Opening day, Aug. 15. The ambiance really couldn't have been any better.

Just kidding, Marshdale first.

The Marshdale courts reopened Thursday, Aug. 15, at 7:57 a.m., making Rich Miller the winner of the guess-when-it-will-open contest and all Evergreen pickleballers the beneficiaries of a larger, nicer place to play. EPRD pushed the contractor to have the courts ready by the first day of school, when Evergreen Middle and Marshdale Elementary pickleball hours were reduced.

The Marshdale Park complex, now featuring eight dedicated pickleball courts instead of two tennis courts contorted to hold four to eight pickleball surfaces, filled up quickly. At midmorning Thursday there were 25 to 30 people gathered at the east entrance and in the adjacent pavilion, waiting to play. Rotation in and out of the courts was a matter for debate (when isn’t it?), but we’re working on it. Later in this newsletter, EPC President Bob Kerr offers comments and a sketch to help clear up the confusion.

Geezer Games deadline is midnight Monday

EPC members 70 and older will compete in a round-robin format on Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 8 a.m. to noon. Registrations must be submitted by midnight Monday, Aug. 26. “This will allow the seeding committee time to organize the group,” EPC tournament director Mick Pearce said.

Up to 48 players can be accommodated at our new eight-court setup at Marshdale. The adjoining pavilion will be the site of an always anticipated spread of healthy and delicious goodies provided by EPC social director Kathy Kincannon. Jim Mosby will set up a display of club gear for your perusal.

Mick has put together an experienced and invaluable group of volunteers to provide scorekeeping and other tournament necessities.

The tournament fee is $25. An EPC annual membership is $20.

Rich Miller took a chance on 8 a.m. Aug. 15. It paid off.

When-will-it-open contest. We have a winner

Longtime Evergreen resident and pickleball player Rich Miller guessed that Aug. 15 at 8 a.m. would be the opening date for the refurbished Marshdale courts. He was late by three minutes, but still picked up a $200 for his prediction. The guessing game, spearheaded by EPC Treasurer Jeri Herskovits, was a fundraiser for seating at the new courts.

In a change from the covered bench that was envisioned at the west end of the courts, Bob Kerr said the plan now is to install two three-tiered aluminum bleachers, each 8 feet long and seating more than a dozen people.

One is to be placed on the concrete bump-out at the west end and one at the east end. “We will then add sail shades over the top of each one,” Bob said. “EPC can pay for those and the install, which we will do ourselves.”

Those who made guesses on the timing of the Marshdale opening raised $660 for seating at the courts.

Enter east AND west, exit north and south (when north gate is open)

There you have it, the recipe for rotating onto and off of the new court configuration. Here’s what EPC President Bob Kerr has to say about it:

“We’ve had almost a week of play on the new Marshdale courts. We have some bugs to work out, but I believe in a short period of time and with everyone’s efforts we will overcome the challenges and have a very fun and easy time playing on the new courts.

“We will have court dividers down the middle, separating the courts into four pairs of two courts. Movement through courts is intended as drawn, thus creating the least amount of interference with other games. The north-side courts (5-8) are intended to be Competitive and the south courts (1-4) Recreational.

“No groups of Recreational or Competitive players should use the other courts unless there are no players waiting to use them. Anyone can play Rec or Competitive, but no one should play both just to stay on the courts. Players should equally use both the west and east ends of the courts, thereby eliminating the crowds at the east end. There are paddle racks at both ends.

“We will (soon) have sets of bleachers at each end, east and west, with sun shades, making both ends equally as shade-covered and comfortable.

“There have been a lot of positive comments and some confusion. I hope this helps and I hope everyone understands it will take a little while to make this function smoothly.

“It is incumbent on all players to monitor the play on whatever courts they use and let anyone that is ‘hogging’ courts know that it is not appreciated or fair. These are all our courts regardless of skill level, and equal access and usage is essential. We all want to play as much as possible, but show respect and appreciation for one another and it will be more fun for us all.

“Keep the comments and ideas coming, they are all important. Let’s all have fun!”