Courtesy photo Pickleball being played, outdoors, by ladies.

ALPENA – As the fastest growing recreational sport in America, pickleball is a fun, fast-paced game that appeals to people of all ages and skill levels. With Bay View Park’s brand-new courts ready to go, MyMichigan Health Foundation is excited to embrace this new sport and serve up its first-ever pickleball tournament with this year’s PickleFest.

Hosted by the Business Relations Committee of the Development Council serving Alpena, PickleFest invites players from across the region to compete in men’s, women’s and mixed doubles competitions on Aug. 22-23 at Bay View Park and McRae Park. Designed for participants of varying skill levels, the tournament will follow a round-robin format to maximize gameplay, ensuring ample court time while allowing top competitors to advance to the final rounds.

Ron Fusina, PickleFest organizer and leader in the Bay View court upgrades and pavilion construction efforts, said the event highlights the community’s hard work in refurbishing the area and reflects its growing enthusiasm for pickleball.

“A new tournament is a great way to show off the bay and the courts,” Fusina said. “Redoing this space has been a true community effort, and we hope people can enjoy gameplay here for years to come. Being right on the water makes for a great setting, really for whatever sport is being played there. PickleFest will showcase the new enhancements we’ve made and will hopefully inspire even more people to see the benefits of getting involved.”

Ann Diamond, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, expressed appreciation for the local community members, whose support made both the court improvements and the tournament possible.

“I am incredibly grateful to be a part of a community like Alpena where people can come together to create such a beautiful space,” Diamond said. “The commitment of Ron and the many, many other volunteers and businesses who helped bring these courts back to life is part of why we were inspired to host PickleFest. It’s all a great example of what can be accomplished when people come together to support health, recreation and community.”

For those participating in the event, proceeds from registrations and any additional donations will support the Foundation’s latest fundraising project – the purchase of a new vascular ultrasound machine for the Cardiovascular Unit at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

Diamond also shared that the event builds on a strong tradition of local tournaments at the site, particularly Alpena Agency’s previous tennis tournaments. She explained the connection between the two, as the idea for PickleFest came from Claire Kostelic, a next-generation co-owner of Alpena Agency and Business Relations Committee member.

“Alpena Agency has a long history of bringing people together through events. Many years back, the business was the lead sponsor for a local tennis tournament at Bay View, and now PickleFest represents the next evolution of that tradition,” said Diamond. “Thanks to Claire’s vision and leadership, we’re connecting to that long history and embracing the next generation’s pastime. It’s really exciting to see a fresh idea that also builds on the history and beauty of our area.”

The tournament will begin with check-in and warmup at 8 a.m., followed by match play at 9 a.m. Saturday’s schedule will feature two Men’s Open Divisions, one for ages 50 and older and one for 18 and older, along with a Men’s B Division. Women’s play will include an Open Division for ages 18 and older as well as a Women’s B Division. Sunday competition will consist of Mixed Doubles, with an Open Division for ages 18 and older and a B Division.

Entry fees are $25 per event or $40 for players entering two events. To complete the draw, registrations must be received by Aug. 19. Community members and visitors are encouraged to attend, support players and experience the energy of the tournament throughout the weekend.

Those interested in participating must complete the online pre-registration at www.mymichigan.org/picklefest or by contacting Diamond at (989) 356-7738 or ann.diamond@mymichigan.org, or Lynn Olsen at (989) 590-2142 or lynndeeolsen60@gmail.com