EPRD scraps registration system
Eager players navigate the paddle rack at Wulf gym earlier this week
Those planning for the reservation system and those protesting the reservation system can stand down. There will be no Wulf pickleball reservations required on Mondays and Wednesdays.
“After a lot of constructive feedback from patrons, staff and board, we’re going to cancel the reservation options for Mondays and Wednesdays and revert back to the regular spring schedule,” EPRD’s Brian Tucker said today. “We appreciate all the feedback and conversations staff had with players over the past couple of weeks.”
Brian, who is director of operations for the rec district, said they will plan a different type of pickleball reservation system to go into effect next fall. “We heard that individual court reservations weren’t a popular option, so we will pivot to a capacity-controlled reservation system that will cap players to a maximum number per session,” he said. “This will allow patrons to register, for their level of play, and know that there will be a limit of players for each session.”
The Wulf gym schedule currently posted runs through Feb. 18. Reservations were set to take effect Feb. 19, but now the new schedule will be similar to spring schedules of the past. Brian said a revised reservation system will implemented prior to the busy fall and winter season
A petition circulated in the Wulf gym this week garnered some signatures protesting the reservation system, but it did not represent the official position of the club. There also were those in favor of giving a reservation system a shot, with an eye toward relieving long waits to play and games to 9.
Now it appears there will be a system like the one that was in effect during the pandemic, when there was a public health limit on how many people could be in the gym at one time. Players signed up for a session on a first-come, first-served basis. A lot of people liked knowing who would be playing before they registered themselves, but there were a lot fewer players overall then.
A place to go
Please note: Monte Poague, EPC director of facilities and maintenance, wrote this a few weeks ago. It was disappeared, more or less inadvertently, along with the potties. Please give all credit to him.
You just finished a grueling match at Marshdale, winning 13-12. You’re looking forward to some liquid refreshment and a much needed trip to the head. But wait, not a portable potty in sight. What the…? As many of you have noticed, the smelly green toilet alternatives have vanished. Who would steal Johnny on the spot? And where do I go now?
So here’s the straight poop. EPRD had a contract with Shirley Septic to provide and service the facilities. The decision was made to not renew the contract and start doing it all in house. New portable toilets were ordered, but evidently EPRD doesn't have Amazon Prime. They’re coming, you’ll just have to hold it a little longer. Jeff Sweet at EPRD says they will save money and be able to provide better service. So plan your bathroom breaks carefully and don’t drink too many liquids.
Thanks, Monte. Fast forward to today, and EPC President Bob Kerr reports that portable toilets will be returned to Marshdale next week. We also are getting new roller heads for the roller squeegees, and Bob will pick up a couple more push brooms and rubber-edged squeegees for clearing the courts.
Our dear leader is hoping for a revival of the Snow Angels to remove snow accumulations of a few inches, so the ball is in Capt. Monte’s court (so to speak). As Bob says, a few days every now and then of outside play is worth the effort.
The Marshdale courts were clear, dry and unlocked Tuesday.
Women’s and Mixed Doubles will flip dates
The EPC Women’s Doubles Tournament will take place Saturday, July 19, while Mixed Doubles will take over the Marshdale courts on Saturday, Sept. 6. The full tournament schedule is available on the events page.
Might as well quit wasting time on golf
We knew pickleball was fun, but research shows it can add years to our lives. Longtime EPC-er Pat Theno thought it was worth sharing a link to an article laying out the statistics. Thanks, Pat.