Star Spangled Pickleball Bash Tournament: A three-day pickleball tournament called the Star Spangled Pickleball Bash was held at Fred Lindstrom Park in Astoria during the Independence Day weekend. Organized by Astoria Parks and Recreation, the event drew 33 teams, including 28 adult teams and 5 youth teams, competing across multiple skill levels.
Growing the Game Through Community Events
Tyler Lyngstad, Director of Astoria Parks and Recreation, wanted to add more fun events for the community. After hosting Astoria’s first pickleball tournament last year, Lyngstad decided the July 4 weekend was the perfect time for a second one.
“Last year we had some weather issues, so we decided to have the tournament during a time when we knew the weather would be nice. It’s a good time to have some community events going on. Having the kids play was really cool.”(Tyler Lyngstad)
Tournament Format and Divisions
The tournament ran from Friday through Sunday and featured four divisions: novice, youth, intermediate, advanced, and challenger. Spectators were treated to exciting matches filled with long rallies, quick reflexes, and good sportsmanship.
About 70% of participants were local, while others came from Long Beach, Washington, and even as far away as Maine. Players ranged in age from 10 to 80.
Pickleball’s Broad Appeal
“The coolest thing about Pickleball is the age range. On Saturday we had several kids who were 10 or 11 years old and we had people who were in their 80s, so it’s really a perfect sport for everyone.”(Tyler Lyngstad)
Pickleball combines parts of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. It started in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and now has over 19.8 million players in the U.S., according to USA Pickleball and the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
Championship Win for Local Team
Sunday’s advanced division saw a close battle between teams from Astoria and Long Beach. Joe Cisneros and Cindy Magie from Astoria won the championship after a slow start.
“It was a long day,” Joe Cisneros said. “We started out playing games to 15 (points), which is something we’re not typically used to. So the first four games, it was pretty exhausting and I started to get worried I wouldn’t be able to make it, but we made the championship. Once we qualified for the playoffs they dropped the points down to 11 and from there we were able to turn on the jets and keep it rolling.”
Joe Cisneros and Cindy Magie have been playing pickleball on and off for two years. Both appreciate how easy it is on the body compared to tennis, thanks to the smaller court.
A Sport for All Ages and Abilities
The tournament showed how inclusive and exciting pickleball can be. The mix of young kids, seniors, and everyone in between helped create a welcoming and competitive environment.
Astoria’s pickleball scene continues to grow, and events like the Star Spangled Pickleball Bash show the city’s commitment to health, fun, and community.
News in Brief: Star Spangled Pickleball Bash Tournament
The Star Spangled Pickleball Bash, held July 4 weekend in Astoria, Oregon, featured 33 teams in youth and adult divisions. Organized by Astoria Parks and Recreation, the event highlighted the sport’s wide age appeal. Locals Joe Cisneros and Cindy Magie won the advanced division. The tournament emphasized fun, fitness, and community involvement.