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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL TO PERMANENTLY CONVERT
TWO TENNIS COURTS AT FREEDOM PARK INTO EIGHT
PICKLEBALL COURTS
SUBMITTED BY: Ryan Stendell, Senior Management Analyst
DATE: October 9, 2014
CONTENTS: Freedom Park Vicinity Map
Parks & Recreation Commission Draft Minutes Dated September 2,
2014
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
1. Approve the permanent conversion of two tennis courts at Freedom
Park into eight pickleball courts and return the Cahuilla Hills
pickleball courts to tennis courts at a cost not to exceed $20,000;
and
2. Authorize the Finance Director to appropriate $20,000 from
unobligated Fund 430 Park Funds to Account No. 430-4618-454-
4001, Citywide Park Improvements.
Parks and Recreation Commission Recommendation
At the regular Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of September 2, the
Commission discussed the popularity of pickleball and the potential for eight courts in
one location. Commissioners discussed several concepts, including:
1. Civic Center: Build new courts on the grass area south of the skate park.
2. Civic Center: Conversion of two existing tennis courts.
3. Freedom Park: Conversion of two existing tennis courts.
The Commission generally believed that Freedom Park proved the most cost effective
solution to meet the needs of the pickleball community. The Commission believed that
constructing new courts at Civic Center Park was too costly given our attempt to
preserve park fund dollars for the future North Sphere Park. Additionally, the
Commission discussed that they were not in favor of converting two of the six existing
Staff Report
Pickleball Conversion— Freedom Park
October 9, 2014
Page 2 of 2
tennis courts at Civic Center Park due to potential compatibility issues and the existing
popularity with tennis players. The Commission recommended to the City Council to � �
convert the two tennis courts at Freedom Park to eight permanent pickleball courts at a b ,�
cost not to exceed $20,000. The Commission also requested that staff post a notice at � N
the Freedom Park tennis courts indicating the proposal prior to going to City Council � �
(notices posted 9/16/14). � �
a
b
Discussion M �
�T G
.�
There has been a steady increase in pickleball court use particularly by larger groups of a ,��,
players. Each game consists of four players and one tennis court can be converted into � H
four pic k le ba l l cou rts t here by accommo da ting 1 6 p layers a t a time. Conve rting two � �o
tennis courts in one location will serve up to 32 players at one time. Based on � �
discussions with the Parks and Recreation Commission, the conversion of two tennis � ,�
courts into eight pickleball courts is seen as a worthwhile investment. p o
�
Strateqic Plan Obiective � ,
�
4-I N
Active recreation was one of the five major topics outlined within the Strategic Plan. o �
Pickleball has seen a steady increase in popularity especially within the senior � �
population. Staff believes this project will help us to achieve our goals laid out in the � �°o�
Strategic Plan of increasing active recreational opportunities.
� ��
Fiscal Analvsis 'i N
a �
o a
If the City Council wishes to proceed with this conversion, an additional $20,000 will a�,
need to be appropriated from unobligated Fund 430 Park Funds. If approved, staff will � '�
proceed with obtaining formal bids subject to the City's procurement ordinance. ° �
F+ U
O
Prepared By: Reviewed and Concur: � � �,
� o �
�- A �i �
a� � �
u �no
Ryan Stendell I G�b son, Dir�ctor of Finance a � M
S e n i o r M a n a g e m e n t A n a l y s t CITY COUN � dN � � o
APPROVED ` DF,NiF.D � N
RECEIVED OTHER 01 � p�
� M W
�
MEETIN D TE — " � N � �
A roved By: AYES: �� o x p
NOF,S: � � a �N
ABSEN'l�t �' � c �
.
