic Center Park.  Below is a list of leagues.  We run 3 sessions (May-June, July-August, Sept-Oct).  Sign-up priority is always given to those who played in the previous session.  If a league is full, we will place players on a wait list in case any openings arise.

Each week, league participants will play 6 games which will take approximately 90 minutes.  Cost is $30 each session.

LEAGUE DAY / TIME / LEVEL
Mondays at 2:00 pm -  Advanced (3.5)
Tuesdays at 12:00 noon - Advanced++ (3.75+) - LIMITED OPENINGS
Tuesdays at 2:00 pm - Intermediate (3.0)
Wednesdays at 12:00 noon - Intermediate / Advanced (3.0–3.5)
Wednesdays at 2:00 pm - Lower Intermediate (2.5-3.0)
Thursdays at 12:00 noon -  Advanced+ (3.5+) - CURRENTLY FULL
Thursdays at 2:00 pm - Intermediate (3.0)
Fridays at 12:00 noon -  Intermediate / Advanced (3.0-3.5) - LIMITED OPENINGS
Fridays at 2:00 pm - Lower Intermediate (2.5-3.0)
Saturdays at 12:00 noon * -  Intermediate / Advanced (3.0-3.5)
*Saturday league will start at 3:00 pm on days when there is a tournament (i.e. July 13, July 20, Aug 3, Aug 10, Aug 24).  Courts will also be closed on July 27 so there will be no league play then.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Our intent is to organize leagues with players of similar level to allow for the best pickleball experience for all.  Please pay close attention to the level of each league, and be very realistic as to where you would best fit in.  With any league, you need to be competitive.  We will always work with people to find the most appropriate league, and if we cannot accommodate, we will always provide a full refund.

HOW TO SIGN UP:
To sign up or if questions, e-mail Ken at  [email protected].  You can also text to 440-478-6542.  Include name, e-mail address and which league(s) you are interested in.  We will respond whether we have spots available.  We also maintain a Wait List for each league.  If you are interested in a particular league and it is FULL, we encourage you to put your name on the Wait List, as we often have dropouts due to any number of reasons.


3.  BEGINNER CLASS / CLINIC / LEAGUE

Learn to play the fastest growing sport in the country!!  There are several options.

BEGINNER CLASS (4 WEEKS)
Best option for beginners to learn to play the game and meet other beginner players.

Dates:  Thursdays (July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8)
Time:  6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location:  Pickleball Play 365 (indoor facility),  8001 Moving Way (off Tyler Blvd), Mentor, OH 44060
Cost:  $75 per person
Equipment provided.

To register, go to:  PickleballPlay365.org

BEGINNER CLINIC (1 DAY)
Good option for those with limited time and need a quick learning experience.

Date:  Saturday, August 31st
Time:  2:00-3:30 pm
Location:  Mentor Civic Center Park
Cost: $20 per person
Equipment provided.

For the August 31st Beginner Clinic, you must register at the following website:
https;//mentor.royalpickleball.com

BEGINNER LEAGUE (8 WEEKS)
A great "Next Step" after you have a basic understanding of the game.  Play with other Beginner players and see the improvement in your play over just a few short weeks!

It is recommended that you have completed a Beginner Class, Beginner Clinic, or have a basic understanding of the game.

Date:  Saturdays (August 3 - September 21)
Time:  12:00-2:00 pm
Location:  Pickleball Play 365 (indoor facility),  8001 Moving Way (off Tyler Blvd), Mentor, OH 44060
Cost:  $60 per person
Bring your own paddle.  Balls provided.

To register, go to:  PickleballPlay365.org


4.  ”3 AND ME” SESSIONS / LESSONS

“3 and Me” sessions are a chance for 3-4 people to play in a game with an instructor and receive personalized tips/instructions. Cost is $25 per person. Improve your game by receiving instruction that is pertinent to you in an actual game.

Regular lessons are also available – cost is $60 per hour for up to 4 people.

For both “3 and Me” sessions and lessons, contact Brian Murphy at 440-221-7487 or e-mail:    [email protected].


5.  OUTDOOR PLAY  (Mentor Civic Center Park)

Outdoor play is available at Mentor Civic Center Park, 8600 Munson Rd, Mentor, OH 44060.  Courts are located behind the outdoor pools, and are available daily from 7:00 am until 11:00 pm.

