October 2016
The LOPC celebrated it's first anniversary this Labor Day with a fund-raiser event, our first 'Dinkpalooza'! We had nearly 50 players, 12 busy courts and 12 proud award winners in two divisions. It was great fun seeing tournament-seasoned 5.0 players to competition first-timers going after it - special thanks to Tony and Kim Tollenaar, Steve Paranto and Lala Climaco for their all-star appearances!
Competition brings out the best in us - gives a reason to train, drill to improve the consistency of our weakest shots and fine-tune our go-to shots. To address requests to improve skill levels through quality clinics and lessons, we'll be offering International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association certified coaching next spring. We plan to run more club-level events next outdoor season - organized scrambles, ladder play, maybe even inter-club Davis Cup-style matches (watch out CRPC!).
With our growing membership (at 130 now!), we increased our outdoor play capacity from 4 to 6 courts this summer at George Rogers Park; next spring we'll add four more courts at nearby Southshore Blvd (stay tuned). We benefit from a great relationship with Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation - tell them 'Thanks!' when you see them at Palisades, or cleaning the courts at GRP.
The fall/winter season at Palisades will be stewarded by club volunteers; enjoy the indoor play at Palisades and let them know you appreciate their support - we do! Carl