1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL 32117
We would like to thank the 374 youngsters who participated in our 6th annual MetroHealth Super Seniors Tournament played May 2-4, 2025 at Pictona. The weather was fine for the women’s doubles played on Friday, May 2, and again on Saturday, May 3 for mixed doubles. Sunday morning we awoke to rain and a forecast for rain throughout the day. We were able to continue playing under the 13 covered courts but with a shortened schedule of games. About 11 am a patch of blue appeared out of the northwest sky. Our efficient maintenance crew rolled out the 4 VAPTRS to dry 20 courts in about 45 minutes. We restored the regular schedule of games and completed the day in glorious sunshine.
Pictona is committed to providing tournament players with the best experience possible. No single or double elimination. You’ve told us you appreciate the round robin format with a playoff and that’s what we offer for every Pictona tournament. Clean and attractive facilities, food service at the Depot concession and the Kitchen, our restaurant, along with shade over many of the courts enhance our players’ experience. That’s why we dare say Pictona is “Pickleball Paradise.”
This Year's Tournament by the Numbers
374 - Total Players (156 Women and 218 Men)
696 - That's right! We had 696 matches over 3 days!
50 - 82 - Age range of players
249 - Medals Awarded
15 – States Represented (Florida, Alaska, Virginia, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carlina, Tennessee)
56 - Volunteers, 70 shifts and 348 Volunteer Hours!
All tournament results have been submitted to DUPR.
Thank you to our players who demonstrated that “life is good” as a senior when you play pickleball.
Pictona at the US Open Pickleball Championships
For those lucky enough to get into the recent US Open Pickleball tournament in Naples, FL last week, it was a ton of fun! We’re not sure of all the Pictona members who played in the Biggest Pickleball Party in the World with 3500 players, but we do know some!
CLICK HERE to see some of Pictona’s participants and how they did!
We know Pickleball is fun, competitive, improves cardiovascular and physical health, but did you know that pickleball has a positive impact on mental health as well?
A new report from Apple investigated the health benefits of pickleball using data gathered from Apple Watch users who opted into the study and found that playing pickleball is also associated with lower rates of self-reported depression. One of the many reasons is that Pickleball allows players to connect with varying ages, levels and backgrounds, providing an opportunity to stay connected with family and friends, develop new relationships and foster a sense of belonging!
THANK YOU for being part of our Pictona Community
GARDNER WANTED Hydroponic Garden in Aetna Gardens
We are looking for a volunteer to manage our hydroponic garden located in the Aetna Gardens. The Garden provides leafy vegetables to our Kitchen. Russ Royce, our fantastic gardener who set up the hydroponic garden and has overseen it these past 5 years, is retiring. Russ will provide the training for maintaining the hydroponic garden which requires about 3 hours per week. Interested, curious about what is involved, always wanted to learn about hydroponics, then contact Gregg Sibigtroth, Pictona’s Facility Director, by email at greggs@pictona.org or stop in at his office adjacent to the Pavilion.
Two-Handed Backhand Pickleball Lesson at Pictona
The perfect opportunity for players looking to add power, topspin, disguise an
d control to their game.
This lesson is taught by Doug Simmons, who specializes in the two-handed backhand! Doug was a Division 1, Midwest tennis player/instructor, who reached a career high of #1 in Midwest, and #30 Nationally. He enjoys competing in Pictona singles tournaments, and since switching from tennis to pickle ball in 2022; has amassed10 medals, (4 Gold), playing 4.5/5.0 singles, all at Pictona!!
The session begins with a brief warm-up and description of grips, swing pattern, dominant hand, directional change, and proper footwork.
Doug breaks down the mechanics step by step, using demonstrations, visual aids, analogies, and individual feedback to help everyone lock in the fundamentals.
You can sign up for this specialty class HERE. Doug offers this course each Monday at 4:00 PM.
