Recreation Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2023 09 25

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Recreation Advisory Board Minutes August 28, 2023 Page 2 of 6 Debbie Senior said that there are many different levels of experience in the pickleball community, and some inexperienced players don't know how to put up the nets, Nets on rollers are great, but if they are not an alternative, the Rec Center should provide nets that work better and are easier to use. She spoke about pickleball players' passion for the sport and their sense of community. Louisville is lacking a dedicated outdoor pickleball facility, so players are forced to go outside the City to play outdoors. Wendy Bohling stated that outdoor pickleball is an excellent way to meet people. The current location for outdoor pickleball, the skating rink, has a cement surface that is physically hard on players. Louisville needs an outdoor pickleball facility that matches the level of other amenities in town Alisa Millette said that there are ways to mitigate the noise concerns related to pickleball. Pads can be placed around the court that block noise. She concurred that the concrete surface of the skating rink creates physical problems for players. Her doctor told her that she should not play there. Jeannie Balch and Chris Balch said that they play league pickleball. They travel to Arvada or Lafayette to play league pickleball. They spoke of the potential economic benefits of a dedicated outdoor pickleball facility that could host league matches or tournaments, as players would go out to local restaurants and visit local stores. They have played league matches at a facility with four courts and staggered matches, but 6 courts would better, and 12 courts would be ideal. Deborah Richford talked about the sense of community that pickleball engenders. It's a great way to meet people and make friends. Marsha Thinnes said that Louisville has 11 dedicated outdoor tennis courts and 0 pickleball courts. Pickleball is a great way to connect with people. Louisville needs dedicated outdoor pickleball courts. Karen Corff said that the sense of community among pickleball players is amazing. Pickleball is a sport for all ages. Jessica Levy said that an outdoor facility with 12 courts would be ideal. The six courts at Superior fill up quickly. If a player wants to join a league, it is very difficult because the leagues fill up quickly. Tom and Anne Deetz moved here about a year ago. They took pickleball lessons at the Rec Center and made great friends. When they want to play outside, they have to go to Lafayette, Erie, or Superior. It's frustrating that there aren't outdoor courts in Louisville.