body,date,page,text,path RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,1,"apd ALAMEDA RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING DATE: Thursday, March 11, 2021 TIME: 7:00 p.m. Called to Order PLACE: City Hall Council Chambers A video recording of the meeting may be viewed at https:llalameda.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx The following are action minutes in keeping with the Sunshine Ordinance 2-91.17. ROLL CALL Present: (Teleconference via Zoom) Chair Alexander, Vice Chair Robbins, Commissioner Limoges and Commissioner Navarro Staff: (Teleconference via Zoom) Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD) Director Amy Wooldridge APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Alexander moved to accept the minutes of February 11, 2021 Regular Meeting as presented. M/S Vice Chair Robbins / Commissioner Navarro. All present in favor with 4 ayes via roll call vote. WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (For topics not on the agenda) Written Communication: none Oral Communication: none REPORTS FROM THE RECREATION AND PARK DIRECTOR ARPD Director Amy Wooldridge gave the report. See Exhibit 1 REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONERS Chair Alexander: March is women's history month. Commended ARPD Director Amy Wooldridge for being the first female ARPD Director. Also mentioned previous ARPD female trailblazers: Bee Rowley, Doris Sullivan, Audrey Spaulding, Lucille Harrison, Sherry McCarthy and Audrey Elderts who all ran the centers and left behind many fond memories. Suggested that in March 2022 they recognize a women every day from ARPD. Commissioner Limoges: Visited the tennis courts in Alameda in preparation to tonight's meeting. Also visited the new park at Alameda Point. Commissioner Navarro: Visited the Gaga pit with her family in which her children enjoyed playing in it. Commended the Eagle Scouts for a job well done. Discovered the six horseshoe pits at Washington Park and checked out the off time usage at the tennis courts and reported all courts were busy. Vice Chair Robbins: Has some thoughts about additional pickleball courts and funding which he will share when they discuss item 6-B. AGENDA ITEMS 6-A Report on Jean Sweeney Open Space Park 1",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,2,"ARPD Director Amy Wooldridge gave the report which included the background information on the park, current community input, key partnerships, state wide park program grant application, urban agriculture phase and the north south connections through the park. SPEAKERS Speaker Kristen Fairfield: Jean Sweeney Open Space Park is a beautiful park and really likes the new project. Speaker Dorothy Freeman: Said there was another female director. Asked if the online survey results could be made public. Answer by Director Wooldridge: Yes, currently working on getting it posted to the website. Are acoustic performances allowed now? Answer by Director Wooldridge: Acoustic performances are allowed but not amplified performances. Will there be more parking on the garden side? Answer by Director Wooldridge: There will be 35 parking spaces. 6-B Recommendation to Authorize Staff to Convert One Tennis Court to Four Pickleball Courts at Washington Park [2021-718] ARPD Director Amy Wooldridge gave presentation which included background for pickleball proposal, proposed and determining the Washington Park location, project timing and project cost. 6-B WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENTS - See Exhibit 2 for additional Public Comments that were not included 3-11-2021 agenda 6-B SPEAKERS Speaker Siena Ramirez: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as the tennis courts are already too busy with a wait time of at least one hour. Might be more beneficial to wait until there is more funding to build a new pickleball court in another area. Speaker Cheryl Saxton: Agree to convert the Washington Park tennis court to a pickleball court as the game turnover is faster allowing more people to play which is good because there are more people playing the sport now. More courts would bring more people to Alameda which is good for restaurants and bars. Speaker: Kristen Fairfield: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court. Measure WW money was for resurfacing the tennis courts and only the tennis courts therefore Pickleball would not be aligned with the agreement. Speaker Jon Greer: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as the wait times for tennis courts are already excessive and parking is overflowing. Agreed that the WW money was to be used for the tennis courts. Speaker Janie McCauley: Agree to another pickleball court. Suggested sharing the court 4 with tennis and pickleball. Also said the tennis court at Longfellow might be a good pickleball conversion as it is not used as much. 2",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,3,"Speaker Joseph Marin: Agree to convert the Washington Park tennis court to a pickleball court as the game is fun and inclusive and is growing. Also suggested Longfellow Park tennis court as a possible pickleball conversion. Speaker Ken Fagel: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as the tennis courts are already busy and there is no parking on Saturdays. Speaker Alain McLaughlin: Agree to convert the Washington Park tennis court to a pickleball court as another court on the West End would be great. Enjoys the social aspect of pickleball. Speaker Christine Miura: For more pickleball courts. She move to Alameda because of pickleball but the courts are always busy as the game is growing and wait time is increasing. Speaker Barbara Greenstein: For more pickleball courts but not at Washington Park as it is full already. Encouraged creative funding either by a pledge or a fundraiser to raise money to build new courts somewhere else in Alameda. Speaker Nancy Straham: Glad to hear a decision doesn't need to be made right away as wants to find a long term solution for a pickleball court that has potential for growth. Speaker Emily Moya: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as the tennis courts are already busy and taking away a court would minimize ability to host leagues. Speaker Morgan Bellinger: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as the tennis courts as there is already hour long wait for tennis court which will get worse in the summer. Also suggested a court reservation system. Speaker Kevin Allen: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as the courts are already crowded and difficult to get a court. Suggested Alameda Point for a new pickleball court. Speaker Ravi Tharisayl: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as the tennis courts as Washington courts are already too busy and they need more tennis courts not less. Speaker Thomas Tesler: Agree to convert the Washington Park tennis court