New Pickleball Guidelines at Upper Arlington: As pickleball continues to rise in popularity across the nation, parks like Fancyburg and Thompson have become go-to spots for players. These parks now feature tennis courts with overlay pickleball lines and portable nets, catering to both tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. However, with the increasing demand for court time due to the sport’s growth, along with the popularity of tennis in the community, new systems have been implemented to ensure everyone has a fair chance to enjoy the courts.
To improve the experience for all users, a new Racket Reservation System has been introduced. This system helps players plan their game time efficiently while ensuring a smooth rotation on the courts.
New Paddle Rack System: Simple and Fair
To reserve your place, simply use the new paddle rack system. The instructions are straightforward: place your paddle in the furthest available spot to the left. The paddle positioned furthest to the left will be next in line to play. This easy method guarantees a fair and organized way to ensure everyone has access to the courts without any hassle.
Facilities: Open Year-Round, Free to Use
Both Fancyburg and Thompson Parks offer four tennis courts at each location, with eight lined pickleball courts overlaid on top. In addition, there are four portable pickleball net systems on wheels for added convenience. The facilities are open year-round, from dawn to dusk, operating on a first-come, first-served basis for both tennis and pickleball players. The courts are free to the public and provide a dual-use space that caters to the growing needs of both sports.
Court Rules: Ensuring Cooperative Use
To maintain a smooth experience for everyone, the City has established a few basic rules:
- 90-Minute Time Limit: If others are waiting, limit your court time to 90 minutes.
- Racket/Paddle Rack Use: When courts are full, use the paddle rack to signal that you’re waiting for the next available court.
- Court Designation: Tennis should primarily be played on the east side of Thompson courts and the south side of Fancyburg courts, while pickleball should primarily take place on the west side of Thompson and north side of Fancyburg. This division helps protect the courts and equipment from damage.
- Pickleball Net Systems: Be careful when moving the City’s pickleball net systems. Avoid damage by engaging or disengaging the wheels properly.
- Maximize Space: Where possible, pickleball players should use the net systems on one side of a tennis court to allow others to play tennis on a full court.
- Priority Use: City-sponsored Parks & Rec programs have priority on the courts. Reservations for these programs can be viewed online.
- No Paid Lessons: Private instruction for pay is not allowed unless the City grants written approval.
- Play at Your Own Risk: Users should be aware that playing on these courts is at their own risk.
Racket/Paddle Rack Instructions
The new paddle rack system is simple to follow:
- Place your racket or paddle in the first available opening from left to right.
- The paddle or racket in the slot to the immediate right of the sliding dial is next up to play.
- As players remove their paddles/rackets, slide the dial to the right. Once the paddle/racket from the far-right slot is removed, slide the dial back to the far left to restart the process.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Guidelines at Upper Arlington
With the rise in pickleball’s popularity, Fancyburg and Thompson Parks have adapted their facilities to accommodate both tennis and pickleball players. The parks feature tennis courts overlaid with pickleball lines and portable nets, offering free, year-round use. To manage demand, the City has introduced a new paddle rack reservation system to ensure fair access to courts.
Players can now reserve their spot by placing paddles in a designated order, allowing an organized and efficient rotation. The City has also set clear rules to promote cooperative use and protect the courts from damage, ensuring a positive experience for all.
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