The YMCA of Parkersburg will move its pickleball tournament to the City Park Pickleball Courts where YMCA Program Director Criss Welshans demonstrates a pickleball posture. The tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The YMCA of Parkersburg has changed the venue of this weekend’s Pickleball Tournament from the YMCA on 30th Street to the Parkersburg City Park Pickleball Courts.

Men’s doubles matches will be featured 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday followed by women’s doubles from 1-5 p.m. and mixed doubles are scheduled from 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

The move will permit players to enjoy the beautiful fall weather while easing the minds of those with social distancing concerns, organizers said.

Pickleball is a paddleball sport with components of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Teams of two or four players use wood or composite-material paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net.

The rules share racquet sport similarities.

The two-day Pickleball Tournament welcomes players ages 15 and older of any skill level. A $20 entry fee is required and encompasses all tournament events.

Winners of each division will receive gold, silver, or bronze medals. Complimentary water and prepackaged snacks will be provided to players.

While adequate social distancing practices are applied to pickleball, the YMCA of Parkersburg is taking additional safety precautions by implementing the following COVID-19 protocol during the tournament:

* Temperature checks of all competitors and sideline fans.

* Sanitization of equipment between sessions.

* Easy hand sanitizer accessibility.

* Social distanced seating spaces for players, guests, and staff members.

* Small division sizes of eight teams.

All tournament proceeds will fund the YMCA of Parkersburg’s continuation of youth development programming during the pandemic, including After-school and Out-of-School Care, Toddler Care, and teen development programs.

To register for the Pickleball Tournament, call the YMCA of Parkersburg at (304) 485-5585, visit its location during standard operating hours, or check out www.parkersburgymca.org. For additional information, contact Program Director, Criss Welshans, at (304) 485-5585 ext. 223.