u u
hn M. Wohlmuth, City Manager v�RIF ED BY: �' " � o
Ori inal on File with Ci�y Cle 's Offi@
* y Minute Motion: 1)Approved the �ermanent conversion o two �Z) Tennis Courts at
Freedam Pak into eight (8) Pickleball Courts and return the Cahuilla Aills Pickleball
Courts to Tennis Courts at a cost not to e�ceed �20,000 with dual striping for
1-Pickleball Court to remain on each of the Tennis Courts at Cahuilla Hills, including
time-of-use restriction and monitoring there; 2) direct staff to monitor demand for
tennis and prepare for c�nsideration of adding a dedicated tennis court at Freedom
Park in the 2015-2016 Budget;
FREEDOM PARK TENNIS COURT USE
Date Time P.A. Name Pickieball Players Tennis Players
11/1/2014 7:00-8:OOam Tony 4 0
11/2/2014 8:30-9:OOam Tony 0 0
11/3/2014 8:OOam Ady 18 9
11/4/2014 8:15am Ady 13 2
11/5/2014 9:00-10:OOam Ady 10 2
11/6/2014 8:00-10:OOam Ady 13 6
11/7/2014 8:00-11:OOam Ady 13 0
11/8/2014
11/9/2014
11/10/2014 8:00-8:30am Ady 11 0
11/11/2014 7:30-8:OOam Ady 6 4
11/12/2014
il/13/2014 9:00-9:30am Ady 9 0
11/14/2014
11/15/2014 8:45-9:OOam Tony 0 2
11/16/2014
11/17/2014 8:30-11:OOam Ady 12 2
11/18/2014 8:15-11:OOam Ady 7 6
11/19/2014 7:00-9:OOam Ady 16 2
11/20/2014 7:30-9:30am Ady 14 0
11/21/2014
11/22/2014
11/23/2014 7:OOam Tony 0 2
11/24/2014 8:15-10:OOam Ady 12 2
11/25/2014 8:OOam Ady 12 4
11/26/2014 8:00-8:30am Ady 10 2
11/27/2014 8:OOam Ady 8 0
11/28/2014
11/29/2014 8:OOam Tony 0 2
11/30/2014
12/1/2014 8:30-10:OOam Ady 15 4
12/2/2014 8:30-10:OOam Ady 8 0
12/3/2014 7:00-10:OOam Ady 17 4
12/4/2014 7:00-7:30am Ady 6 2
Totals: 234 57
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
APPROVED MINUTES Sentember 2. 2014
Chairman Rodriguez proceeded to ask Mr. Stendell what expansion
possibilities he was considering. Ryan stated, maybe adding a smaller
pool, more amenities, a lazy river, or possibly a bigger slide, they have all
been discussed in the past. Mr. Stendell made it clear that these were
simply visualized considerations for expansion.
B. SPONSORSHIP / NAMING POLICY
Ryan Stendell presented the Commission with a drafted a copy of
sponsorships and naming policy procedures. This policy is to provide
some guidance to those who have interest in naming and or renaming the
City's parks or recreational facilities. A copy of the drafted policy will be
presented to Council for approval.
Commissioner Dawson, Commissioner Thomas, and Rob Ballew were in
favor of the drafted naming policy. Mark Greenwood stated that the
naming policy should end with an endowment. Commissioner Kelly and
Chairman Rodriguez had different opinions regarding sponsorships.
Commissioner Housken asked if it is possible to have a short term naming
policy. On another note, Commissioner Kelly mentioned that occasionally
individuals, who tend to make large donations, want to micromanage
things. However, Mrs. Kelly feels that it is important for something to be
put in writing that demonstrates it will continue to be City property, and
only managed by the City and City Staff. A large donation doesn't always
necessarily mean the donors have any rights to any structure in existence.
After everyone's opinions and input on the subject, Ryan Stendell will be
providing a revised drafted policy in the next Parks and Rec meeting.
VI. CONTINUED BUSINESS
A. PICKLEBALL ANALYSIS
Ryan Stendell brought up the previous discussion regarding the need for
more Pickleball courts, versus the wait for the north sphere park, which
turned the attention to two parks, Civic Center and Freedom Park.
Freedom Park was the favored park for converting the two existing courts
into eight Pickleball courts. Civic Center is still highly used by tennis
players, and Cahuilla Hills Park will be converted back to two courts. All
parks had been observed throughout the summer and the use at Freedom
Park was not as prominent as the Civic Center. Commissioner Dawson
stated that this sport is growing nationally, and that it is easier to expand
at one park versus the other. Ryan Stendell stated that expansion at either
park would be a difficult task.