to a pickleball court as another court. The pickleball community used their own money for needs at the Lincoln pickleball court. Speaker Kevin Chen: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as the tennis courts as Washington courts far exceed the wait time of at least 1 hour and the parking is already congested. Speaker Bonnie Halpern: Agree to convert the Washington Park tennis court to a pickleball court as there are only four pickleball courts at one location and they need more. City of Concord has twelve courts and holds pickleball tournaments. It would be nice for Alameda to also grow the pickleball community. Speaker Rosalyn Moya: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as the tennis courts as it would disrupt the tennis community for leagues due to the noise from pickleball. Speaker met her husband at Washington court #5. Speaker Cora Luber: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as one court is already used for ARPD lessons and the courts have a wait time of 1 1/2 hour. Speaker Mike Tsang: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as the tennis courts are already too busy and increasing in popularity. Speaker Michelle Pero: Lincoln pickleball courts need repair and there are no lights. More pickleball courts are needed in Alameda due to the demand. 3",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,4,"Speaker Raymond Lui: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as there is already a demand for the tennis courts and usually over an hour wait. Need a court reservation system as there is sometimes fighting over court use. Speaker Albert Soohoo: Agree to convert the Washington Park tennis court to a pickleball court. Tennis has become busier during the pandemic and might subside when pandemic is over. Pickleball continues to become more popular. Speaker Carmen Reid: Tennis courts are full. Suggested another location such as one acre of land at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park dedicated to pickleball courts and tournament use. Speaker Stewart Wilson: Agree to convert the Washington Park tennis court to a pickleball court as pickleball is a growing sport and needs more space to accommodate the growth. Speaker Charlie DeWett: Against converting the Washington Park tennis court to pickleball court as pickleball is a noisy sport and would be disruptive to tennis games. Also would mean more people crowding the courts. Suggested to put pickleball courts on the base. 6-B COMMISSIONER COMMENTS Commissioner Navarro: Washington is important for tournament, local and regional play Encourage growth of both pickleball and tennis Put a pause on decision and motion to table and explore other options Other funding sources Reallocate funds from Chochenyo play area Commissioner Limoges: Concerned about Measure WW funding violation Reservation system would be good College of Alameda discussion Is a limited resource being tapped by private organizations such as St. Joe's or by private lessons Vice Chair Robbins: Laney Tennis Group has ongoing use of courts on Sundays at the College of Alameda - Henry Chang and Connie Yee will speak with the new College President. Step back and look at a better location Fundraising efforts Possible pickleball courts: 2 Courts next to O' Club and 2 at Hornet Field Online reservation center is a good idea and informing the public how to use it. Chair Alexander: Community fundraising is a strong possiblity Suggested clocks on each court Come to an agreement with the school district for tennis court use Look in to pickleball court lights 6-B MOTION Commissioner Navarro motion to not convert Washington Park Court #4 for pickleball courts but to instead pursue other options for potential pickleball court sites with further information to be brought to 4",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,5,"the commission at a later date. M/S Commissioner Navarro / Vice Chair Robbins. All present in favor with 3 ayes via roll call vote. (Commissioner Limoges not present for the vote). ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: Discuss Park Renaming Policy and Procedures Update on Chochenyo Park playground status SET NEXT MEETING DATE: April 8, 2021 ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn M/S Commissioner Navarro / Vice Chair Robbins Motion carried by the following voice vote: All in favor with a 3 ayes via roll call vote. Chair Alexander adjourned the meeting at 9:35 PM 5",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,6,"EXHIBIT 1 03/11/2021 ARPD Director's Report Presented by Recreation and Park Director Amy Wooldridge Recreation services Registration opened up for all summer programs, with safety protocols in place following the Alameda County Health state guidelines, for in person day camps, tiny tots, aquatics, WOW and teen programs. The Recreation Guide went out a week ago and a second guide will be coming out in a couple more weeks with additional specialty camps, sports and senior activities. Recreation Guides are available both on the ARPD website and in hard copy. Information about financial assistance is included in the guide. Visited the new park Alameda Neighborhood Park at Alameda Point. It is a three block park with passive open space areas, picnic tables, chess board, basketball hoop, and a really cool playground that is the shape of a whale in honor of Allie the humpback whale who visited Alameda a couple years ago in SeaPlane Lagoon. Worth checking out.",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,7,"Exhibit 2 RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION Exhibit for Minutes 3-11-2021 Additional Public Comments that were not included on the 3/11/2021 Agenda Item 6-B Recommendation to Authorize Staff to Convert One Tennis Court to Four Pickleball Courts at Washington Park",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,8,"From: charlie dewett [mailto:mcenroe005479@yahoo.com Sent: Friday, March 12, 2021 7:21 AM To: ARPD Cc: Amy Wooldridge Subject: [EXTERNAL] Converting court # 4 at WAPA to Pickleball courts Good morning Amy, All of us in the tennis community really appreciate the ARPD Commissions time last night. Amy, I've sent you a few emails without any response. Willie Hagans, John Clay Morris, and others have shared that you have got back to them right away. I've triple checked my email addresses to ensure I have the right ones. They look correct. Have you received my emails? I sent them from my proton mail acct. this time l' m using yahoo. Anyway, l've copy and pasted my letter for review by the ARPD Committee. Will you please include it in the comments? I would appreciate a response back today. Again, we thank all of you for the time to share our thoughts. Best Regards, Charlie Dewett Alameda Recreation and Park Department 2226 Santa Clara Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 Sent via email at ARPD@alamedaca.gov Re: