Outdoor Rinks Page (Summer/Fall)

Main Rink Information (Ball Hockey, Pickleball, Basketball)

The main outdoor rink is now open for the summer for those who want to use it for ball hockey, pickleball and basketball. Just like hockey and skating in the winter, these activities are provided by The Ridge Community League and supported by league memberships. We are happy that people from our community are able to make use of our facilities, and we would be especially pleased if regular users were also community league members. Membership purchase is not compulsory, but the very reasonable annual fee helps support the creation and maintenance of these facilities, community events and activities. If you don’t yet have a membership, please do consider supporting The Ridge in this tangible way.

For more information on league memberships, visit the Memberships page and/or contact the Membership Director by email.

Drop-In Pickleball at The Ridge

All levels welcome to come play, whether you are looking for a friendly match, need a partner or opponent. Courts are available all day long. When courts are full, please follow the play rotation system as posted at the courts, or described below (Etiquette #3).

Pickleball Court Safety

1. Wear proper court shoes
2. Do NOT back up on the court.  Instead, turn and move sideways.
3. Do NOT run into other active courts when playing your ball.
4. Do NOT chase your ball through other active courts if it gets away from you. Call “BALL ON” so people are aware that a ball might be underfoot, and wait for others to return the ball.  Raise your hand or paddle so they know where to return the ball.
5. When retrieving a loose ball, identify whose ball it is before returning it. For example, look for the player waving at you. Do not roll, kick, or flick the ball out of your way.  Make eye contact, and, with the ball in hand, throw or hit it back (in the air) to the player identified. When possible, return the ball behind the courts.
6. Stop play immediately if a loose call comes on your court. Shout “BALL ON”. Wait for the ball to be safely returned and then replay your rally. 
7. When going to and from a court be aware and stay well clear of other active players and courts.  If you must cross a court in play, wait for the rally to end and get the attention of the players. Walk together “as a group” quickly to minimize disruption. Please don’t cross when players are getting ready to serve.
8. Keep yourself well hydrated.

Pickleball Court Etiquette

1. Be courteous, respectful, and have fun!
   • Welcome newcomers.
   • At the beginning of the game, introduce yourself if not familiar with your partner or opponents.
   • Be patient and encourage less skilled players.
   • Compliment other players on the court, including your opponents.
   • Always thank your opponents and your playing partners when the game is over.
2. Call the fault yourself if you or your partner land in the kitchen (NVZ) on a volley. Let your opponent call their own kitchen or foot faults.
3. When all three courts are busy and people are waiting, follow the “Play Rotation” rules. People who are waiting will have stacked their paddles on the bench. When your game is finished, call out “COURT” so the next group waiting knows it is their turn to play. You may then go and stack your paddles on the bench if you wish to play another game. Further explanation of this system is posted at the courts.
4. When the courts are busy and you are “on deck”,  have all your players ready to move quickly when a court opens up.
5. When a ball is out of bounds, call “OUT” loudly, as well as using a hand signal with your hand/arm pointing up.
6. Unsolicited coaching on the court is best not done.  If someone is new or asks for your input, do so briefly being mindful of the flow of the game. 

Pickleball Rules as well as Etiquette

1. You must call out the score, so your opponents can hear, before serving the ball.
2. The server must wait for the receiver to be ready before serving.
3. You do line calls on your side of the net and NOT the other side.
4. You may ask the opposition to help with a call, and then their decision is FINAL.
5. If you did not see where a ball bounced – in or out on your side of the net, the ball is considered IN.