December 9, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

$10K of Pickleball Equipment Destroyed in Memorial Park Arson

Thanks to an Outpour of Donations and Support, Storage Bins Should Be Set Up by the End of Next Week

By Zach Armstrong

An investigation is underway after a potential arson incident led to the loss of approximately $10,000 in Pickleball equipment at Memorial Park.

Around 1 a.m. on Sept. 25, a fire was set to a shed adjacent to the park’s tennis courts. The shed was owned by Santa Monica Pickleball Club, a nonprofit that aims to allow anyone to play pickleball cost-free by providing paddles, nets, balls and barriers which were stored in the burned structure. Memorial Park is the exclusive location for the nonprofit’s storage, which it pays a permit to the city for.

Lynn Soodik, President of SMPC, says she saw eight batteries wrapped in copper and copper wire within the rubble when she arrived at the scene. She also said authorities have video footage of the incident but that she’s “not at liberty” to disclose its details. 

“There’s a lot of people have motives but I don’t think anyone I now would be deranged or evil enough to do it,” said Soodik. “There’s people that don’t like us for various reasons, but we also get love letters about the sport.” 

Thanks to an outpour of donations and support, Soodik says storage bins housing equipment should be set up on the court by the end of next week. 

The nonprofit has approximately 1,800 members, many of whom Soodik says offered to donate a piece of equipment even though they don’t have much money. Luckily, they didn’t need to. The Santa Monica Pickleball Center held a fundraiser that raised 2,200 dollars, Selkirk Pickleball Paddles donated 12 nets and 20 paddles and pickleball equipment companies Picklepop and Pickletown are working with the nonprofit to set up a fundraiser for Monday night at Picklepop location.

in Hard, News
Related Posts

(Video) Civic Auditorium Could Become Historic Property

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

The Santa Monica Conservancy Submitted an Application to Make it Happen @yovenicenews The Civic could become a historic landmark. #santamonica...

Venice Shorts: Main & Market RV Mess Lingers for Two Years!

December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

While Other Vehicles Are Ticketed for Parking Violations, This Van Remains Immune From Such Consequences! By Nick Antonicello The above...

(Video) Menorah Lighting Recap from Palisades Village

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

The annual menorah lighting at Palisades Village was a celebration. @yovenicenews The annual menorah lighting of Palisades Village was a...

(Video) Get in the Holiday Spirit at Santa Monica Place

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

With Free photos with Santa and a Giant Christmas Tree, Santa Monica Place is must visit this season! @yovenicenews With...

California Brunch Destination to Open on Ocean Ave

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

Santa Monica Debuts the Iconic San Francisco Brunch Eatery to Southern California Food Enthusiasts Renowned California restaurateur Hoyul Steven Choi...

Milonga Tango Cafe to Host Holiday Sunday Brunch

December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

As the Festive Season Approaches, Unique, Handcrafted Dance Shoe Bags Are Available. Milonga Tango Café will present the Holiday Sunday...

Shakespeare Theatre Workshop Coming to Venice

December 6, 2023

December 6, 2023

Participants are Asked to Come Prepared with a Monologue of Their Choice The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy of Washington DC...

Yo! Venice Interviews Candidate for L.A. District Attorney Jonathan Hatami

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Campaign 2024: The Race for Los Angeles District Attorney By Nick Antonicello In 2024 there will be several critical races...

(Video) Multiple International Retailers Now Open at Palisades Village

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Check out the new international brands now with an open shop in Palisades. @yovenicenews Check out the new retailers at...

Highlights from PRIDE Night at ICE at Santa Monica!

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Last week, ICE at Santa Monica dazzled the community with its highly successful annual PRIDE night. The event, filled with...

(Video) Recap of 12th Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Venice Beach welcomed the holiday season with festive style @yovenicenews Venice Beach welcomed the holiday season with festive style #christmas...

Venice Shorts: RVs Free to Park Anywhere, Anytime!

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

RV “Madness” Must Be Reigned-in by LA City Officials! By Nick Antonicello While most people in Venice who live here...

Outdoor Retailer to Close Westside Store Following Marina del Rey Opening

December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

Staff Were Informed Months Ago That the Lease Won’t Be Renewed By Zach Armstrong Shortly after the grand opening of...

Son of Coffee Billionaire Acquires Santa Monica Residence

December 4, 2023

December 4, 2023

The Residence Reportedly Features an Array of Lavish Amenities The Robb Report is reporting that after Green Mountain co-founder Bob...