Recreation and Park Commission Meeting Agenda item 6-B 2021-718 Converting Washington Park Tennis Court #4 into Pickleball Courts Dear Alameda Recreation and Park Department, I am writing to voice my objection to the above referenced proposal as an Alameda homeowner and resident for the past 21 years, and Captain of the men's 4.5 and 4.5+ tennis teams at Washington Park (WAPA). As with many of us, I consider myself a significant stakeholder in the matter. By no means is the conversion of tennis court #4 an innocuous proposal, and I hope the Alameda Recreation and Park Department (ARPD) will give careful thought and consideration to the concerns I am outlining here: Overcrowding at Washington Park: As it stands today, WAPA is a bustling park that struggles to keep up with the crowds that are drawn to the area each day of the week. Converting even just one tennis court into pickleball courts will increase the court's use capacity from 4 to 16 people, adding more than a dozen people and cars per hour, and potentially more if we are to consider the people that wait to use the facilities. The parking lot at WAPA",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,9,"must. I believe this alternative will appease both the pickleball and the tennis communities in Alameda, and I urge ARPD to consider this location along with any others before committing to converting court #4 at WAPA. Among those alternatives, ARPD should review the feasibility of transforming the courts at the Naval base on the West side and building a dedicated pickleball area at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park. Your sincerely concerned citizen, Charlie Dewett",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,10,"From: June Ogden mailto:oaks242001@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 6:39 PM To: ARPD Cc: Amy Wooldridge Subject: [EXTERNAL] Save our tennis courts Dear ARPD Commissioners and Directors, My name is June Ogden. I am a native of Alameda (81to years). My dad was on the park commission in the 50's. I am adding my name to others who oppose using existing tennis courts into Pickleball courts. Please do not take court #4 and turn it into a Pickleball court. If you play tennis it is a quiet game whereas Pickleball is quite noisy. Not a good mix. Leave well enough alone. Franklin, Krusi & Leydecker should remain as tennis courts. There are the unused Naval court that could easily be converted to Pickleball courts and would be a wonderful addition to all that is happening at the old Naval Base now known as Alameda point. Thank you, June Ogden Sent from my iPhone",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,11,"From: Michelle Pero [mailto:shellpero@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2021 7:00 PM To: ARPD Subject: [EXTERNAL] More Pickleball Courts Hello Recreation and Parks Department, I am writing in support of adding more Pickleball Courts to Alameda at Washington park or elsewhere. Currently, there are the following 14 public tennis courts in Alameda: 3 on Bay Farm Island 3 at Krusi Park 2 at Franklin Park 6 at Washington Park In addition, Alameda High School has several other tennis courts that aren't used as much as they could be. Perhaps there could be a city/school partnership to expand use of these courts for the public. Meanwhile, there are only 4 Pickleball courts at Lincoln park. There were 4 courts built there in place of one tennis court. So in terms of size, 16 people can play Pickleball on the size of one tennis court. Only 4 people can play tennis at one time and I observe that mostly people play singles or 2 people at a time in tennis. In Pickleball, which is a faster sport, there are almost always doubles playing. So you can have 16 people playing Pickleball on a previous tennis court that may just have 2 people playing. I began playing Pickleball over 2 years ago at Lincoln Park. I enjoy it tremendously and I have played with a wide range of ages, abilities and ethnicities. Pickleball is a sport where an 11 year old can partner with a 60 year old and play against any range of players. This makes it a fantastic sport for families of multiple generations. I have played at Lincoln park where 16 people have been playing and 25-30 people are patiently waiting to play. The people of Alameda need and deserve to have many more Pickleball courts, to have equity with the number of tennis courts on the island. It is a sport for both young and old alike. Thank you for your consideration. Michelle Pero Igo",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,12,"From: RE mailto:jamry88@yahoo.com) Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2021 1:51 AM To: ARPD Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comments on Notice to all tennis and pickleball players City's proposal to replace 1 court with 4 pickleball courts Dear ARPD, I would like to express my concerns and input on converting a tennis court at Washington Park to four pickleball courts before ARPD decides on this matter. Having new courts built in Alameda is always welcomed and enjoyed by users as long as they are done in the proper venue and location for that specific sport and in addition, will not a disturbance for other people sharing the same playing location. Below are a few reasons why pickleball might not be an appropriate sport placed right next to tennis courts, which might lead to problems later on. The game of tennis requires concentration and focus, which will be very difficult to do with the loud noise that pickleball brings with its sport. The sound generated in pickleball is extremely loud, noisy and disruptive to all nearby tennis courts and surrounding residential buildings that have no sound barriers to muffle the sound from pickleball. Unlike a tennis racquet, which uses strings and a fuzzy felt tennis ball that muffle the sound on impact, a pickleball paddle is stiff and made of plastic and/or wood that hits against a hollow plastic ball that generates a big loud bang/sound like a firecracker or a gun going off every time the paddle hits the ball. To all nearby tennis players that are expecting to play a quiet and tranquil game of tennis who aren't expecting to hear a constant banging loud noise every few seconds from pickleball players, this might cause tensions and hostilities among players. And this is just from one pickleball court. One could only imagine how much worse the noise will generate when there are four pickleball courts playing all at once? The sound will be amplified by 400% when all four pickleball courts are being used which will sound like a firework show or a shooting range going off in random patterns. It's just way too close and will be unbearable for tennis players to concentrate or focus with all that loud banging noise surrounding them. And it has also been known from pickleball players that after playing pickleball, they could hear ringing in their