By Dorene Cowart & Breeze Staff –
What started as a small church group playing on a single striped court has grown into a vibrant and active community—now playing on 10 beautifully resurfaced courts at Harry A. Lyon Park.
A Bit of Pickleball History in Ventura Ventura’s pickleball journey began in February 2016 at the Trotter Hall Gym, Ventura First United Methodist Church on Santa Clara Street. Thanks to Ken and Lacy Moes—church members passionate about growing the sport—one indoor court was striped, and they ran an ad in the Ventura County Star to invite others to join. The response was immediate, and soon, games were happening four days a week.
That early group of 8–10 players, mostly church members, included Leonard Andrews, who continues to serve as a group ambassador and volunteer. Deborah Fitzgibbons initially coordinated communications, later passing the torch to Bruce and Anneli Labins, who also became the group’s treasurers. Bruce and Kimberly Cheadle designed the Ventura Pickleball logo, giving the group its visual identity.
Image courtesy Dorene Cowart
As interest in pickleball grew, the group sought outdoor options. Leonard scouted the courts at DeAnza Middle School (where Harry A. Lyon Park is located), and fellow player John Harader worked with Ventura Parks and Recreation to get tennis courts striped for pickleball—first at DeAnza, then at Juanamaria Park in 2017. John continues to handle court reservations and even spoke at a City Council meeting to advocate for greater investment in pickleball facilities and he continues to be the group’s official City Park & Rec liaison.
Leonard applied for and secured a $250 grant from the USA Pickleball Association to purchase the group’s first nets and gear. Additional equipment and storage units were funded by group members and Parks and Rec, while Anneli Labins and Tera Pupa added paddle-saddle racks to keep players organized.
A Community-Driven Court Revival
Said Dorene, “I discovered pickleball in May 2018—and like many quickly fell in love with the game. As the group grew, so did our advocacy. After multiple meetings and months of outreach to the city, Parks and Rec informed us in October 2024 that the DeAnza courts were now under the jurisdiction of Ventura Unified School District (VUSD), and no further investment would be made there.”
Determined to find a solution, Dorene contacted Phil Carter Jr. of Pacific Tennis Courts— after learning he had built new courts in Ojai’s Soule Park. Just five months after the first meeting, construction began on the resurfacing project at Harry A. Lyon Park.
With tremendous community support and the help of VUSD Facilities Director Terri Alison, the project became a reality. Phil Carter Jr. went above and beyond, even donating three brand-new tennis nets to the cause.
A New Chapter
The newly resurfaced courts at Harry A. Lyon Park officially reopened on April 12, greeted with joy and plenty of play. The Ventura Pickleball community now enjoys quality courts thanks to years of grassroots effort and tireless volunteer support.
Dorene continued, “As one of the organizers, I continue to assist with logistics, donate time and resources, and welcome new players to the sport. If you’re curious about the game or want to get involved, just stop by. We’d love to see you on the courts.”
For updates and info visit https://www.facebook.com/VenturaPickleBall.
Leonard Andrews: leonard.andrews@gmail.com.
(805) 573-0694.
Pickleball Open Play Schedule:
• Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30 pm till dusk
• Saturday 8 am to 12 pm
• Sunday 2 pm to Dusk
