Pickleball Courts in Marshdale Park: The Evergreen Park & Recreation District (EPRD) marked a significant milestone in local sports on September 21 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Marshdale Park pickleball courts. This extensive renovation transformed a dual-use court into a dedicated pickleball facility, featuring a newly resurfaced area, freshly painted lines, and brand-new nets. The project, which came in at a budget-friendly $300,000, is a testament to EPRD’s commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities in the Evergreen community.
Cory Vander Veen, the EPRD Executive Director, shared his satisfaction with the outcome: “It came out fabulously and on budget.” The upgrades improve the play experience and address the needs of a rapidly growing sport in the region.
Community Response: Enthusiasm from Players and Residents
Local players have expressed overwhelming support for the renovations. Bob Kerr, president of the Evergreen Pickleball Club, highlighted the significance of the Marshdale courts as a central hub for their activities. “The new courts are beautiful; everybody loves them and they’re getting a lot of use,” he noted. With court space limited in the area, this enhancement is a welcomed relief for the club’s approximately 320 members.
“We couldn’t be happier.” – (Evergreen Pickleball Club president Bob Kerr)
The excitement surrounding the courts reflects the increasing popularity of pickleball, a sport that has surged in interest during the pandemic. The community’s engagement during the ribbon-cutting event further shows the social nature of the sport, with players and families coming together to celebrate this new chapter.
Addressing Challenges: Noise Mitigation Efforts
Despite the excitement, the renovation has not come without challenges. The EPRD is actively addressing noise concerns raised by nearby residents, a common issue associated with pickleball’s distinctive sound. To mitigate these effects, plans include the installation of a windscreen and a dirt berm, aimed at reducing the noise generated by players.
Vander Veen acknowledged the community’s concerns, stating, “The neighbors asked us to focus on that. They’ve been very positive in working with us to find solutions.” As the renovations take shape, the EPRD is keen to maintain positive relationships with residents while fostering a thriving pickleball environment.
The Growth of Pickleball: A Sport for Everyone
Pickleball’s appeal lies in its accessibility and inclusivity. As Kerr pointed out, the sport caters to all ages and fitness levels, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals. “It’s a good form of exercise, and you can play as hard or as easy as you want,” he explained. This flexibility, coupled with the camaraderie that often accompanies matches, has solidified pickleball’s status as a social activity in the Evergreen area.
With a robust membership and growing interest, the Evergreen Pickleball Club is an example of the sport’s broader trend. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has seen exponential growth, especially as people sought safe ways to stay active during the pandemic.
Looking Ahead: Future Needs for Indoor Facilities
As winter approaches, the newly renovated Marshdale courts will close for the season, leaving players with limited options. Kerr emphasized the need for additional indoor facilities to ensure that pickleball enthusiasts can continue to play year-round.
“Once we get to the winter months, we only have one place to play and that’s the Wulf Recreation Center. Some indoor courts would be key to our whole operation.” – (Kerr)
The call for indoor courts reflects a broader trend among pickleball communities. As the sport continues to grow, providing sufficient playing space becomes essential to maintaining engagement and fostering talent within the sport. Kerr and other club members are demanding solutions that address the desire for more play opportunities and the challenges posed by noise.
The renovations at Marshdale Park mark an exciting development for the local pickleball community, showing a commitment to enhancing recreational facilities. As players eagerly await the chance to return to the courts next spring, the conversation surrounding noise mitigation and the need for indoor facilities remains crucial. With pickleball’s popularity on the rise, the Evergreen Pickleball Club stands ready to welcome newcomers while fostering an inclusive environment for players of all ages.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts in Marshdale Park
The Evergreen Park & Recreation District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 21 for the newly renovated Marshdale Park pickleball courts, transforming them from a combined tennis/pickleball facility to a dedicated pickleball space. The $300,000 renovation includes new surfaces, painted lines, and nets, much to the delight of local players.
Evergreen Pickleball Club president Bob Kerr emphasized the importance of these courts for the community, especially as winter approaches and options for play diminish. To address noise concerns from nearby residents, EPRD is implementing sound mitigation measures, including a windscreen and dirt berm.