ears due to the loud noise that pickleball generates. For decades, Washington Park has always been known to be extremely crowded with just tennis alone. By eliminating a tennis court will make the wait even more longer and discouraging to play tennis at that park. Pickleball may be going through a popular phase but what if the demand for pickleball fades out in time? Then we'll have four empty pickleball courts taking up space and not being used when tennis will still be over crowded with many people waiting for a tennis court as shown and proven in the past. There is nothing wrong with having pickleball in Alameda, but combining two sports in the same location and same courtyard has never worked in sport's history. If pickleball is allowed to replace a tennis court, this will set a precedence to other players of other sports to lobby for courts for badminton, soccer, volleyball or any other sports that require a net or similar to tennis. I feel it's much more appropriate and conducive to all players that pickleball players have their own courts elsewhere, away from the tennis courts. In addition to the pickleball courts in Lincoln Park, it will benefit everyone if the city could provide",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,13,"pickleball courts elsewhere that will not impinge or cause a disturbance with the tennis players that are in close quarters to the pickleball courts? If the city still decides to go forward with their plans to build four pickleball courts at Washington park, ARPD should consider if this is the right time to do so during the pandemic? Bear in mind, with the greatly reduced court size for pickleball, social distancing will be tremendously compromised, which might affect the overall health of all players in that area and may inadvertently bring up the cases of C19? These are my thoughts on the matter and hope this and the other feedback you received will make a difference in having the city to re-evaluate their plans of having pickleball courts built next to the tennis courts in Alameda parks. Thank you for your attention on this matter. Be well and be safe, Kevin Borders",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,14,Erik Swanson,RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,15,"From: Lucas Dang mailto:wai562@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2021 7:54 PM To: ConfARPDUser Cc: ARPD Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Washington Park - pickle all Excuse me. We actually live in the WEST side of Alameda. Sent from my iPad On Mar 11, 2021, at 7:17 PM, Lucas Dang Date: March 11, 2021 at 7:15:39 PM PST To: ARPD@alamedaca.gov Subject: Washington Park - pickle all Dear Sirs: We are a family of three living in the east side of alameda island. We usually play pickleball 3-4 times a week and would drive to and play at Lincoln park, which often gets very crowded. We would very much like to endorse installing new pickleball courts at Washington Park. We would either walk or ride our bikes to play at Washington Park. Thank you, The Dang family Sent from my iPad",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,16,"Original Message From: Hana Yoon [mailto:hanayoon@mac.com] Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2021 6:09 PM To: ARPD Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please preserve Washington Park Tennis Court #4! Hello, Please preserve Washington Park Tennis Court #4! I am an Alameda resident and have played on the courts at Washington Park. I have also been a participant at the wonderful annual tennis tournament on those courts. Please do not destroy court 4. Please keep it as a tennis court. Thank you, Hana Yoon 1029 Kingston Lane",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,17,"Original Message From: Michael Lu [mailto:michaellu@berkeley.edu] Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2021 7:29 PM To: ARPD ; awodridge@alamedaca.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Washington Park Tennis Courts Dear Alameda Parks and Rec Commissioners and Directors, My name is Michael Lu and I am a resident of Alameda County. I am connected to Alameda and Washington Park because I am an active member of the community and an avid tennis player. I am contacting you today to oppose the destruction of any tennis courts at WAPA, Franklin, Krusi, or Leydecker Parks. It is an unwise decision to spend tens of thousands of taxpayers' dollars on tearing down a tennis court for the implementation of a pickleball court. The demand for tennis courts has also risen and in the county of Alameda there are significantly more tennis players, tennis clubs, and tennis fans over pickleball players. Rather than tearing down a tennis court to appease a small population of pickleball players, we suggest using the funds to turn the Naval courts into pickle ball courts as an alternative. Thank you. Sincerely a Concerned Citizen, Michael Lu",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,18,"From: Tho Nguyen [mailto:tcm5678910@gmail.com) Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2021 10:11 PM To: ARPD Subject: [EXTERNAL] Hu ARPD, There are empty tennis courts in San Leandro, only a few minutes from Alameda . Washington manor park has 4 tennis courts with lights, restrooms and water. And I hardly see any tennis players",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,19,"Hello Ms. Ramirez, We will include your comments in the minutes. All city meetings are Zoom webinars so to join the meeting, please first click on the link provided at the top of the agenda and it brings you to a registration page. It's quick to complete and once done, that sends you the website link to join. There is no password required. I believe I recall you spoke at the meeting, so hopefully it all worked out for you. Thank you, Amy Amy Wooldridge Recreation and Parks Director 2226 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501 (510)747-7570 awooldridge@alamedaca.gov www.alamedaca.gov/recreation From: Siena Ramirez [mailto:sicocor3@berkeley.edu] Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2021 7:17 PM To: ARPD Cc: Amy Wooldridge Subject: [EXTERNAL] WAPA Tennis Courts Dear Alameda Park and Rec Commissioners and Directors, My name is Siena Ramirez and I am a resident of Alameda County. I am connected to Alameda and Washington Park because I am an active member of the community and an avid tennis player. I am contacting you today to oppose the destruction of any tennis courts at WAPA, Franklin, Krusi, or Leydecker Parks. It is an unwise decision to spend tens of thousands of taxpayers' dollars on tearing down a tennis court for the implementation of a pickleball court. The demand for tennis courts has also risen and in the county of Alameda there are significantly more tennis players, tennis clubs, and tennis fans over pickleball players. Rather than tearing down a tennis court to appease a small