3
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AP__QROVED MINUTES Sentember 2. 2014
Chairman Rodriguez mentioned that there are plenty of private courts
throughout the city that can be used for Pickleball. He also stated that the
eight Pickleball courts that were previously discussed should be put
forward. Ryan Stendell mentioned that retro fitting existing courts can
keep costs to a minimum.
Commissioner Thomas stated that Freedom Park has heavy screening
and that possibly the Pickleball community can somehow come up with
the funds for the conversions. He suggested that the lot south of the skate
park at Civic Center would be a great location for the Picklball courts.
However that can be suggested somewhere down the line.
Therefore upon a motion by Chairman Rodriguez, Commissioner Thomas
and 6-0 vote of the Commission Board, the Commission approved the proposal
for converting the two Tennis courts into eight full Pickleball courts at Freedom
Park.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. 2006 CITIZEN SURVEY
Ryan Stendell stated that he took all of the 25 subjects from the survey
and gave a brief description regarding all the topics that have been
brought up since. Strategic planning echoed the topics, and will keep up
with the more important topics, like walking, biking and hiking trails, fall
and spring concert series, etc. Mr. Stendell also mentioned that he DRD is
doing a better job on engaging local folks.
VIII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES
A. ACTIVE RECREATION LITERATURE
Ryan Stendell stated that Palm Desert has a very strong network of
walkers in existing city parks. Ryan suggested that the city could better
engage baby boomers, seniors, and the younger generation, this is why
he provided the article in the agenda packet. Chairman Rodriguez noted
that this article does tie in with the number one requests for hiking, and the
large audience of power walkers here in Palm Desert.
B. PARK USE REPORT
Ryan Stendell stated that University Park is doing well, with an even
amount of use in both University and Freedom Park. Mr. Stendell
mentioned that the shade structure is still in the works, and city staff is
a
Klassen, Rachelle
From: Stendell, Ryan
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2014 8:16 AM
To: Stanley, Jane; Klassen, Rachelle
Cc: Wohlmuth, John
Subject: FW: freedom tennis courts
Jane,
Can you please pass this along to councilmember's as this is on the agenda on Thursday. So far this is the only
correspondence I have received.
Ryan
From: Dan Nelson [mailto:mrchevonlysa�aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2014 7:27 AM
To: Stendell, Ryan
Subject: freedom tennis courts
Dear Mr. Stendell,
My name is Dan Nelson and we spoke on the phone last week about the tennis courts possibly being converted to pickle
ball courts.
Could you please direct my thoughts on the matter to the city counsel since I don't get home from work until after 5 o'clock
and won't be present at the meeting on Oct. 9.
First I'm disappointed in a group of people that are selfishly trying to take over a part of a park that is designed for the
enjoyment of multiple sports, the tennis courts have lines for both tennis and pickle ball.
I live across the street from the park in the Whitehawk community and I play tennis at the park 2 to 3 times a week. If I
don't have someone to play with I bring my ball machine and just hit balls. A couple of times when I was hitting with my
machine 4 pickle ball players came to the courts and so I picked up and let them have the court since I didn't think it was
fair that one person should hold a court when others are waiting, they were very appreciative and I was glad to do what
was fair. We chatted while I was picking up the balls and they told me they were from Sun City, so now I'm thinking don't
they have pickle ball courts in Sun City ? I can understand them wanting more courts because it is a nice way for the
seniors to get exercise but I can't understand why we can't share the courts.
One big reason why I feel the conversion of the courts to strictly pickle ball is not fair or practical for this park is the fact
that never have I seen pickle ball players in the late afternoon or at night whereas many times I have gone over late in the
day to hit with my machine but couldn't get a court because they were full with tennis players. Another valid point is the
fact that never have I seen pickle ball players in the summer time, not in the mornings or in the evenings, however, I play
early in the mornings all summer long and so do several other people, some who are regulars and some I see for the first
time.
One more valid point is the fact that if the courts were just pickle ball courts they would sit vacant at nights and all summer
long, that would be a waste of valuable space in a much needed neighborhood park.