As in the past, courts are available to groups on a first-come, first-served basis.  (Each player is responsible for finding or organizing their own playing group).  

The City of Mentor has posted additional rules:
- No savings of courts
- Play is limited to 2 games to 11 when other players are waiting.

Busiest times of play are typically 8:00-11:00 am (all days) and 5:00-8:00 pm (Sun-Fri).

Courts will be UNAVAILABLE on the following Saturdays from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm when tournaments are being held:
July 13, July 20, Aug 3, Aug 10, Aug 24, Sept 7, Sept 21,  Oct 5

Also, all Courts will be CLOSED on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 for SSL Champion Swim Meet.


6.  INDOOR PLAY

A new indoor Pickleball facility will be opening in Mentor!!!

PICKLEBALL PLAY 365 is having a Grand Opening on Saturday, July 13th !!!

Location:  8001 Moving Way (off Tyler Blvd), Mentor, OH

Phone:  440-568-7529

E-mail: [email protected]

Hours:  Monday-Friday 7AM – 10PM; Sunday 9 AM-9PM

Website:  PickleballPlay365.org

Facebook:  Pickleball Play 365

Pickleball Play 365 offers 8 indoor pickleball courts designed for an optimal playing experience. The facility features four-sided ball containment on all courts, state-of-the-art cushioned surfaces, LED sports lighting to reduce glare, ample eight-foot spacing around seven courts, a premier center court with additional spacing, and an expansive 30-foot ceiling height. Pickleball Play 365 offers open play times and reserved courts.  We will soon be offering lessons for all skill levels, clinics, leagues, tournaments, youth programs, and a variety of themed events. The facility is committed to providing the best possible pickleball experience, guided by feedback from guests and an advisory board of local pickleball experts!


7.  PLACES TO PLAY - CLEVELAND/AKRON AREA

Click here for detailed information on Places to Play in the Cleveland/Akron area.  This list has been put together and maintained by Rick Warsinskey who is a Cleveland Area Pickleball Ambassador.  It not only includes the addresses of available courts, but includes many notes on hours, activities, etc. at each location.  Thanks, Rick!!

We have also added a link on our home page (www.mentorpickleball.org) if you ever need to access the Places to Play list.


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ABOUT US:

WHAT IS MENTOR PICKLEBALL?
Mentor Pickleball is the collaboration of two brothers and a friend (Brian Murphy, Mike Murphy, Ken Werner) who enjoy and want to promote the sport of Pickleball in the Mentor, OH area. We work with the City of Mentor and help with maintaining facilities and organizing clinics, lessons, leagues, and tournaments. We also maintain a website (www.mentorpickleball.org), an e-mailbox ([email protected]), and publish this e-newsletter as a free service to help "spread the word".

E-MAIL LIST
If you are receiving this e-mail, you are currently on our e-mail distribution list and will periodically receive information on Pickleball in the Mentor and Northeast Ohio areas.  To unsubscribe or add an e-mail address, e-mail us at  [email protected].

WEBSITE
Check out our website,  www.mentorpickleball.org, for general information on Pickleball in the Mentor (OH) area.
Our latest newsletter is always posted on our website under the "Newsletter" tab.

QUESTIONS? / FEEDBACK?
We would like to hear from you! E-mail us at  [email protected]  with any questions or feedback. Leave a phone number if you would like to talk with someone directly.

MENTOR CIVIC CENTER PARK
- Located at 8600 Munson Rd, Mentor, OH 44060
- 15 state-of-the-art outdoor Pickleball courts (located behind outdoor pools)
- High quality playing surfaces and permanent nets (note playing surfaces are expected to be re-painted soon)
- Individually fenced courts
- Courts available 7 days per week, with lights for night-time play (until approx. 11:00 pm)
- Currently open to residents and non-residents, with no cost to play

We would like to thank the City of Mentor for providing one of the largest and finest outdoor Pickleball complexes in the country.

PICKLEBALL PLAY 365
- Located at 8001 Moving Way, Mentor, OH 44060
- Grand Opening is Saturday, July 13th
- 8 dedicated indoor Pickleball courts with state-of-the-art cushioned playing surfaces, LED sports lighting. 30' ceiling, substantial spacing around all courts, and large lounge/hospitality area.
- For all inquiries, contact Ben Beasley at [email protected]

Hope to see you on the courts!

Brian Murphy, Mike Murphy, Ken Werner
Mentor Pickleball