Survey Says: More Courts and Playing Times Wanted
The 2021 Evergreen pickleball player survey results are in. For the second time, players say that additional indoor and outdoor courts, and increased play times and days are are the top three activities for EPC to focus on. These were the same top three activities in the 2019 survey results. And, that’s in spite of adding four courts at Marshdale, three at EMS and three at Hiwan since that initial survey. But it’s really the addition of indoor courts that we need most.
When asked what would make the playing experience more enjoyable, evening play was singled out as the most beneficial added time for play. Second was a sign-up confirmation to see who’s playing at any given time. (Unfortunately, EPRD staff has already nixed that idea.) Third was better etiquette on the courts such as observing designated times by skill levels, quickly clearing the court after a game and not being overly competitive when playing across skill levels. Learning how to return an errant ball into your court is also a peeve. (Rather than swatting an errant ball just anywhere, pick it up and hand it or softly return the ball to the rightful player.) Fourth on the list: better equipment at Marshdale, such as benches, lights, fences between courts, year-round wind screens; and clean courts. (As a result EPC has created a new committee for Facilities & Equipment, which Pat Bixenman has volunteered to chair.)
When asked what they’d like to see added to the EPC website, players said the confirmation sign-up was most desired. (Again, no deal per EPRD.) Second was a member directory. (EPC Board will look into upgrading the website to allow for a member portal so that such an opt-in directory could not be seen by the public.) Oddly, the third most requested addition to the website was instruction videos. For all the websites and youtube channels with instructional pickleball videos out there, we’re not sure why having those on the EPC website is better. For some websites that host excellent instructional videos, visit our Resources page.
Player Characteristics
We continue to increase the number of new players by about 15% a year. That’s adding about 35-45 new players each year. (No wonder we need more courts and playing times.)
About a third of us say we’re 2.5 intermediate or lower in skill level of play. While 63% of us say we’re 3.0 upper intermediate or 3.5 advanced, the same as in 2019, we’ve lost about half of the 4.0 competitive players. Are they going down mountain for a larger number of players to compete with?
And it seems about 12% are sitting out the pandemic as they play only one day a week or not at all. Indeed, 20% say they now play 4+ days a week, down from 27% in 2019.
Player Demographics
As you’ve probably noticed, we’re getting younger. Well, not you and I exactly, but the larger group as a whole. Those of us who are 35-64 years old more than doubled from 14% in 2019 to 32% today. (Link that back to the desire for more evening play times for those who are still working.) And the mix of men and women has shifted slightly: now 51% of us are female, compared to 48% in 2019.
If you’d like to see the actual data, send a request through the Contact form and we’ll send it to you.
EPC Members Elect Three New Directors to the Board
EPC Board of Directors
At the Annual General Member meeting, held Dec. 8 via Zoom, three new directors were elected. At the following board meeting, officers were elected by the board. For 2022 the EPC Board of Directors are:
Bob Taber, President
Sarah German, Vice President, EPRD Liaison
John Dunlop, Secretary
Jeri Herskovits, Treasurer
Pat Theno, Events
Jerry Beth Owen, EPC Gear
Linda Jacobsen, USA Pickleball Ambassador
Pat Bixenman, Facilities & Equipment
John Russell
Jim Hunsaker
For a look at the agenda and meeting minutes (as soon as they become available) check out Board Agendas & Minutes.
Jerry Beth Reports from Marshdale
“Yesterday, Lynne and Denise cleared the far court of snow. Today USA Pickleball Ambassador Linda, June, Bruce, Bonnie, Mo, Leanor, Claire, Shirley and I cleared the second far court. It’s ready to play with a few damp spots that will easily dry today. The two near courts are swept clear of snow and are rapidly melting. We rotated playing games to 9 and clearing courts.”
Tuesday looks to be the best day this week: partly cloudy and nearly 50 degrees by 10 am with wind in the single digits.
Leanor and Claire wearing their 12 days of Pickleball t shirts.