population of pickleball players, we suggest using the funds to turn the Naval courts into pickle ball courts as an alternative. Thank you. Additionally, I have been attempting to join the Zoom meeting hosted today, but no password was provided and I am prevented from being an attendee. When hosting community calls, it would be advisable to remove the password requirement from the meeting configuration. Sincerely a Concerned Citizen, Siena Ramirez",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,20,"From: Neal Uppal [mailto:neal.uppal@gmail.com) Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2021 4:56 PM To: ARPD To the leaders of ARPD and fellow residents of Alameda: I am writing to express my dismay at the potential plans to sacrifice a tennis court at Washington Park for pickleball. It's great that pickleball is growing but tennis is too. Can we find a way to keep players of both sports happy without ""robbing one to pay the other""? Consider this figure: 22% growth in just one year. That is a stunning figure. Is this another figure attesting to pickeball's growing popularity? No, that figure is in fact the stunning growth that tennis has experienced over the past year. The magnitude of that number is even more impactful when you consider the size of the base it was growing from. 21.64M more Americans picked up a racket in 2020. As a result, tennis had the highest growth rate of any established sport in the country. This growth in tennis popularity is something to celebrate too and something the USTA is seeking to build on. I have seen this growth first-hand over the past 10 months. I have played tennis on an Alameda public court at least once per week since the courts re-opened in May 2020. Tennis has been my only physical and mental reprieve in an otherwise dismal year we'd all like to forget. In the early weeks after re-opening, it was pretty easy to get a court. Now, wait times have grown considerably at Washington Park, Franklin Park and Krusi Park. I've been playing tennis since I was 6 years old and I am excited to see the sport grow. The last thing we need to do is choke off this growth by reducing capacity. This is a time to be investing in tennis to grow its ranks and perhaps inspire the next Serena Williams. Losing 1 court might seem trivial but that is 16.6% of capacity at our largest and most popular public tennis site. In addition to a growing sport, tennis is a wonderfully diverse sport. I have seen Alameda residents of all ages, races and genders enjoying it over the past several months. I was unable to find easily comparable demographic data for tennis and pickleball from the same source, but I would implore the committee to consider pursuing a study to understand which of our communities will be harmed by this decision before taking any action. Do we have a firm grasp on the number and demographics of Alameda residents who play tennis and pickeball? As far as the space itself, have we fully examined all other options for a pickleball court? Are there existing open park spaces that could be converted to pickleball that would have a less drastic impact on another sport's capacity? I regret that I cannot join today's community discussion since I will be busy putting my two young children (and future Alameda tennis players) to bed. Let me assure you that my absence is not because of lack of caring about this topic - I want to see tennis continue to flourish in Alameda, right alongside pickleball. We need to be creative to find a way to make both possible. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Neal Uppal Alameda homeowner",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,21,"From: Kristin Fairfield Date: March 11, 2021 at 4:30:51 PM PST To: ARPD , Amy Wooldridge Cc: Jon Greer Subject: [EXTERNAL] Photos of Fairfield Tennis Complex Use Sat March 6, 2021 Hello Director Amy, Here are photos from this past Saturday March 6, 2021. A typical day at the Fairfield Tennis Complex. As you can see all courts including court 4 are in use and that is usually all day from 9am-9pm. We'll see you tonight at the meeting. Thanks so much, Kristin Fairfield Picture 1 of 4: March 6, 2020: 3pm: Courts 1 through 4: All courts occupied Note: if you look closely, there are about 13 people playing tennis on courts 1 through 4 3 5 11 6",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,22,Picture 2 of 4: Courts 5 through 6: All courts occupied,RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,23,"Picture 3 of 4: Saturday, March 6, 2021: people waiting to play Picture 4 of 4: rackets in line for next available court",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,24,"From: Kristin Fairfield Date: March 11, 2021 at 4:54:45 PM PST To: ARPD , Amy Wooldridge Cc: Jon Greer , Ken Fagel Subject: [EXTERNAL] Signatures Directly from the Community 250+ in 5 days Mimecast Attachment Protection has deemed this file to be safe, but always exercise caution when opening files. Dear Dir. Amy Wooldridge and Commission Chair Adrienne Alexander, Vice Chair Eric Robbins, Commission Member Ron Limoges, and Commission Member Tara Navarro, Here are over 250 signatures that the Alameda Tennis Coalition collected in just five days at the Fairfield Tennis Complex and from various tennis groups. All in support for keeping court 4 as a tennis only court. We'll see you tonight at the meeting Thank you for your time and your attention to this matter, Kristin Fairfield Daughter of Joan Friedrich Fairfield Organizer of the Alameda Tennis Coalition 510 1484-6932 istinfairfield19@gmail.com",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,25,"94606. RNATILA@gmail By KEVIN Ko 94501 tsts Julto-CLYY 94501 jemorris@some gun EUGENE WONG 94501 eugenemark@gmail.com David Karlon 94501 Add my daveKardon@gmail.com CHARBS SMITH 94601 CKS1677@aul.com Chankedo Jateen Patekh 94605 jatcenparekh@yahoo.com",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,26,"Full Name Zip code Email Signature Patricia Barrameda 94501 andj@mail.com pcks Phylis Call 99501 net call Anish Chopen 94606 anish29chop14@gmail.com Alexanda Gunnell 94501 alixdes@hotmail 1.com IN ALEY Rogann 24607 Daniel Kim 94619 danlagagmail Adam Bahta Anita wong 94501 claimenong862@gmail.com XIS 94501 adiamwehia Adlam hotmaticoluk Ricky Dusing 794501 ricky/dung@yahoo.com Riss Nathan Were 94501 nathandwon@yahoo.com not TRAUL 91,501 a.TRADREE Ture Mathew Yuen 94502 myny22@gmail.com Moos Thai in 94580 Hunta90@gmail.com Tair Tsenguon Gansukh 94610 tsumpson@gmail.com Anganag Sandag 94706 Anganag-sandernanton 4 Mortinac 94610 amort17@gmail.com HMP VLADIMIR NOVAK 94609 Muda COM TONG 94607 Jason.Jong@live. June Ogden 94502 Clus Dah",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,27,"Full Name Zip code Email Signature Rhee Chen 9460 BALARYYASIGAL Rio Lao 95127 Shak@hotmail.com the 8499 keybya@yahoo.com M 94607 Philip Bernasek 94501 pbernaseke@gmail.com Puly Benned