New Marshdale Schedule Opens All Courts to All Players

A totally new approach to open play has been issued by EPRD. Effective Friday, Aug. 27 all eight courts at Marshdale will be open play, regardless of skill level. On Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday play will be 8-11 am. On Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday all courts are for open play 1-3:30 pm. (The four West Courts are also open Tuesday 8-11 am and Thursday 9:30-11 am following Ladder.) Reservations are no longer required.

EPRD reminds us of few guidelines:
1. When fewer than 17 players are in attendance the West Courts should be used and the East Court is available for tennis.
2. The East Court is for tennis on Tuesday 8-11 am, Thursday 9:30-11 am, and Saturday 9 am-12:30 pm. All non-scheduled times are for drop-in play sunrise to sunset - tennis on the East Court, pickleball on the West Courts.
3. If you’re the last player on the East Courts you should move the pickleball nets against the fence and remove the orange barrier from the tennis net.
4. No chairs or open containers inside the fence to limit damage to the courts.
5. Seems strange to have to say this, but no pets on the courts at any time.

With nearly 20 hours a week dedicated to pickleball on all courts open to all players, regardless of skill level, EPRD has directed that “when all 8 courts are scheduled for pickleball, the following system should be used to match players of different skill levels. Advanced and Upper Intermediate players should use the 4 north courts while Intermediate and Social players should use the 4 south courts. The number of courts assigned to these levels may be adjusted if more players of one group far outnumber another.”

With all players there at one time and no chairs inside the fence, it can get crowded around the front gate. It’s suggested that rather than lining paddles on the ground, again adding to the congestion, that we line them up on the fence left to right (just put the handle of your paddle through the chain link.) Upper row of paddles for Advanced/Upper Intermediate and lower row for Intermediate/Social.

When coming on and off the courts be respectful of the games going on nearest the gates. Wait until the point is completed before going in or out. This includes tennis games.

Finally, (phew, this is a lot to remember) let’s try to self-moderate the new guidelines for play. If you’re asked to take your chair off the court, or to give up a court, or to stack your paddle in the fence, or to wait until a point is completed, know that we’re trying to make play at Marshdale as good as we can for everyone. It’s not about you.

After we’ve had a couple weeks with the new system, we’d love to hear your feedback and comments.