PickleBallFix:April24,2020
Although the Courts are not open yet, we again have something to celebrate. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), the governing body for pickleball in the U.S., has named April National Pickleball Month again this year to celebrate the fastest growing sport in the U. S. For several years Tom Asbel, past President of TPPC, has been the USAPA Pickleball Ambassador for Hernando County to help promote the development and growth of pickleball at the local level. Congratulations on a great job, Tom!
PARC Update
This week's Friday Pickleball "Fix" focuses on the meeting held on Thursday, April 23, between TP and TPPC representatives and Welch, the company contracted to construct the new pickleball courts. See the attachment below for a recap of the meeting.
As you look at the recap attachment, you will see a picture of the TPPC reps at the meeting. Check out their masks - all made of pickleball material! Thanks to our mask makers Barbara Rooks, Pam Asbel and Karen LaMirand for creating these special pickleball masks in time for the Thursday meeting. How great was that -thanks so much from all of us!
Until the courts reopen, keep using your home courts, exercising, and reading about pickleball so that we are all ready to start playing pickleball safely soon.
Keep safe,
Marie Knowlton, TPPCP cc: Bev Crane, Communications
RECAP: PICKLEBALL PARC MEETING WITH CONTRACTOR WELCH 4/23/2020
The Pickleball PARC Committee met on 4/23/2020 with Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. to discuss construction of the 12 proposed courts. Welch reps were virtually projected onscreen.
TPPC began by providing a list of questions and concerns to be addressed.
PLAY AREA. The first concern was the size of the play area. The TPPC believed it should be a little larger than what was proposed as it didn't seem like the surface would be sufficient once the fence was installed. The land area is not feasible to increase the size. Welch noted that they
overpave to cover the few inches that the fence takes up.
FENCING/WINDSCREEN. TPPC originally requested 10' fence with 8' windscreen. The proposal came in with 8' fence and 6' windscreen. Resolution: Welch will propose the 10' fence and 8' windscreen and the 8' fence with 8' windscreen.
FENCE. The Welch proposal did not include fencing between the courts. TPPC consistently stated the importance of fencing between each court with padding on top. The BALL ON COURT issue is one of the top priorities. Players have used old nets and makeshift PVC screens to stop balls from rolling off the court. Agreement was reached to have 4' fencing between courts, and possibly reduce the interior fencing on each battery from 8' to 4'.
COURT CONSTRUCTION. Welch proposed a seven (7) layer Deco Turf court system with an additional option for nine (9) layers. The minimum standard for Deco Turf is nine (9) layers. Agreement was reached to approve the original seven (7) layers plus the optional two (2) layer addition for a complete nine (9) layer installation.
LIGHTING. The lighting on all twelve (12) courts will be consistent: thirty-six (36) poles and forty- nine (49) LSI SLM LED light fixtures mounted 20' high.
COLORS. Non Volley - Olympic Blue, Court - Royal Blue, Border and walkways - Summer Red
In attendance:
TPPC PARC Committee Members - Dave Dwyer, Tom Asbel, Bonnie Morgan, Marie Knowlton TPCA Board Members - Mike Muphy, Rich Ohlenroth, Steve Gregerson
TPCA Staff Members - Mark Nordman, Patti Yost
FP&E Committee Member - Jim Rogers
Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Chris Hagman, Kevin