Shuffler seeks East County players

EAST COUNTY — The Rev. John Brown may be retired, but he doesn’t leave much time for anything but his lifelong hobby — shuffleboard.

“I’m only available for shuffleboard six-and-a-half days a week, because I go to church on Sundays,” the 77-year-old says, smiling. “It doesn’t mean I always play that much, but I have before.”

Brown, who has played shuffleboard since he was 10 years old and had lifelong dreams to retire and play shuffleboard in Florida with his uncle, hopes to share his passion for the sport with residents of Lakewood Ranch and the East County community.

“I want to see Lakewood Ranch have its own shuffleboard club,” Brown said.

As the chairman of the Southwest Coast District of the Florida Shuffleboard Association, Brown also believes Lakewood Ranch is the perfect place for a 32-court covered shuffleboard facility, which could host local and regional tournaments.

He said the association already has money pledged toward the project, which he expects will cost up to $1 million.

Such a covered facility, he added, would provide shuffleboard players shade from the sun, and consequently help prevent the formation of skin cancers, as well as a venue at which to play during rain events. A committee seeks potential locations for the facility, but, Brown says, it is taking its time to ensure it finds the perfect location.

“It’s the greatest game in the world,” said Brown, who also serves as the president of the Trailer Estates Shuffleboard Club. “You can play from age 5 to 105. You can play with handicaps, on crutches and canes and in wheelchairs. A lot of people play shuffleboard and have a good time.”

Lakewood Ranch’s Summerfield Park offers two shuffleboard courts for play to the public, but they are no longer in pristine condition. Brown says they can be fixed, but he hopes to create a larger venue at which the public can play shuffleboard.

Brown said he will help facilitate the formation of a Lakewood Ranch-based shuffleboard club and also invites residents to play with him to learn the game.

“The Southwest Coast District would welcome a new club at Lakewood Ranch,” Brown said. “We know people from around the world. (Participants) will meet new friends and enjoy themselves thoroughly. My desire is to hear from shufflers out here.”

For more information on shuffleboard or to start a shuffleboard club, contact Brown at [email protected].

BY THE NUMBERS
7 — Number of districts in the Florida Shuffleboard Association
2 — The number of feet between adjacent shuffleboard courts
32 — Number of courts The Rev. John Brown hopes to have in a new covered shuffleboard facility
1943 — The year The Rev. John Brown began playing shuffleboard

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].