North Texans Embrace Pickleball: An incoming cold front is prompting North Texans to enjoy the last days of milder temperatures. Many are heading outdoors to play pickleball, golf, and spend time with friends before the temperature drops significantly.
Pickleball Players Take Advantage of the Weather
At Dallas’ Cole Park, the pickleball courts were bustling with activity. Players were eager to soak in the comfortable conditions before the cold set in.
“It’s a little cloudy but I mean obviously people are loving it,” said Kevin Solis, who was playing with friends. He explained, “Let me come play a few games, hang out with my friends, and then—before it gets too cold.”
Solis noted that while many of his friends are willing to play in colder weather, icy or wet conditions could keep them off the pickleball courts.
“I have to hit the highway and I’m like, ‘Ah, I don’t want to deal with all that.'” – (Solis)
Golfers Squeeze in Final Rounds
Golfers also rushed to enjoy the mild weather. City of Dallas golf courses closed early to prepare for winter weather. Larry Schmitz and his friends took advantage of the last chance to play at Luna Vista Golf Course.
“We’re not going to be playing golf here probably until next Saturday.” – (Schmitz)
Philip Bleakney, head golf professional at Luna Vista, explained the importance of protecting the greens from harsh weather.
“It’s fairly dangerous to cover those greens when those winds get high, and then you want them covered because if the winds get high and the temperatures get cold, that’s how you burn your greens.” – (Philip Bleakney)
He emphasized the risk of damaging the greens if they aren’t covered in time, which could lead to a longer shutdown of the course.
Roads Prepared for Icy Conditions
In anticipation of the cold, the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) treated some lanes with brine on Friday, focusing on elevated surfaces that freeze first.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is also preparing for icy roads. Their Tarrant County District plans to pretreat roads on Sunday, while TxDOT’s Dallas District is currently monitoring the forecast and readying equipment.
As the cold blast approaches, residents across North Texas are taking advantage of the last days of pleasant weather, participating in outdoor activities while they can.
News in Brief: North Texans Embrace Pickleball
As a cold front approaches, North Texans are seizing the last days of mild weather by playing pickleball and golf. Cole Park’s pickleball courts were busy with pickleball players enjoying the conditions, while golfers at Luna Vista Golf Course rushed for final rounds before winter preparations began. Meanwhile, road authorities are treating surfaces in anticipation of icy conditions ahead.
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