As an alternative to catering to the limited needs of one group why not propose this as a solution :
Designate specific days for pickle ball play only, and if there are no pickle ball players on the court those days, then they
are open for tennis, but if pickle ball players come to play, the courts have to be given to the pickle ball players post haste
, and vice versa for designated tennis days.
I truly hope this matter can be resolved so that we can all enjoy the sport we love in our neighborhood park.
Please convey my gratitude to the city counsel for giving this matter a fair and un biased consideration.
Respectfully and anxious,
Dan Nelson
e+ =e W� e- 1�0 �191
�� '1a3S30 HlVd
3�1��0 S,�i2l31� Jt 11�
o3�i3��a 1
R�E6�11�fiD
�IT Y CLERK'S OFFICE
MiKE [.Ewis PALM DESER T. C A
72835 Homestead Road
Palm Dcscrt. CA 92260 21M �Y -3 PM 3� 53
7h0-773-1075
Mavor Van Tanncr
And Palm Dcsert Citv Council Mcmbers
Hand Dcli�crcd
Gentlemen�
Please considcr tl�c fo1loH�ing conccrning thc pending motion rcgarding picklcball and tennis at Cahuilla
and Freedom Parks in Palm Desert:
Cahuilla P��rk for some}ears had t���o tennis courts. Several�•ears ago, however,because of the scant use
of the tennis courts, one of the tennis courts was converted into four pickleball courts,witli another
pickleball court overlaid on the other tennis court.
The result«as phenomenal. There was an immediate popular use of the pickleball courts,with hvelve to
thim pla�crs six days���eekl}. Sunday bcing the only day of little or no pickleball play thcrc. The group--
adults usuall��--cusromarily bcgins pla}°at 7:00 or 8:l)0 a.m.,depending on thc scasonal temperaturc, and
rcmains until about 12:01) noon.
Thcrc��ould, no doubt, bc cvcn more usage if thc othcr tcnnis court��erc convcrtcd to four more
pickleball courts.
Thc reasons for ihc popularih�of Cahuilla Park for picklebali are scvcral:
1. Cahuilla Pxrk is the onl} public�•enuc for pickleball in the city. There are other couris,but the}�are all
in gated communities that either don`t allow outsiders, or charge fecs up to ten dollars for daily play;
There are also no public courts in tl�c adjoining cities to the east and«est.
2. Thc courts are somcwhat shcltered from��ind. Picklcball is playcd with a light whiffle ball that is
highh•affectcd b}�wind or strong bree�cs--much more so than tcnnis balls.
3. Thcre is amplc parking for high usc of'thc park,both for picklcball plati�ers and hikcrs. Thcre has been
somc allcgation in the press that therc is not ample parking for Cahuilla park,but any visit to thc parking
arca will show that to simpl}�not be the casc. Thcrc is a large unpavcd arca for parkin�that is adcquatc
for far more use than 1 havc cver scen there.
�3. Cal�uilla Park has achie��ed a reputation in the pickle ball communin�for competili��e pla}, and
consequcntly draws many sno�� bird pla}crs to Palrn Dcscrt instcad of to somc of thc other sout}�crn
California arcas for vacations.
Tlie proposal to com�en t}�c four Calwilla Park pickleball courts back to a single tennis court and conven
tcnnis to pickleball at Frccdom Park is highly ilawcd for scvcral reasons, including the following:
l. Thc proposal would, it is said,cost somc$20,000, and woold result in ha��ing Cahuilla Park used for
onl}�a hand full of tcnnis pla��ers weekl��--somctimcs none--�ti�hile ttic present pickleball usagc is
phenomcnal ycar round.
2. That proposal�vould result in the many picklcballcrs ha�•ing to dri��c tcn miles or more northcast to a
H�indy vcnuc that is frequcntly inhospitable to their sport. �i}iile a minuscule numbcr of tcnnis pla}ers
�c �- �
, . ��.,�_P
�►�ould have exclusivc usc of thc courts at Cahuilla Park.
3. Thcrc arc mam public tennis courts in thc area that are availablc at no chargc to tcnnis playcrs. Civic
Cenier Park alone has many free courts and is only a couple of milcs aiva�.
