Williamsburg, Virginia Plays Host to Big Dill Tournament
The sport of pickleball was a big “dill” in the City of Williamsburg, Virginia in late September as players took to the courts in the “Big Dill Challenge” pickleball fundraiser.
All proceeds from the event, which was held by the Williamsburg Parks and Recreation Department benefited the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.
The Quarterpath Recreation Center, host venue of the Big Dill Challenge featured pickleball with a unique twist, all 
for a good cause. Unlike a standard tournament, the event was comprised of timed, eight-minute matches with randomized, gender blind partners and opponents for every match. The player that accumulated the most points after six matches won the coveted pickleball trophy, which fittingly enough, was a jar of dill pickles!
Riding the wave of popularity from the Big Dill Challenge, Williamsburg Parks and Rec will host the 3rd Annual Halloween Smash Pickleball Tournament sponsored by All Recreation on Saturday, October 26, 2019 (men’s & women’s) and Sunday, October 27, 2019 (mixed doubles). This tournament is a crowd favorite that features “spooktacular” costumes, great prizes and a whole lot of pickleball! The Halloween event sold out in just two weeks with 150 players participating.
Pickleball’s popularity is growing in and around the Williamsburg area and on the Virginia Peninsula. Back in June, a “Learn to Play Pickleball Night” attracted nearly 100 new players to the sport. “Pickleball is the perfect blend of exercise, competition and the opportunity to meet new people,” said Tyler Cobb, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation. “Many people who attended our first Learn to Play night in 2018 now come several times a week to open play and have made new friends in the process.”
Quarterpath Recreation Center offers year-round open play pickleball for beginners through advanced players. The gym features three dedicated courts M – F (hours vary) and six courts on select Saturdays. More information at — www.williamsburgva.gov/rec.
