All About the PicklePlex
Our mission is to grow the sport of pickleball for the Punta Gorda community and its visitors by providing state-of-the-art facilities in a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating as a guest of Florida SouthWestern State College and supported by membership fees and donations.
Serving up Pickleball for our community
Nancy Prafke
Nancy has lived in Punta Gorda for 20 years, serving on its city council and TEAM Punta Gorda
Originally from Springfield, Ohio, Nancy moved to Punta Gorda in 2005 from Evergreen, Colorado. Nancy was drawn to helping our community get back on its feet after Hurricane Charley and began volunteering with TEAM Punta Gorda, a grass-roots civic organization, in 2006. She became the volunteer CEO at the end of 2007 and provided leadership that resulted in the completion of many collaborative solutions for our community. She resigned her CEO position in April 2013, to run for the City Council position which she won. Nancy accepted the role of City Council liaison to the pickleball community in November 2016 and began working with what has now become the board of the PicklePlex. She and her husband John are avid pickleball and PicklePlex fans!
Justin Turton
Justin is a Nigerian raised in London and has diverse experience in people management
Justin, hailing from Nigeria, West Africa, was raised in London, England. His diverse experiences include serving as an assistant manager at Wal-Mart superstores, managing a personnel company, and eventually establishing an adult day care center for seniors. Currently residing in Fort Myers, he is happily married to Donna.
Susan Rieger
Sue has been a passionate volunteer for her community ever since her 3rd grade safety patrol position
Susan Rieger, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a proud alumna of the University of Michigan. Over the years, she has called various cities home, from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands to Indianapolis to Spokane.
Volunteering has been an enduring passion for Susan, dating back to her days as a 3rd-grade safety patrol. This commitment has persisted throughout her high school and college years, extending into her role as a devoted mother of three sons. While raising her family in Indianapolis, Susan dedicated her time and expertise to making a positive impact on the community. Her extensive involvement with the Conner Prairie Alliance, the fundraising arm for the Smithsonian-affiliated living history museum, spanned various roles, including membership, fundraising, strategic planning, Vice President and President.
In 2019, Susan and her husband, Rick, relocated to Punta Gorda. Formerly enthusiastic tennis players, they discovered pickleball, and the transition from racquets to paddles was swift. Susan finds PicklePlex to be a welcoming hub, offering abundant opportunities for play, improvement, volunteering, and personal growth.
David Gallacher
David Gallacher has a comprehensive background in accounting, photography, pickleball and skiing,
David Gallacher is a distinguished professional with a comprehensive background in accounting, holding a degree from the University of Calgary and a CPA certification. His career kicked off at Ernst & Young, followed by a significant tenure in the oil and gas industry, where he excelled as a CFO or controller for small companies. David also made his mark in the software sector, contributing in roles from installation consultant to VP of Consulting/Upgrade Group, focusing on back office systems for the petroleum jobber business. Married for 46 years and enjoying hobbies like photography, pickleball and skiing, David retired in 2006 after a diverse and impactful career.
Lorie Lippiatt
Lorie is a retired Optometrist who loves pickleball, greenhouse gardening, and her dog Betty Boop!
Lorie Lippiatt, OD is a 1988 graduate of The Ohio State University, College of Optometry, and founded The Salem Eyecare Center, Inc. in 1989. She remained owner and President for 33 years before partnering with MyEyeDr in 2021. Dr. Lippiatt was instrumental in the development of electronic medical records for Optometrists and technology integration, and lectured nationally on the topics, while consulting for numerous companies in the industry. Dr. Lippiatt joined the Optical Women’s Association in 2004, and has been a board member since 2013, prior to her Presidency term 2023-2025. Lorie retired from patient care July 2024, and currently resides in the Punta Gorda, FL area. She enjoys Greenhouse Gardening, Pickleball, and spending time with her dog, Betty Boop.
Dave Pike
A 20-year pickleball veteran, Dave is a USA Pickleball Ambassador and certified coach.
Dave comes to us via Michigan, Washington, and Arizona before settling in Punta Gorda in 2021. His education and career centered on various aspects of financial managment with the State of Michigan. Since his retirement in 2003, Dave discovered pickleball and has been active both playing and supporting this great sport. He is a USA Pickleball Ambassador at Large, a PPR (Professional Pickleball Registry) certified coach, and past president of the local Peace River Picklers. While a USA Pickleball Ambassador, Dinghy Dave traveled solo 6,000 miles (20 states) in his 14 foot inflatible dinghy promoting pickleball at every stop.
He plays everyday so stop by and say hi.
Board of Directors
Our volunteer Board of Directors is a remarkable group of dedicated individuals who selflessly contribute their time and expertise to guide the PicklePlex. They are instrumental in driving our mission forward and building our community relationships. We are deeply grateful for their passion and commitment.
Our journey began with a simple idea: to provide a welcoming, high-quality facility dedicated to the fastest-growing sport in the nation—pickleball. From the outset, our mission was clear: to foster a vibrant community where the spirit of the game could thrive, where friendships would be forged and where the joy of competition could be experienced by all, regardless of age or skill level.
The PicklePlex of Punta Gorda is more than just a collection of courts; it's a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together for a common cause. Through tireless efforts, generous donations and an unwavering belief in our vision, we transformed an idea into reality. Today, the PicklePlex boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including professional-grade courts where players can hone their skills, compete in tournaments, or simply enjoy a friendly game under the Florida sun.
But our story doesn't stop at the courts. We are committed to promoting the growth of pickleball, not just within our own community but across the globe. We envision the PicklePlex as a beacon for the sport, a place where players from around the world come to experience the camaraderie and competition that pickleball offers. Our dedication to excellence and community has made us a pivotal force in advocating for the sport's inclusion in the Olympics, showcasing the potential of pickleball to inspire and unite.
At the heart of the PicklePlex of Punta Gorda is a belief in the transformative power of pickleball. It's a sport that transcends boundaries, bringing people together in a shared passion and pursuit. Our story is one of perseverance, community and love for the game. It's a story we're proud to share and one we invite you to be a part of.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to our founding principles, continually striving to enhance our facilities, nurture our community and champion the sport of pickleball. The PicklePlex of Punta Gorda is not just a place to play; it's a place where dreams take flight, where the spirit of competition burns bright and where the pickleball community finds its home.
Join us at the PicklePlex of Punta Gorda, where our story is just the beginning of yours.
In the heart of Punta Gorda, a dream was born—a vision to create a place where community, passion and the love for pickleball converge. This dream laid the foundation for what is now known as the PicklePlex of Punta Gorda, a premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts from all walks of life.