3.0-3.99 Co-Ed FLEX League
Wednesdays @ 9a - 11a
Fridays @ 9a - 11a
Intermediate (Skill 3.0 to 3.49)-Upper- Advanced (Skill 4.5+)
3.5-4.0+ Co-Ed FLEX League
Thursdays @ 6p - 8p
Tuesdays @ 6p - 8p
Upper- Intermediate (Skill 3.5-3.99)-Upper- Advanced (Skill 4.5+)
Flexibility at Its Finest: One of the standout features of our league is its flexibility. Say goodbye to the stress of committing to every game day – with our format, you have the freedom to opt in or out based on your availability.
Flex League Pricing: $5 game day fee each time you opt-in.
Ladder Play
Open 2.5 - 3.49 Seeded Ladder Play
Mondays, 6 - 8 pm
Do you have what it takes to reign supreme on the pickleball court and claim the esteemed title of King or Queen of the Court? Join us at Pictona for an evening of competitive pickleball action during our Open Seeded Ladder event, exclusively designed for players with skill levels ranging from 2.5 to 3.99. Prepare to showcase your prowess and engage in a thrilling Pictona Intramural event that pairs participants with like-skilled partners, regardless of gender.
Entry Details:
Novice Mixers
Novice Plus Mixer
Mondays, 5 - 8 pm
Novice Mixer (1.0-2.49 Skill Level)
Wednesdays, 6 - 8 pm
Sundays, 9 - 11 am
When you arrive at the courts for a MIXER, you will be given a PLAYER NUMBER. There will be a printed game schedule that shows the assigned player numbers at each court. They will play 6 competitive games.
NOVICE Mixers will be played on courts 37-44, Sundays from 9-11am and Wednesdays from 6-8pm. Participants will play 5 competitive games. All players are required to STOP AT WELCOME DESK to CHECK IN for these events.
What an incredible day at Pictona! We had the pleasure of hosting over 180 guests from Brown & Brown for a fun-filled pickleball event that had it all — beginner instruction, a round robin tournament, open play, plenty of food and drinks, and nonstop laughter. It was a fantastic way to introduce so many new faces to the sport we love while building connections and community. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it a success!
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Book YOUR Corporate Event at Pictona! Find out MORE HERE!
Welcome Renee Richel, Event Manager at Pictona!
Renee has an extensive background in real estate and hospitality. Originally from Maryland,
she has been a Daytona resident for six years! Renee is your Pictona Event specialist and
wants to help you plan a memorable experience with your colleagues, friends or family!
Renee can be reached at reneer@pictona.org
Tom & Jo, beloved dance instructors, make everyone feel light on their feet! ALL ARE WELCOME to join on Thursdays at 3pm!
The FHCP ACTIVITY CENTER on Pictona Campus offers FREE exercise, dance, strength and yoga classes 5 days / week! Check out the schedule HERE!
All-American Canteen Show & Pre-Concert Meal
Join us on May 23rd for an evening of music and nostalgia at the All-American Canteen Show! Treat yourself to a delicious pre-concert dinner crafted to elevate your evening.
Pre-Concert Meal includes:
Baked chicken in our homemade Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms
Red roasted potatoes with butter and rosemary
Green Bean Almondine
Rolls with Beehive Butter Spread
Sheet Cake for dessert
All this for just $20!
Reserve your meal now and enjoy a relaxing dinner before the show begins.
Our partnership with Pictona and pickleball continues our dedication towards the health and wellness of our Medicare population. Our patients’ expectations of continuing physical activity in a social and friendly environment fosters overall wellness. An ideal foundation to better overall living. We welcome the opportunity to serve your individual health needs. ~ Jeff DiGioia
"Pickleball for All Ages: Why It's the Perfect Low-Impact Workout"
Pickleball is a low-impact sport that offers a fantastic workout without putting excessive strain on the joints. At Pictona, players of all ages enjoy the game’s combination of cardio exercise and muscle engagement. The smaller court and slower ball speed make it ideal for those seeking a manageable, yet effective, fitness routine. Whether you're looking to stay active in retirement or introduce younger family members to a new hobby, pickleball’s accessibility and fun atmosphere ensure a beneficial workout for all.
Pictona was built through a public-private partnership with the City of Holly Hill and Martens Charities, and $2.9 million in Volusia County ECHOgrants.
