New courts doused with oil
A few days ago, likely sometime Thursday, July 11, a substance identified as used motor oil was liberally distributed across the new concrete surface of the Marshdale Park pickleball courts. The oil was pooled in a couple places, and poured in large loops at the southeast and southwest corners.
The new courts have been sitting awhile, waiting for exterior fencing and an acrylic coating, among other finishing touches. EPC President Bob Kerr said the oil now will have to be cleaned up before the coating is applied, perhaps adding days to the project. Bob discussed security options for the new courts with EPRD Executive Director Cory Vander Veen, but it’s too early to know where that will lead.
Fencing is reportedly going to be delivered to the site this week, so please send photos if you see it onsite!
Oil was poured on the west side in front of a wider section of concrete that will accommodate a EPC-donated bench with a cover. Photos taken Saturday morning.
Oil poured at the southwest corner.
A wider view to the south.
Another angle on the damage.
A positive note: The new courts are tied into the picnic pavilion with a gate and sidewalk on the east side.
Proposed location of Buchanan courts
The EPC board is working with EPRD in hopes of bringing dedicated outdoor, and ideally also indoor, courts to north Evergreen. While the Evergreen Middle School courts now being managed by EPRD have been a wonderful addition, especially in light of the construction at Marshdale, the school courts will be limited in use once school starts Aug. 15.
“As it stands right now we will have access to EMS weekends and after school with a controlled access,” Bob said. “Marshdale Elementary School will be similar while maintaining a playground priority. Kids first.”
The proposed Buchanan courts location is just south of the community garden, across Bergen Parkway from the Blue Quill Angler. The sign specifies multiuse, but we are hoping to fundraise as a club in an attempt to get at least three courts dedicated to pickleball..
Six courts may be built here, and we’re hoping at least three can be dedicated to pickleball, with optional sharing at lesser used times of day.
The courts site from a bench on the path along Bergen Parkway.
The courts site as seen from the southwest corner of the community garden.