Wh� should the many pickleballers be foreclosed from using a park in their ncighborhood, while the very
fe«tennis users have exclusive use of a park that is now used b} man}�pickleballers'?
�3. Onc oC thc avowed reasons for thc cxpcnditure of public funds for park facilitics is that they supposcdl�
clevatc thc health status of lhe communit��. There is no better sport than pickleball for that purpose. We
have people starting who arc in their eightics, in thcir teens,and e�•ery agc in bet�veen. Unlike icnnis,onc
ca� ha��e carh success in pickleball. and achieve a high level of fitness. Tennis, ho�rever, requires�ears of
practice and training,and is hardl��conducive to beginning by the middle aged and elderly.
5. Pickleball pla� in Cahuilla Park and most public areas is highly inclusi�•e. A group of playcrs comerge
on thc courts and��ork out w�ho pla�s with���hom. There is usuall� no nccd to be there at am spccific timc
or to rcmain until a spccificd timc. Like�ise. if a person docsn�t sho���at all it malccs no di(T'crcnce,
bccausc there are ample pla}�crs to malcc up games.
Tennis, ho�scvcr, usuall} requires players to m�ilcc thcir own games, to appcar at an appointed timc. to
sta��for a speciGed time, and to arrange for a substitute if thcy cannot be there as agreed. For public park
play, picklebaJl is a much better conduit to good health and fitness.
Since therc has alre,id� been about $10.00U expended in com�crting the tennis couri into four pickleball
courts at Cahuilla Park, to rcvcrsc that procedure at a similar cxpcnse H�ould be to�rastc thc mone�
alread�� spent,especially since the Pickleball courts are so highl}�utiliied. Rather than kicking tl�e
pickleball playcrs out of Cahuilla. it���ould be cnucl� more preferable to simply Ieave Cahuilla Park as is,
and provide Pickleball at Frccdom Park, µ�hich«ould allow both sports to be cnjoycd by participants in
cithcr park.
There ceriainl��are never am tennis players�vho can't be accommodaled easih�at some park in the arca.
If iliere are an� questions regarding am aspect of this matter, plcase do not hesitate ro contact me at an}
t i mc.
Vcry trulv vours,
�
Mikc Lewis
Klassen, Rachelle
From: Stendell, Ryan
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2014 7:39 AM
To: Klassen, Rachelle
Subject: FW: Pickleball
This came in over the weekend on the Pickleball issue.
Ryan
-----Original Message-----
From: Barbara Wintroub [mailto:bwintroub@retrofitpilates.com�
Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2014 6:53 PM
To: Parks e-mail
Subject: Pickleball
To Whom It May Concern:
As an avid Nationally ranked Pickleball player and instructor at Mission Hills, I would love to have 8 courts at Freedom
Park. I don't have that much time to play during season because I work, so waiting 40 minutes in between matches
because of the lack of courts doesn't work well with me. I also run an intraclub Pickleball competition every season and
having more courts would help to include more players.
Please consider the growth and popularity of Pickleball nationwide and give us the 8 courts soon.
Barbara Wintroub
Retrofit Your Body
310-913-3333
1
Klassen, Rachelle
From: Stanley, Jane
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 10:17 AM
To: Klassen, Rachelle; Mendoza, Grace
Cc: Stendell, Ryan
Subject: FW: Freedom Pickleball Courts
-----Original Message-----
From: Gayle McNeece [mailto:gmcneece@aol.com]
Sent:Tuesday, November 11, 2014 4:18 PM
To: CityhallMail
Subject: Freedom Pickleball Courts
I am writing in support of converting the Freedom Park tennis courts into dedicated pickleball courts. Pickleball is
exploding and the desert is woefully short on dedicated courts. Pickleball is a fast moving, social sport so it needs a
center where people can gather to play. Please support converting Freedom to a pickleball facility.
