pages: RecreationandParkCommission/2021-03-11.pdf, 46
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RecreationandParkCommission | 2021-03-11 | 46 | From: Helen Simpson [mailto:HSimpson@MPBF.com Sent: Friday, March 12, 2021 2:20 PM To: ARPD <ARPD@alamedaca.gov> 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 |