Jennifer Lau 94608 jenlan4@gmail.com Lift Cora Luben 8mail. 94501 Coraluber 6220 -can manny Abellon 94606 EAbellon 12010 yoh 12 Jenna 94612 jensta27@gmail.com IN KEENIN 94606 namer Siena Ramirez 94612 Sans papey MichaelLy 94612 Molelfr Jhoses GARCIA 94580 Jisi Brian Middles 94612 Moneslder, middle55egmail.com Brandon 94608 del manday 2465$ can Tran 94519 th Jean Lee 94501 Jean Bhotnailicational MICHAL SKB 94158 Ch klood xixixal @ genmilson John Santas 94501 jsanto915@gmail can go P",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,28,"Full Name Zip code Email Signature Suk Change Lee 94501 prayer766@gmail.com his Kwei Wilson 94541 Rastono@gahoo.com KS DINA Williams 94602 diracbboun@ibubul GAB Patrick Leong 94605 psskang@aol.com by Gary Budd 94602 gargburt@compant GBR Chs Canad 94618 (C2007j44@hotmail.com water Edison Tuny 14501 edisontunp@gmail.com Gold Minh Trinh 94577 TeleveR@Hotmail.com physical David Ruly 94501 - Joseph teal 94501 Joegkoll@ado.org Bath Waranch 94501 bethus531@yahoo.com Bets Lani-Rau Green 94501 Joel Loz 7, Garcia 94580 Markle 94601 R loves 94602 Aky KEY 94605 gary Keganay Apply Peter tan MirGal Lan 94561 mijamach@yah 9950 , management Novman Xie 9450 I xienormani @ Screta 941010",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,29,"Pri Courte 1-6 at Coine: Lonnia Camalo pickle We, the ball undersigned. coll on the City of Alameda and APPD Leydecker pars courts looking into courts since the Longfellow courts are already home to picide ball. We request the city and ARPD loak into other solutions for the picide ball demand and we also request to drop the consider ation to converting court 14 or any of the tennie courts at WAPA. Krusi or into alter Apm and moeting an all the higher demand for tennis courts that has also occurred this year. The wait timer to play tennis at WAPA, Krusi, Leydecker are excessive during the weeiddays College of Alameda, Navel weokende. base The courte, existing tennis courts are not enough to meet this demand for tennis courts currently in Alameda Tennis courts currently not being used: AHS EHS Full name Postcode Email address Signature Afroakhan 94536 atroz Khann segnal Pathan sero Zom after Larry Carter 94602 Bill Griffith 94501 bebopbillehotmail.com By Kern hey 94607 Kevmnoame@yahoo.com Ve Ken Fegel 94501 Ken@katad.com KotutAde 9450) the Permany Trink 94557 phining trink 9 wait con pl Due TIEN NOUVEN 94501 ticnusa65@gmail.com here GREa SORRELL 94501 Tazal Hannah Miller 94501 hwbanana@mi.com like Olesia Kruglov 94501 Olesia Krugloregualican or hard 94602 laurenblauchardampe A grail MarineTam 94602 wash.ingtan883@gmail.com am MT Robillin 94501 rob.currton1@gmail.com pll Published and promoted by the Alameda Happy Tennis Group at Fairfield Tennis Complex When completo, please return to: The Alamada Happy Tenns Group at Tennis Complex or enall directly to For mare nio plense jein tur Fanabook Group to - which or share invith",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,30,"94619 KEMARIN@GMAIL.COM Mife LARRY 94571 LARKY) JOKENO@GMAIL NCT L.g Marina Diaz 94501 Sens Susan G. 94501 m succet Kentine leckson 94501 n know Mana Bower 94501 Member Published and promoted by the Alameda Happy Tennis Group at Fairfield Tennis Complex When complete, please return to: The Alameda Happy Temnis Oroup at Fairtield Tennis Complex or amail directly to For more info please join our Facebaok Group Wa may containd you for tather on this ISSUO but wn will not uso your information for any olher purpose or sham E with any other ontity,",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,31,"rve Courts 1-6 at Fairfield Tennis Comale piokie We the ball undersigned, courts since call the on the City of Alameda and ARPD to drop the consideration to converting court #4 or any of the tannis courts at WAPA, Krusi or Leydecker pario couris into after 4pm and on all the higher demand for tennia courta that has also occurred this year. The walt times to play tennis at WAPA. Kruoi, Leydeckor are excessive during the weekdays logking into meeting Longletow courts are alreedy home to pickle bati We request the city and ARPD look into other solutions for the pickle ball demand and we also request College of Atameda, weckendu, base courts The existing tennie courto are not enough to meet this demand for tennia courta currently in Alameda Tennis courts currently not being used: AHS FHS zil Full name Posteode Email address Signature 94501 He LEARA SUMRALL 94501 MiTCHCOBLUE@AT for Bill Griesel William 94501 bilgrieselfritional can Science AurelioPalmania 94606 Kwok Yin Chan 94501 Kwookyiuchou@me id Takeen Runi 94612 kholo app a unney 7 UNE 94552 no Lawrence yee 94501 AILIANA FATRICK 94578 jybpsyy4me@yahoo.com Curt Paige Ivey 94501 lenorepaige@gmail.com Sira c. 94501 Sive If staron Gooz24501 UgnicMically 94501 Patrick Kim 94001 hotinat one patrick. Kim@ bioneer. 45.com oz Published and promoted by the Alameda Happy Tennis Group at Fairfield Tennis Complex When complein, please return to: The Alameda Happy Tonnis Group at Fairfleld Tennis Complex or email diristly to both gov and awooldidge@alamedace.gov For tmoreinte please join our Facebook Croup, We may contact you fur spolatos on DE IVE will not une your information fer wy other purposs or shan # with any other",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,32,"Full Name Zip code Email Signature Eve Gilbert 94502 eve.mj.gillert@gmail.com Ere Albut Bya Cardenes 94004 Baritis@Hotmail.com of 78 94611 jerre@jumption ty yion thie 9450 het ga th Yang the 94501 huayangwo@gmail.com C.com you Han Jane 94105 for 94011 saishfore H yrs (Yang , Wong) 9450 yangewanger@gmail com y Patrick Momoson 94501 volleymastery SIMON RE-NOLNS 94617 (It tomcastinal Smith Alan Zorno 94589450 alan.zeinn@gmail.com All Genn Sultivan M704 glennsb@utexy a Margaret Lyclon 94704 yydon, margant @gmail.com ML Any Pan 8/10/10 Anj NINA the 94801 Tray X1 94502 trankx188@gyahoo com an Alex Kim 94568 Alexforsf2@@gmail.com Mrs Jesy Jung 94131 ds2dsket1@gmail.com com 8 Caleb Brounice 94502 Cbrownlec/do@gmail.com -",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,33,"Full Name Zip code Email Signature Amanda Hunton 94501 daun2681@gmail.com and but Erik Swanson 95563 faura Shen 94705 JAS ANOUSA KHAJVANDI 94501 kashwandi@yahoo.com A FIREZ tarks 94561 for Princess Alejandria 94066 princessty5@yahoo.com P Jake Havvid 14001 8 David Paraly guson of Jumelphilo 94501 James Pressh Hoaz 94501 Hour EVA VU 94501 ve Lanson Paurl 9450 UP Jossie Pavid 94501 JP T. PAWID 44501 An Yen LIM 94611 Rached Brown eye 94501 rachalbrown.edua @gmail M Raj Aurora 9450 McAnn Jillianne White 94501 Pala word",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,34,"Jasty 71411 to Len SAnches 94611 hin Janchas@Gmail to 100 kunio NAHK 94506 KNAHBO@Gmail.com 4 Luu ASTARY 94566 bsa Claire Rubin 94611 clauresnobin@gmail.com SR John Ruben 94611 John-rusin@ Comcastine TR",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,35,"Preserve