Thanks
Gayle McNeece
i
RECEIVED
CIT Y CLERK'S OFFICE
PALM DESERT. CA David M. Shank
�DU NQy 20 AM ro; I� Suzyn Ware
45731 Edgehill Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-837-0046
November 19, 2014
City of Palm Desert
City Council
Attcntion: Jane Stanley
Ad►ninistrative Secretary
73-510 Fred Wariilg Drive
Palm Descrt, CA 92260-2578
Subjcct: '`Pickleball Vote put on Hold''
Please see the attached Ictter that was sent to Mr. Stendell on February 14, 2014,
expressing our concerns regarding the pickleball courts at Cahuilla l lills Park.
It now appears that the city council is in discussions to perhaps move the pickleball
courts to otlier locations. We are assuming that these are not in residential areas. We
strongly support this move, since the noise level is even worse than when �ve sent our
letter in February. Not only do the players start playing at 6:15 AM in the summer, but
now your employee is starting to blow off the leaves at 6:45 AM so tliat tlie players can
begin wrecking our peace and quiet at 7 /�M.
Since this is a residential area, ���e sliould expect to have some level of quiet, which we do
not have when the pickleball courts are being used. "I'he noise is ►nagnitied and echoes
off the wash and the mountains. Wc I�ave lived �vith this abusive noise for four years and
we arc at our wits end. Should you choose to not close the pickleballl courts at Cahuilla
Hills Park �ve may need to contact an attorney to force the issue.
In addition to the noise levels being abusive, tl�ere is also a saPety issue with all of the
traffic getting to the courts on time. We have had cars traveling at up to 50 MPf-I on our
nice quiet street.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter. We would appreciate some
response to our letter.
Regards,
David M. Shank
Suzyn Ware
RECElVED
C�PALM DESER�FC�E
David M. Shank
t014 I�V 20 AM 10� I1 Suzyn Ware
45731 Edgehill Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-837-0046
February l4, 2014
City of Palm Desert
Attention: Ryan Stendell
Senior Management Analyst
73-510 Fred Waring Drivc
Palm Desert, CA 92260-2578
Dear Mr. Stendell,
We have lived in our home since August of�2005. When we first moved into our new ho►ne in
2005, �ve were able to enjoy sleeping past 7 AM and then when we did awake, we would enjoy
our coffee and reading our morning paper out on our patio. We enjoyed our peace and quiet and
the view of our beautiful mountains across tlie wash from our home.
Since the first fe�v years, the City of Palm Desert chose to convert one of the tennis courts at
Cahuilla Hills Park into 4 pickle ball courts. Now just imagine being awakened at 6 AM by the
WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! noise of the piekle baii being struck by the rackets of 16
players. In addition, the next thing we hear is: OH SH--!, OI-I NO00000!, DA-17�! Now all
of a sudden,our peace and quiet is broken by the noise coming across the wash from the pickle
ball courts. If you have ever heard all of that noise and shouting, you would realize ho�v
disturbing and distractin� it can be.
We understand that�ve are stuck �vith the courts, but �vould request tl�at you prevent the playcrs
from playing prior to 7 AM and build a sound barrier�vall to help us be able to enjoy tl�e use of
our patio, oncc again.
Another distraction that comes from tl�e courts is at night, wl�en the lights are on the courts, even
when there is no one playing. These lights are on most nigl�ts until 1 1 PM. This is not only a
distraction to us, but a waste of taxpayers money, when no one is usin�the courts.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter. Please forward this letter to tl�e City
Council. We �vould appreciate some response to our lctter.
Regards,
David M. Shank
Suzyn Ware
ht���:IYEU
Cl f r CLERK'S OFFICE
PALM DESERT. CA
Christopher M. Thomas 2014 NOV I 8 AM I I� 43�
73281 Cold Springs Way
Palm Desert, California 92260
Cell: 760-835-0248
November 17, 2014
Susan Marie Weber, Mayor Pro Tem
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring
Palm Desert, California 92260-2578
Good Dav:
I attended the October 9, 2014 City Council meeting where a proposal to convert
two tennis courts at Freedom Park to eight dedicated pickleball courts was
discussed. The council decided to table the proposal, which was recommended
unanimously by the city's Parks and Rec. Commission and proposed by the city's
parks department, until the December 11, 2014 council meeting. This letter is in
support of that proposal.
