Shenandoah Valley Pickleball Newsletter
Volume 2, Issue 9, (September 2026)
Keeping the Pickleball Community Informed and Connected
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October Clinics for New, Junior and Regular Players
SVP has four October clinics scheduled at Montgomery Hall Park and the new courts at Stuarts Draft Park. Pick the session that fits your age and experience.
Use the correct registration system: Sign up for Stuarts Draft sessions through Augusta County Parks and Recreation. Sign up for Montgomery Hall Park sessions through Staunton Parks and Recreation.
Beginner Pickleball Clinic — Montgomery Hall Park
Saturday, October 3, 9–11 a.m. · Ages 16+ · $20
This is a one-day clinic covering basic rules, scoring and strategy through demonstrations, drills and play. A limited number of paddles will be available, but bring your own if possible. Register by September 23.
Introduction to Pickleball Skills & Drills — Stuarts Draft
Friday, October 2, 9–10 a.m. · Ages 16+ · $20 · Activity #51306-01
A friendly, low-pressure introduction for beginners and people who have played only a few times. Paddles are available. Register by September 25.
Junior Pickleball Skills & Drills — Stuarts Draft
Saturday, October 17, 9–11 a.m. · Ages 8–15 · $20 · Activity #50828-01
A small-group clinic for intermediate-to-advanced junior players covering dinking, third shots, volleys, positioning, shot selection and tactics. Register by October 11.
Pickleball Skills & Drills — Stuarts Draft
Saturday, October 24, 9–11 a.m. · Ages 16+ · $20 · Activity #51307-01
A small-group session for regular players who want to sharpen dinking, third shots, volleys, positioning, shot selection and tactics. Register by October 18.
The Stuarts Draft sessions meet on courts 3 and 4. Wear comfortable athletic clothing and traction-friendly shoes, and bring water; there is no running water at the court location. Port-a-johns are available.
Halloween Round Robin Wraps Up the Outdoor Season 🎃
Paddles up—and costumes are welcome. SVP's Halloween Pickleball Round Robin Social will close out the 2026 outdoor season at Montgomery Hall Park on Saturday, October 31.
Players will rotate partners during friendly round-robin play, giving a mix of skill levels a chance to play together. The event is open to ages 12 and older, and Shenandoah Valley Pickleball will lead the morning.
Date and time: Saturday, October 31, 9 a.m.–noon
Venue: Montgomery Hall Park, 1000 Montgomery Ave., Staunton
Fee: $20 per person
Register by: October 22
Costumes are optional. Come ready for one final morning of outdoor competition and community before play moves indoors.
Harrisonburg Will Play Pickleball for the Cure on October 31
Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation will host Pickleball for the Cure on Saturday, October 31, starting at 9 a.m. at the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center.
The bracket-style tournament costs $40 per team. Space is limited, and proceeds will benefit the RMH Foundation for Breast Care and Treatment at Sentara RMH Medical Center.
Venue: Simms Center, 620 Simms Ave., Harrisonburg
Questions: [email protected]
Indoor Pickleball Facility Is in the Planning Phase in Harrisonburg
A proposed redevelopment of the former Artisan Packaging property could bring a new indoor pickleball facility to Harrisonburg. The site is at 291 West Wolfe Street and 336 West Market Street.
According to an August 18 report from Harrisonburg Housing Today, the applicant was in discussions with potential tenants for an indoor pickleball facility and a rock-climbing gym. Together, the two recreation uses would occupy about 41,000 square feet. The pickleball plans described courts for open play, leagues, lessons and clinics for children and adults.
The Harrisonburg Planning Commission recommended approval of the required special-use permit. This project remains in the planning phase, however; a pickleball tenant, court count and opening date have not been confirmed.
Indoor Pickleball Returns to Gypsy Hill Park Gym
Outdoor play may be winding down, but three indoor courts will be available at Gypsy Hill Park Gym from November 15 through February 21. Registration for both programs opens through Staunton Parks and Recreation at 8 a.m. Monday, October 19. Players must register before attending; there is no onsite payment.
Intermediate Open Gym — $50
Monday and Friday, 9 a.m.–noon · Sunday, 3–5 p.m.
Despite the program name, the guide describes this group as intended for beginner/intermediate and average recreational-level players. Advanced players should register for the Advanced Division.
Advanced Open Gym — $40
Sunday, 1–3 p.m. · Wednesday, 5–7:30 p.m., except the fourth Wednesday of each month
The gym is not available on holidays, event dates or the fourth Wednesday of each month. Review the published schedule before making plans. We’ll publish the registration links next month so readers do not try to register before registration opens.
Rule of the Month Quiz
When does your volley momentum end?
The scenario:
You volley the ball while standing outside the kitchen. Your opponent cannot return it, and the ball bounces twice—but your momentum then carries you into the non-volley zone before you regain your balance.
What is the ruling? Take your best guess and click one:
Your choice opens the ruling and a short explanation right away.
Got a rule question or a tricky call from your own matches you want to see featured? Send it to Devon at [email protected]—there's a good chance it becomes a future Rule of the Month.
Need a Game? Start with PlayTime Scheduler
Looking for a game in Staunton, Waynesboro or Augusta County? SVP uses PlayTime Scheduler to help local players find and organize sessions.
Creating a basic account is free. After choosing your region, you can review a weekly calendar showing each session's location, time, requested skill range and current player count. Open a session to see its details, then select “Add My Name” to join.
If the calendar does not have the game you need, select “Add Session” to create one. You can set the date, time, location, skill range and minimum or maximum number of players.
If you want to start earlier than a session already on the calendar, create a separate session for the earlier time. Do not rely on a note added to the existing session—players may miss it and arrive at the original posted time.
One courtesy matters: if your plans change, remove your name promptly. That gives another player a chance to join and helps everyone know whether the session has enough players to go forward.
Shenandoah Valley Pickleball
Shenandoah Valley Pickleball is dedicated to growing the game and building a welcoming community across our region. Our mission centers on promoting play for all skill levels, supporting local courts and facilities, hosting engaging events and lessons, and fostering an inclusive pickleball culture that connects players on and off the court.
Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned competitor, we're excited to share the passion, progress, and fun that make our community thrive!
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