Courts 1-6 at Fairfield Tennis Complex We the undersagned call on the City of Alameda and ARPD to drop the consideration to converting court #4 or any of the tennio courts at WAPA Kruni or Leydecket park courts into pickle ball courts unce the Longlellow courts are atready home to piokie ball We request the city and AAPD look into other solutions for the picide ball derrand und we also requent logking into meeting the higher demand for tennis courts thut has algn occurted this year The ward times to play ternis at WAPA, Knust 1 eydecker are excessive during the after 4pm and on all weekends The existing tevinus courts are not enough to ment this demand for tennut courto currentiy in Alameda Tonnic courts currently net AIS FHS College of Alameda Navel base courts Full name Postcode Email address Signature Nathan ket 94501 Nather Kest Giacomo ratesic 94501 gjacomocratesic.com m Noah Walters 94501 noahmwalters@gmail.com brdele Erdene Zohaya 94501 Zolco.uso@gmail.com 2.30uro IREEDHI Enottuushin 94501 TREED4E@gmail.com say Mike Mar tm 94502 mmlhomeey@gmail.com vitate Kevin Kanungulk 94502 Kit. - 8c chatarill her SHE KZ WAI SLAGOL Kenzluid Yahov.com B May 1 ee 94602 maylee882@yahoo.com MS. Claia Lai 94706 cls Christia Velasquez 50312 quitinav5@gmail.com a G RICH KRINKS 94502 Rist. Rella Teshare Diluly 94618 takay Published and promoted by the Alameda Happy Tennis Group al Faurbeld Tennis Comptex When complete. péease retum to The Alarbeda Happy Group at Faurfield Complex email directly to beth ARPD@alamedaca gov For more info plesar nut Facebook Group whw year - - was result for come what",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,36,"Preserve Courts 1-6 at Fairfield Tennis Complex We, the undersigned, call on the City of Alameda and ARPD to drop the consideration to converting court 44 or any of the tennis courts at WAPA, Krusi or Leydecker park courts into pickle ball courts since the Longfetlow courts are already home to pickle ball. We request the city and ARPD look into other solutions for the pickle ball demand and we also request looking into meeting the higher demand for tennis courts that has also occurred this year. The wait times to play tennis at WAPA. Krusi, Leydecker are excessive during the weekdays after 4pm and on all weekends The existing tennis courts are not enough to meet this demand for tennis courts currently in Alameda Tennis courts currently not being used AHS. EHS. College of Alameda. Navel base courts Full name Postcode Email address Signature Alex Pryshch. epa 94501 alex33603@yahoo.com # Andrew Hom 94502 farms.new-yorka@yahoo PLA Jon Greer 94501 jgreen113@gmail.com If MagieMorom 94501 an Et lifeta the EV. 94561 Moses Dmolade 94409 KS e Jun Macbonald 94582 SEANMACDONOCOMGASTNET fm Path Dumsly 94502 Rathanasby@gmail.com Rm Pallins 94597 RideRhin @@hotmail.com in David Alle- 94501 dallanmare@gmail.com I. Zayden muse P4501 zaydon@Allernoon.com Zayden iad lee 94501 Tad-601@Yahoo.com th Ryanynny 94502 lol @gmail. 100m Ray fres Speper 94608 (or fu Published and promoted by the Alameda Happy Tennis Group at Fairfield Tennis Complex When complete, piease return to: The Alameda Happy Tennis Group at Fairfield Tennis Complex or email directly to both ARPD@alamedaca.gov and awooldridge@atamedaca.gev For more info please join our F acebock Group www Ne may conted you for the ihs - bul will - USI your ine ane suspose or share 2 entity",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,37,"- Full Name Zip code Signature LilyLeung 94502 Jackie Cungug COT seang fly 94502 geta Barbara Besions 94502 Chanya Bartel bysic14@ad Belisped 94601 chuangsakulde Byahae lir Karis Kim 94582 canskim207@gmail.com 22 Trinity Zhang 94502 trinityzhancy@live.com B Wesley Omi 94502 Wesley so 1106e Louisa Chew buisashewe egm Welfa 94502 Marie Fung 94502 mfungusl eyahooon Marie Favor Vicki Majhor 94501 rpmremeant.com Uniki mahn Randy Friedman 94502 randy-fnedman Rob Currier 94.500 citagehotmail.com Randy Freedman Refurtar Tommy Wong 94502 oh =tom Elizabeth Becht 94501 Nancy Gordon 94501 revn)o Santh 994542 bloss@gmail.com oriko 94502 sto20200@yahoo.com off blossack lawa Sumrall 94501 msmitchrolattnet summall Laura Mitchell Sumt 94501 Mitchcoblue@attric Mondall summal 94501 L",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,38,"Full Name Zip code Email Signature Susan Fagel 8500 94501 Susan-fagel@yahoo.com Eldie Casti 94501 ec15155@yahoo.com all Kevin Fagel 94501 kevinf3262@gmail.com Matt Stevenson 94501 Mithours can MARSHA LAISON Marthy",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,39,"PASR - Full Name Zip code Email Signature EDGAR LUBER 94501 Cubber Allyson Luber 94501 allysonluker@gmail.com Angell adamluber95a adam luber 94561 GMail.COM light ALASSA DOMINGO 94501 gmail.com AND IMAIL.COM Amin BROWN 94501 BROWNAMIR82 Amia Delleon HAlEy 94501 Wils Gabriela Aranda 94501 78garanda@gmail.com 8 A",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,40,"Full Name is code Email N 1 EUNICE FURUTA 94606 Modeleine Malon 94606 Modmanone Gayle Thomas 94501 Alue myshoff 94501 dicemyahrif@gmail. cm John MEYLIN SANCHER 94601 melele9@gmail.com Dand Meyers 94501 KEVINL HERRING 94502 REVIN.HERRING etc. W Stephen Lonie 94502 slonie@ad.com S67 Stan Tang 94502 stnlytange Yahoo com sore Jessica Taal 94941 taalbem@gmail.com Ame NANCY SON GORDON 94501 Mannah Green 94501 hannah.m.green@ smale TT",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,41,"Full Name Zip code Email Signature Tony Xlony 94501 my Moctor Kankara 94610 stay Joan Hu 94501 joun23hy@gmail.com Rich Hucag 94602 richkhugge that Kenny Lee 94501 Kennylee@gmailes Mammura Kohmoko 94610 KRAMOKOGMAHAOULD gmail Com John Rcsp 94701 John Koll G gmail. can an Tam Lam 94618 TanLam & smalling angy Brianmiller G Brian Miller 94602 bahworican des ken wei 94ba Kennig yana,com In Andy Lin auler Lin.Andy G yanwiton my",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,42,"S Full Name Zip code Email Signature MIGE COAD > 94941 mcardy@hotmail.com/ as Stron McMedica 94501 An 94(9450) danclone@yahoo.com form Tommy L 94607 Hans@gmail.com Ronnie Lee 94612 II Autmuniting 94552 PALL",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,43,"BO Principal tha costib 12/24 aweN and news",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,44,"Full Name Zip code Email Signature Tequh Subiantor 94607 94501 Joseph Nakhur",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,45,"From: Helen Simpson [mailto:HSimpson@MPBF.com Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:00 PM To: ARPD@alamedaca.gov Subject: ARPD's Meeting on March 11, 2021 Dear Commissioners of Alameda Recreation and Parks Department. I have recently picked up the fastest growing sport in the United States, Pickleball. I play Pickleball at Lincoln Park on Mondays and Saturdays and I am truly enjoying the game and the people whom also play. Everyone is so friendly and it really