I'm an eleven year full-time resident of Palm Desert, serve on the city's Parks
and Recreation Commission, and serve as the United States of American
Pickleball Association (USAPA) West Region Director. My region includes
California.
I've witnessed first-hand the explosive growth of this sport in America, especially
the last five years, here in Palm Desert and in Coachella Valley. The NBC Nightly
News on March 18, 2014 reported: "Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in
America." Even a tennis publication (Tennis Club Business) in August, 2014
reported that "Pickleball is growing faster than any other sport in the country."
At Cahuilla Hills park, we currently average about 30 —45 players in the morning
hours (7 AM to noon), six days a week, for the months of November thru March.
During this past summer, we averaged 12 — 16 players a day from 6:30 AM to
9:30 AM. Two years ago, we averaged only 8 players a day from June thru
August.
At the community center at Civic Park, an indoor summer pickleball program was
initiated this year with two courts, twice a week, from 10 AM to 1 PM in the gym.
That program has now expanded to three courts and has become year-round. In
neighboring Rancho Mirage, ground was broken this month on the expansion of
Whitewater Park. That expansion includes two brand new pickleball courts at a
cost of $100K.
1
As I listened to the council discussion at that October meeting, I think there was a
central point that was not mentioned. If that conversion proposal had passed,
the end result would have been eight dedicated pickleball courts (at Freedom
Park), and 8 dedicated tennis courts (6 at Civic and 2 at Cahuilla). This is an
equitable and low cost solution that provides facilities for both tennis and
pickleball players.
Since an unanimous vote in early 2012 by the city's Parks and Rec. Commission,
the commission has been working with the city to come up with an low-cost
proposal to implement the commission's proposal for "having an 8 to 12
pickleball court complex" in the city. As a commissioner, I've listened to the city
parks' department explain that there is no money to buitd a new 8 court PB
complex, at a cost of approximately $250K. Therefore, the Freedom Park
conversion proposal seemed to addresses all known concerns and budget
limitations.
While it is admirable that the City Council attempts to provide comparable
facilities to park users at all parks to avoid driving time, etc., it doesn't appear to
be that inconvenient if tennis players at Freedom Park would have to drive to
Civic or Cahuilla. The Cahuilla pickleball players would have to drive to
Freedom Park.
The argument expressed by a tennis user at Freedom that to convert the two
tennis courts to eight pickleball courts would be unwise use of funds. He had
observed the current dual purpose pickleball courts are not used that much in the
afternoon/evening hours. You could reverse that argument and say if you had
dedicated tennis courts at Freedom, then there would be minimal use by tennis
players in the morning hours.
This is not about utilization of a facility 7 days a week, 10-12 hours a day for a
specific purpose. Soccer at Hovley Park is not played 7 days a week, 10-12
hours a day. What is important is providing adequate facilities to meet the
demands of park users.
The best solution, and this has proved true across America, is for pickleball to
have dedicated courts, not dual purpose courts. That solution is an expensive
one. One of the council members at the October meeting, asked if the city parks
department could include money for new courts in their 2015 budget.
As a parks commissioner, the only alternative advanced by the city so far was to
wait until the North Sphere park is implemented for "new" courts. That project is
two to three years away. With the demise of RLA funds, there has not been
funding to build courts nor implement any expensive new parks' projects. The
last large project was the Aquatic Center, which had a grand opening in June,
2011.
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If there are enough funds to build a new 8 pickleball court complex, then of
course I support that. I read where councilmember Jean Benson, in her
argument against measure "G" in the recent election stated: "Palm Desert has
uncommitted financial reserves of over 50 million dollars, among the largest of
any city in California."
Perhaps there are too many restraints and conditions regarding those reserves to
tap into for new pickleball cou�ts. Therefore the Freedom Park/Cahuilla Hills
conversion proposal at a cost of approximately $20K, appears to be a reasonable
and low-cost solution.
