2016.11.02 PREC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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was to replace the existing tennis court with a new one. Also, 11 residents indicated they would like 2 Pickleball courts. Parks Superintendent Wolla commented it may be possible to satisfy both requests. Mark Reker, 2950 18th St. NW, New Brighton, stated the following: • He and his wife, Marjean are both Pickleball players having played for about 1 1/2 years. • They have played at Shoreview which is nice because you don't have to set up a different net, Roseville which they noticed some people play with the tennis net because they don't want to set up the Pickleball net. He also played at Hidden Oaks. • Once you play on a Pickleball Court, playing on a tennis court is not the same; it is not very fun. • During winter months they played in Florida and there are set Pickleball times — from gam — Noon. There was a waiting line to play. When the first 4 were done playing, the next four played. This was a way to meet others and it was a social event. There were over 100 people playing Pickleball in the morning. They had 15 permanent courts and 8 courts on tennis courts. • In New Brighton, they have played at the Community Center and at Highview which is more competitive. But when summer came, they joined the Shoreview Area Pickleball Club. Believe there is interest in Pickleball in this area. John Melgrum, President of the Shoreview Area Pickleball Club, provided some data. Mr. Reker shared the data with the Commission. • Pickleball participation is growing rapidly. They have lots of new players. Younger group players in their 30's; more competitive players. In Shoreview 3,800 players coming to play. • There is heavy use for the investment that would be made on the courts. • There is a demand for Pickleball. Highview in New Brighton is a well- respected place to play in New Brighton; it is a very competitive. • Recommend New Brighton consider a designated park with four permanent courts for Pickleball. • Maintenance over the long period is not that significant with permanent nets as opposed to temporary nets. Where you get the most use out of the courts is when you have 4 courts and designated times. • Hidden Oaks would be a good location. Freedom and Hidden Oaks both have two courts and they are 5 blocks apart. Don't see very many tennis players at either location. Encourage the City to take a serious look at that option. It is a valuable park option that may otherwise sit there with little use. • Over 5 years, you could get about 20,000 visits to that park. A Commissioner inquired about the importance of a permanent net. • A permanent net makes all the difference in the game. The temporary nets are not as firm and durable. They wear quickly after being put up and rolled up and put away time after time. Playing on a regular tennis