Peconic Pickleball Event Scores Big: The weekend skies were overcast as players converged at Tasker Park in Peconic, yet spirits remained high. Visitors like the Klise family from North Carolina braved the gray Wednesday weather to take part in a local pickleball event, a testament to the sport’s growing appeal and the sense of community it fosters.
“Hey, do either of you know the rules?” Andy Klise shouted as he joined his sister from Brooklyn and his parents from Ohio on the court. A tennis player himself, Andy quickly adapted to pickleball, while his mother, Gail, picked up a paddle for the first time since high school. This was just the start of a weekend that would rally the community and raise over $7,000 for the North Fork Animal Welfare League.
Community Pioneer and Pickleball Ambassador
For many in Southold, Nick Cordone has become the face of local pickleball. Clad in a USA Pickleball shirt and wielding his paddle, Cordone looked every bit the authority as he strolled into Tasker Park’s pavilion. Nearly a decade ago, Cordone approached the town of Southold, convincing officials to let him introduce the game. After learning pickleball in Florida, he applied for a USA Pickleball ambassadorship, determined to bring the sport to the North Fork.
“That’s when I approached the town,” he recalled, describing the early days of pickleball in Southold. “No one played it here yet; it just didn’t exist.” Now, Cordone’s vision has grown into a local phenomenon, with six courts in Tasker Park and plans to add three more.
Explosive Growth and Nationwide Popularity
The rise of pickleball isn’t limited to Peconic; it’s a nationwide trend that’s transformed the sport from a backyard pastime to a recognized phenomenon. A February report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association found a 39.3% growth in pickleball participation over two years, with more than 4.8 million players across the U.S. According to SFIA President Tom Cove, “Pickleball’s growth trajectory gives every indication it will be a significant part of the American sport landscape for the foreseeable future.”
The sport’s appeal spans generations. Pickleball offers a vigorous yet lower-impact workout, attracting older players while building an intergenerational community. The game’s simplicity and accessibility make it easy for beginners, like the Klise family, to jump in, while its fast pace keeps enthusiasts engaged.
A Rallying Cause for Animal Welfare
Saturday’s tournament wasn’t just about the game; it was about community support. Organized by local enthusiast Steve Starroff, the event attracted 80 players and more than 100 spectators. The tournament successfully raised over $7,000 for the North Fork Animal Welfare League (NFAWL), which operates shelters in Southold and Riverhead.
Nancy Rickles, a board member for NFAWL and Starroff’s wife, emphasized the importance of these funds, explaining that they go toward critical supplies for shelter animals. “This community is such an amazing group of animal lovers,” she said, “so combine that with all the pickleball lovers — I think it’s just a winning combo.”
The Unstoppable Rise of Pickleball in Southold
What began as an experimental recreational activity has now become a cultural touchstone in Southold. Since its inception, the Southold Pickleball Facebook group has grown to over 300 members, with local classes and tournaments filling up almost immediately. Starroff credits the sport’s camaraderie for its success. “The popularity, the camaraderie, and the sportsmanship of it, I think, is really what makes pickleball the sport that it is for everybody,” he said.
As pickleball continues to gain ground both locally and nationally, the North Fork community looks forward to future events that foster both athleticism and philanthropy. With new courts planned for Tasker Park, local enthusiasts like Cordone are optimistic that this growing community can keep pace with the sport’s rapid rise.
News in Brief: Peconic Pickleball Event Scores Big
The Peconic pickleball tournament at Tasker Park brought together 80 players and over 100 spectators, raising more than $7,000 for the North Fork Animal Welfare League. Organized by local enthusiast Steve Starroff and supported by USA Pickleball ambassador Nick Cordone, the event showcased the sport’s rapid growth in Southold, where six courts now host regular games. The funds will aid NFAWL’s animal shelters, underscoring the community’s commitment to both sports and philanthropy.
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