Sincerely,
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Christophe M. Thomas
Cc� R Stendell
;
Klassen, Rachelle
From: Stanley, Jane
Sent: Monday, December O1, 2014 8:37 AM
To: Klassen, Rachelle; Mendoza, Grace
Cc: Stendell, Ryan
Subject: FW: [SPAM] - Pickleball Court Option
-----Original Message-----
From:Qomurqh�o@dc.rr.com [mailto:�omurqh�o@dc.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, November 28, 2014 8:54 AM
To: CityhallMail
Cc: Parks e-mail
Subject: [SPAM] - Pickleball Court Option
To Whom it May Concern,
My name is Brent Murphy and I have been a resident of Palm Desert for 19 years and a pickleball player for 2 years. I
began playing at Freedom Park,which is very close to my home, but prefer to play up at Cahuilla Hills for various
reasons. I understand that the City Counsel and the Parks Department would like to remove the pickleball courts at
Cahuilla Hills, reinstall a tennis court, and then convert one tennis court at Freedom Park into four pickleball courts with
the option of converting the second tennis court at the same time or at a later date. I know it's a little late in the game
but I would like to offer an alternative solution to adding more pickleball courts without losing any public tennis courts
or financing new construction.
The Embassy Suites Hotel in Palm Desert "maintains" 6 tennis courts behind their hotel.There was a group of tennis
pros that went in there about 6-7 years ago and resurfaced the courts to try and build up a junior program, but it didn't
succeed. However, I think that this would be an excellent location to for a pickleball facility for the reasons listed below.
(I have not spoken with anyone at the Embassy Suites, I don't know anyone who works at the Embassy Suites, or have
any financial stake in the Embassy Suites)
1. They have 6 lighted tennis courts that are in a bit of disrepair, and I would guess rarely used after several recent visits
there.
2. Embassy Suites has partnered with an outside entity to utilize this asset in the past.
3.The back 2 or 3 tennis courts could be converted into 8 or 12 pickleball courts and that would still leave them with 4
or 3 tennis courts.
4.The courts sit about 3 feet below ground level and are surrounded by wind screens.There is mature landscaping and
tall structures on all
sides of the courts that would aid in cutting wind, making it a desirable location for pickleball.
5. Having the courts sit slightly below ground makes for excellent spectator viewing, while providing a unique and
secluded setting.
6. Having 8 to 12 courts would accommodate the growing number of local players and allow for tournaments to be held
within the city without
impacting any tennis courts (i.e. Senior Olympics).There is a small structure/pro shack next to the courts that may or
may not house a
restroom and the structure could be used to monitor play if needed.
7. Courts and tournament play would add exposure and revenue to the hotel and business in that area as well as tax
dollars to the city.
8. Palm Desert would be the hands down leader in pickleball play in the valley.
i
9. Palm Desert needs more than 4 pickleball courts-
a. I am a Physical Education teacher at Gerald Ford Elementary School, and on November 10th I hosted 31 other
DSUSD PE teachers with the
help of Chris Thomas from the USAPA. With the idea of getting more young people involved in the game we held an
instructional demo
day that was very well received.
b. On November 19th I was informed that Palm Desert Charter Middle School had requested that lines for 16
pickleball courts be painted
on their blacktop area.
c. On November 25th at 9:30 a.m., all 5 pickleball courts at Cahuilla Hills had doubles play, with 24 people waiting to
play.That
equates to 44 people on a weekday and we are not in full season yet.
I don't know what the cost to convert a tennis court to pickleball courts would be. I don't know if you could operate a
public court facility within the grounds of a private business. I do think that if the city of Palm Desert could partner with
the Embassy Suites to provide a recreational service that is vastly needed and fiscally responsible, it could be a win/win.
Instead of complaining about what might happen or accepting what's on the table I wanted to offer a solution that could
benefit everyone involved. It might take a little more time to come together but in the long run I think it would be well
worth the wait.
Link to scroll to a photo of the tennis courts at Embassy Suites
http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/embassv-suites-palm-desert-PLMDRES/index.html
I want to thank you for your time in considering this matter and I know that the city is working hard to accommodate
the needs of the residents of Palm Desert.
Sincerely,
Brent Murphy
72 Tempe Trail
Palm Desert, CA 92211
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