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My Review of Pickleball at Venice Community Center

On a hot day, I drove down to the Venice Community Center located at 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice to play intermediate pickleball on a Thursday, 11:00am – 2:00pm. I was happy to see there was plenty of parking and a very clean facility.

If it’s your first time here, you will need to purchase a card for $20.00. It is $2.00 per play. Cards may be purchased in the office, and there is a county employee who scans it in at the door.

The room is like your old high school auditorium with a black and white floor. At first it was a little confusing but I quickly got used to the white lines on the black and white floor.

Games were to 11, win by 2, and you write your name on a white board; 4 per square. A small group of players were there so I played constantly, however, I understand that the day before they had a large crowd and wait time was substantial.

People were very friendly and games were competitive.  Great place to play pickleball on a hot, June day.

Venice Community Center
The Venice Community Center (VCC) is a beautiful 45,000 sq. ft. regional facility that serves the needs of residents and visitors in Sarasota County as well as counties to the north and south.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
11:00am – 2:00pm -Intermediates
2:00am – 5:00pm – Beginners
5:00pm – 8:00pm – Open Play

326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice FL
(941) 861-1380

 

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My Review of Pickleball at St. Peter and Paul Church

Wednesday started out as a rainy day in Sarasota. so we switched where we were going to play (outside at Gillepsie Park) to the “Church.” St. Peter and Paul Church is located in Bradenton off Cortez Road. Checking my GPS I realized it was a 45 minute drive from my house. Yikes!

How was it? Great! Well organized, 3 courts, with rally play (every fault is a point), and they have an interesting number system. The paddles are placed on a bleacher at the level of play you want to play in; beginner,  intermediate, advanced, in a pile of 4 with a number placed on top. Then whatever number is up next, four on four off, is what they call “on deck,” and they are placed individually on 4 chairs which means they are next.

“On Deck”

Play moved quickly. and when there were many people waiting, the game was first to nine. I’d say my games lasted 5 minutes. Around 12:00 the crowd thinned out and the games were played to 11, win by 2.

The people were very friendly, and the charge was a donation of $3.00 or you could pay $25.00 for the summer season, $50.00 for the entire year.

I’d recommend playing at the Church for all levels. Inexpensive, friendly, clean, organized, good play.

Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Catholic Church

2850 75th Street West, Bradenton FL, 34209
Church Office – (941)795-1228
Click here to buy Mark’s book.

Let me know what you think. Comment below.

 

 

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Schedule for Local Pickleball

 

Here is the Current Sarasota Pickleball Schedule

Indoor Pickleball Schedule
Arlington Park

Beginner/Intermediate – Tuesday – 10am – 1pm
Open Play – Thursday – 10am – 1pm
Advanced – Friday – 10am – 1pm

Colonial Oaks

Advanced – Monday – 10am – 1pm
Beginner/Intermediate – Wednesday – 1 – 4 pm

Longwood Park

Open Play – Monday/Tues/Thursday/Friday
9am – 12pm

Newtown Estates Park

Advanced – Wednesday – 9am – 12
Open Play – Thursday and Friday – 10am – 1pm

RL Taylor

Monday and Wednesday – 9am -1pm    Intermediate/Advance
Tuesday and Thursday – 9am -1pm
Beginners
Friday – 9am-10am-“Newbies” Pickleball Lessons….FREE!!!
Friday – 10am-12noon – “Newbies” Play ONLY
Friday Night – 6pm-9pm Open Play ($5pp)

Salvation Army ($3.00)

Monday and Friday – 8:30am – 12pm
Open Play – 3 Courts (Put your paddles by the court you want to play.)

GT Bray/Bradenton $3.00
Monday – Friday 10am – 1pm Indoor
Open Play
They have outdoor courts, too!

YMCA/Berlin

Open Play
Tuesday – 10am – 1pm
Thursday – 11am – 2pm
(cost is $7.00/non members)

YMCA/Sadlier

Open Play
Tuesday & Thursday 11am – 2pm
Friday – 7:30am – 9:00am
(cost is $7.00 non member)

St Peter and Paul Church in Bradenton
Open Play/Rally Scoring
Monday and Wednesday – 10:30 -1:00
Tuesday and Friday – 10:00 – 1:00

 

Monday February 19 for President’s Day

Monday May 28 for Memorial Day