April 2025 Newsletter
Dear Horseshoe Valley Pickleball Members,
The 2025 Horseshoe Valley Pickleball season starts on Monday, April 28th!
Here is all the important information you need to get your season started.
Schedule:
The township of Oro Medonte was pleased with our scheduling effort last year to effectively balance our Horseshoe Valley Pickleball (HVPB) member playtime with public play time and therefore has not requested any changes to our 2025 allocated court time. This means we have between two and three courts on a regular basis and four courts, on occasion, for special events.
After carefully analyzing the feedback from our member survey and considering the different skill levels, we’ve strived to create a schedule that fairly divides up our allotted times. We sincerely appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we’ve worked tirelessly to optimize our pickleball sessions for everyone’s benefit. Our goal is to provide you with a diverse array of opportunities throughout the week.
In alignment with Pickleball Canada, Pickleball Ontario and tournament play, we have decided to move to a numerical self-assessment skill level format for scheduling purposes. Our schedule reflects skill levels in the following categories:
Up To 3.0, 3.0 - 3.5, 3.5 - 4.0, 4.0+
In order for members to self-assess their skill level, we have adopted the Pickleball Canada Skill Level Guidelines. Click here for the Self-Assessment Guide. We will also post a copy on the shed.
Please take the time to assess your skill set before the season starts.
Playing in the correct skill level category helps maintain fair play and keeps games competitive and enjoyable. Survey results indicated that members like to play “up” occasionally and play “down” occasionally. However keep in mind, playing too far above or below your skill level on an ongoing basis can be frustrating for everyone.
You can find a link to the 2025 schedule here. Spring 2025 Schedule
Shed:
Our HVPB equipment will be placed in the shed for the season opening day on April 28th and is ready for you to use.
Please do not share this code with non HVPB members as the equipment in the shed was purchased by HVPB and is for member use only. If a non member would like to play pickleball on courts designated as public use courts as per the schedule,they may bring their own equipment or use the town net located in the bin beside the shed: code is “PICK”.
Shoe Tags:
Shoe tags are to be worn while on the courts. If you would like an extra shoe tag, they can be purchased on our website under the donate tab.
Guests:
If you would like to bring a friend or family member to play at a HVPB scheduled time, please fill out the Guest Waiver Form in the blue binder in the shed. Both the member and the guest need to sign the waiver. ALL guests MUST complete and sign the Guest Waiver Form. The guest waiver is mandatory as it notifies your guest that they are NOT covered by Pickleball Canada liability insurance. Please drop the completed and signed waivers into the mailbox in the shed. Non members can play up to two times before they will need to become a member of the HVPB.
Team Reach:
When using Team Reach to coordinate games, please be mindful of the scheduled time slots. It would be helpful to use the category description in your invite. For example, "going to 3.5 play at 10:30. Anyone interested?" This will help facilitate a familiarity with the schedule and hopefully a smoother transition for everyone.
Respect for Shared Multipurpose Pad:
As a reminder, we are playing on a shared multipurpose pad, and our scheduling time is dictated by the Township. We have been given ample hours to creatively work around this. Please respect the scheduled court(s)/time(s) labeled "Public.” “Public” courts are to remain empty from HVPB use. Let's continue to maintain our positive relationship with the township by adhering to these guidelines.
Equipment Maintenance:
Let's all pitch in to look after our equipment and volunteer to set up and take down nets as needed. Before leaving, please check if anything requires attention or needs to be put away. Please contact a board member by email HVPB Email if anything needs attention. Your assistance in this regard is invaluable in keeping our equipment in top condition.
Mission Statement and Code of Conduct:
At HVPB, our mission is to promote fitness, camaraderie and a sense of community within the Horseshoe Valley Pickleball club. This will be done by facilitating safe, inclusive, fun and engaging games of pickleball at the Horseshoe Valley Memorial Park.
As a friendly reminder, we ask that all members read and adhere to our HVPB Code of Conduct guidelines to ensure a positive and respectful environment for everyone. By following these guidelines, we can all continue to enjoy the game and foster a welcoming community.
Please find our Code of Contact on our website. HVPB Code of Conduct
Inclusivity, Respect, and Fun:
Above all, let's ensure that everyone feels welcome, respected and of course, has fun! As ambassadors for our park, township, and HVPB, let's continue to uphold the values of sportsmanship and camaraderie that make our club so special.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We need your help! HVPB relies on volunteers to keep things running smoothly, and we have several opportunities for you to get involved. Whether it’s helping with skills and drills, men’s ladder, assisting with setup and cleanup, or organizing events, your support makes a big difference! Please take a moment to sign up for a volunteer role that fits your schedule. You will find volunteer opportunities on Team Reach.
Thank you for your attention to these reminders, and here's to a fantastic season ahead.
Your HVPB Board