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For all media inquiries related to the Springfield Park District, please contact our Communications and Marketing team. We are happy to provide information, coordinate interviews, and assist with any press needs.

Contact:

Phone: 217-544-1751 ext. 1014
Email: recreation@springfieldparks.org

Register Now for Springfield’s Premier Pickleball Tournament – Deadline July 1!

6/23/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nathan Essex

Date: 6/23/2025

Phone: (217) 544-1751 ext 1002

REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN FOR EXCITING PICKLEBALL EVENTS IN THE CAPITAL CITY

(Springfield, IL) – The Springfield Park District reminds all area pickleball enthusiasts that the registration deadline for the Scheels Capital City Classic Pickleball Tournament is fast approaching. Players must register by Monday, July 1, 2025, to secure their spot in this exciting event held at Iles Park, located in the heart of Springfield.

The tournament, proudly sponsored for many years by Scheels and Springfield Clinic, will take place on Friday, July 17th through Sunday, July 20th, welcoming players of all skill levels to compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles divisions. This popular annual event brings together pickleball players from across the Midwest for spirited competition, community, and FUN.

“We’re looking forward to another great turnout this year,” said Executive Director Derek Harms. “Pickleball continues to grow in popularity, and the Capital City Classic is a fantastic way to showcase that momentum at our beautiful Iles Park.” In addition to pickleball courts, Iles Park has a challenging skate park, softball diamond, and state-of-the-art playground equipment and wooded picnic areas.”

The Springfield Park District is also excited to announce that it will be co-hosting (with the Springfield Pickleball Club) a new pickleball event at the Illinois State Fair during Park District Conservation Day on August 16, 2025. The DILL-INOIS Pickleball Showdown will be held in the air-conditioned ORR Building and is designed to attract lower-level competitors who want to try their hand in an organized tournament. There is a fee to participate in the bracketed tournament, but all state fair attendees are invited to watch the action or learn the game (no additional cost) through members of the Springfield Pickleball Club, who will be on hand to offer training and equipment. Just bring your tennis shoes and a willingness to have fun!

To read more about each event and register online, go to springfieldpickleballclub.org.

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For more information on this topic and any other Park District news-related items, please visit our website at springfieldparks.org

About the Springfield Park District: Parks, People, and Possibilities

Celebrating 125 Years of Parks, People, and Possibilities, the Springfield Park District continues its mission of enriching lives through recreation and conservation. Established on February 8, 1900, it is the second park district formed in Illinois and remains an independently governed municipal agency. The District provides accessible and memorable recreational opportunities while preserving natural resources for future generations. With over 36 parks, recreational facilities, and natural areas, the Springfield Park District offers diverse programs, events, and rental spaces for all to enjoy. Governed by a publicly elected board and operating with less than six percent of local tax funding, the District remains a leader in delivering exceptional value with many fun programs and events this year. Find your fun, find your smile at springfieldparks.org.