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Home My WebLink AboutFreedom Park - Tennis Courts into 8 Pickleball CourtsKlassen, 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 Finailto:mrchevonly@aol.coml 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 81 :8 WV 8-130 tto V3 '1d3S30 1111Vd 331330 S. M8313 A 113 Q3A13O3t i ��,.��'��.!��• �G�C`I � CITY OF PALM DESE �r�:�R�x';��::��':��.��.L,- �'� .,_._ CITY MANAGERS OFFI E �� r„��`'rc� ,� �'�'$'F"n'�`"1'��"��""'�""�" ��.�:;�.,.��„��,��,��w��,�:,��k .�.r..�. 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 Pickieball 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 cost not to exceed $20,000. The Commission also requested that staff post a notice at the Freedom Park tennis courts indicating the proposal prior to going to City Council (notices posted 9/16/14). Discussion There has been a steady increase in pickleball court use particularly by larger groups of players. Each game consists of four players and one tennis court can be converted into four pickleball courts thereby accommodating 16 players at a time. Converting two 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. Strateqic Plan Obiective Active recreation was one of the five major topics outlined within the Strategic Plan. 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 Strategic Plan of increasing active recreational opportunities. Fiscal Analvsis If the City Council wishes to proceed with this conversion, an additional $20,000 will 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. Prepared By: Reviewed and Concur: /- �, �i Ryan Stendell P� I S. Gibson, Director of Finance Senior Management Analyst A roved By: �� hn M. Wohlmuth, City Manager PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED MINUTES September 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 recreationai 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. Keliy 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 targe 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 APPR4YED_�I�LUTES 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 4