is a social sport. Pickleball is a healthy, inexpensive outdoor sport that anyone age can play and also any ability. The rules are easy (and not too many rules) and easy to pick up. Thank you for considering converting a tennis court at Washington Park to 4 Pickleball courts. Washington Park would be a great location since it is in central Alameda. If possible, I would love to see more tennis courts, at different parks, converted to Pickleball courts. What about the old tennis court at Hornet Field? There are 23 tennis courts (including Alameda and Encinal High Schools) and four Pickleball courts. The four courts at Lincoln Park are enjoyed by many and heavily used. On Saturday afternoons, there are anywhere between 25 and 35 players wanting to play between 3:00 and 5:00. With only four courts, there is a lot of waiting around for a court to open up. Also, since there are no lights at Lincoln Park, the courts close when the sun goes down, giving limited time to play. Thank you for the opportunity to share my love of Pickleball and I truly support building more Pickleball courts in the City of Alameda. Sincerely, Helen Simpson Alameda Resident",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,46,"From: Helen Simpson [mailto:HSimpson@MPBF.com Sent: Friday, March 12, 2021 2:20 PM To: ARPD Subject: [EXTERNAL] ARPD's Meeting on March 11, 2021 Dear Commissioners of Alameda Recreation and Parks Department. Thank you all for your time in working with the Pickleball community in finding a location for new Pickleball courts to be built. I watched the Zoom meeting on March 11th and found it interesting the different comments about tennis verses Pickleball. Pickleball is not for ""old, retired tennis players"" as referred to by some of the speakers. One speaker mentioned that Pickleball players could use ""masking tape"" to make our lines to play on tennis courts, which would not work because the nets are not the same size. I play Pickleball with a group of players from the ages of 25 - 75. I have never played tennis because I always felt it was a very competitive sport (and too quiet), where Pickleball is not. I am not a ""pandemic"" Pickleball player either, as some speakers identified Pickleball players to be. I feel if there were more Pickleball courts in Alameda, more people would play. There are high schools around the country that now have Pickleball teams. During the presentation, it appears there are 6 tennis courts at Washington Park and 2 wall ball courts. From some of the callers at the meeting, they made it sound like there were 4 tennis courts at Washington Park and by converting one to Pickleball, that would leave 3 tennis courts, which in fact, it would be 5 tennis courts and 2 wall ball courts. The perfect spot for Pickleball courts is Washington Park since it is in mid-town, easy access, away from homes, close to soccer field, baseball field, basketball courts, dog park and tennis courts. It should be an all-around park for all to enjoy. Also, there are lights at Washington Park so Pickleball players can enjoy playing in the evening. I heard at last night's meeting that tennis tournaments are held at Washington Park and 3 courts are used for tournaments. Lydecker and Krusi both have 3 courts, why can't they hold tournaments at those parks? Why only Washington Park? Have the people that run the tournaments contacted AUSD to use the tennis courts at Alameda High School or contacted College of Alameda? Contacted HBC? Does ARPD receive money for these tournaments? I also like the idea of courts near Hornet Field, but the only drawback is that Pickleball is played with a whiffle ball and the Hornet Field gets really windy. Also, there are no lights at Hornet Field. As it was mentioned last night in the meeting, there is a chance that the courts on the base will not be permanent, so what happens if the courts are demolished in 2 to 3 years? What about upgrading the two tennis courts by Hornet Field to tennis courts in exchange for one tennis court at Washington Park to be converted to 4 Pickleball courts? A win-win for all. It was mentioned that St. Joe's is using 3 tennis courts at Washington Park for its tennis team for practices, without being charged by ARPD. Harbor Bay Club (""HBC""), where they usually practice, is open, and has been opened for tennis, since November 2020. Why is a private school using public property for a school team? St. Joe's uses College of Alameda for all other sports, baseball, soccer, track and College of Alameda has tennis courts. It is interesting that they are not using College of Alameda's",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf RecreationandParkCommission,2021-03-11,47,"tennis courts. Harbor Bay Club also has 4 Pickleball courts. Can ARPD work with HBC and make an arrangement with them for the public to use their Pickleball courts in exchange for St. Joe's using public tennis courts? At Lincoln Park on March 12th at 11:30 a.m., there were 21 Pickleball players. As I was sitting there waiting for a court, I noticed that the basketball court and thought that maybe that could be an option for the rec and park to look at to build more Pickleball courts. The ground structure is already in place and may be easy to convert over to courts as 8 new basketball courts were built at Washington Park. On my way home, I drove by Krusi Park and all 3 tennis courts were empty. What about Estuary Park, where the new turf field was built. Can ARPD work with the East Bay Regional Parks and see if there is land that they can add Pickleball courts? I do not support a reservation system to use courts for the tennis and/or Pickleball for local residents. The courts are public land and should be used by the public for free as we pay property tax to the City of Alameda. This is a disadvantage to residence in Alameda who cannot ""pay to play"" the games. We need to encourage people to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Who will be monitoring the courts to make sure people are using the reservation system correctly? I do not believe a GoFundMe or fundraisers to build Pickleball courts is ideal. Why should the citizens of Alameda, whom already pay property tax, contribute money to build Pickleball courts? We live in a community, but not everyone in the community supports Pickleball and it appears that the only people whom would contribute are the Pickleball players, which comes back to ""pay to play"" situation. You all have a tough decision to make sure everyone in the community is happy and I praise you for the long hours you put in for the community. It is not fair to put Pickleball courts in places without lights, bathrooms and drinking faucets, so the tennis community is happy. I hope you review some, or all of my suggestions, when deciding what to do with the fast growing sport of Pickleball. Helen Simpson",RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf