Just about every morning for the past three weeks, Kathy Danaher has headed to Mitchell Park to partake in Palo Alto's hottest craze: pickleball.
The sport, a paddle-and-ball contest that combines the structure of doubles tennis, the scoring system of Ping-Pong and the social elements of golf, has prompted hundreds of players to make the daily pilgrimage to the tennis courts, where temporary markings establish the pickleball peripheries.
Danaher describes pickleball as the ultimate inclusive sport: a senior-friendly game that also welcomes younger and faster players. Now mostly retired, she said she has played golf for more than 20 years but is now turning her back on that sport because of pickleball.
"One reason the sport is catching on is because it's so welcoming," Danaher said. "Anyone who is interested is encouraged to come in, and we'll give you a paddle and teach you how to play."
Pickleball's growing clout has not gone unnoticed at City Hall, where the City Council recently passed a special proclamation in honor of pickleball and adopted a new parks master plan that mentions pickleball as a sport that the city should try to accommodate at existing parks and recreation facilities. City officials estimate that more than 300 people come to Mitchell Park every week.
Now, Palo Alto is preparing to put this plan into action. Under a proposal recently unveiled by the Community Services Department, three of the seven tennis courts at Mitchell Park would be permanently restriped for pickleball use. To partially offset the loss, the city would consider building a new tennis court at Mitchell Park where a handball wall currently stands. That wall would be relocated under the plan that staff presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission on Dec. 19.
The new pickleball courts would occupy the three tennis courts closest to the Magical Bridge playground, just south of Adobe Creek.
Adam Howard, the city's community-services manager, said staff recognizes that pickleball is a "growing sport" with "an increase of demand in Palo Alto." Under the proposal he presented to the commission, the three tennis courts would be converted into 12 smaller pickleball courts.
Not surprisingly, the proposal has been drawing rave reviews from pickleball users, who currently use the courts on a first-come-first-serve basis. Danaher said it would be "fantastic" to have these courts for exclusive pickleball use and to replace the temporary markings with more visible ones.
Not everyone, however, shares their joy. Members of the Palo Alto Tennis Club, which uses Mitchell Park courts, believe the conversion plan will take away from the space's flexibility, aggravate the park's parking problems and leave tennis aficionados in a bit of a pickle.
Marla Kravatz, president of the tennis club, expressed these concerns at a Dec. 18 meeting with Howard and a few other stakeholders. In an interview with the Weekly, she said she believes the parking issue is getting "short shrift" from staff. The three tennis courts accommodate 12 people when used for doubles tennis, she noted. Twelve pickleball courts, by contrast, could draw 48.
"We'd be adding potentially 36 more people coming to the one area where already the parking is horrendous," Kravatz said.
She also noted that the three courts eyed for conversion are lit courts, which makes them particularly valuable for tennis courts. Pickleball players, meanwhile, are much less likely to play at night, she said.
Kravatz is quick to say that she has absolutely no problem with pickleball, which she describes as a game with "all the fun of tennis without the stress." Tennis players, she said, like the pickleballers and occasionally play the game themselves.
The feeling appears to be mutual, even if the amiable relationship is now being tested by the realities of supply and demand.
"We don't have any arguments or fights with tennis players, but it's just unfortunate because there's too many people who want to play both games," Danaher told the Weekly.
The Parks and Recreation Commission didn't take any votes on the proposed conversion, though members generally supported the plan. Some questioned Howard's assertion that the three courts near the playground are not heavily used by tennis players and requested more data to back it up. Similarly, they requested some data about usage at the handball court that would be relocated.
"We're a bit loosey-goosey on the numbers now," Commissioner Jeff Greenfield said.
He also suggested a potential compromise in which two of the three courts would be restriped for pickleball and the third would remain flexible.
Commission Chair Keith Reckdahl also said the city needs more data but noted that he would "err on the side of putting the pickleball courts in." Commissioner David Moss agreed.
"I get the feeling that the tennis players should be sympathetic, (given) that as people get older, as tennis players get older, a lot of them become pickleball players," Moss said. "So it's for their benefit as well."
Comments
Palo Verde
on Jan 5, 2018 at 12:06 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 12:06 pm
Instead of building a new tennis court where the Handball wall is now, why not build new pickleball courts there and have both?
And remember, it was the loss of (one of?) these three tennis courts that was a major component of the defeat of the first Mitchell Park Library Bond vote. There does not seem to be as big an uproar about loosing them now (as of yet).
Registered user
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jan 5, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Registered user
on Jan 5, 2018 at 12:34 pm
The high school I attended striped many courts for multiple sports. Is it possible to stripe the courts for both tennis and pickle ball using different colors?
If the nets are different sizes, is it possible to get adjustable nets? It seems like there might be some way a compromise could be reached that could serve a greater number of people and more diverse athletic interests.
Let's get out of our polarized "courts" and talk with each other, dear neighbors. Maybe other cities have found a solution to this problem.
Midtown
on Jan 5, 2018 at 2:34 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 2:34 pm
I see no mention of the two Mitchell Park Paddleball courts near the library parking lots that have modified nets to accommodate Pickleball as well as infrequent Paddleball games. I like dedicated PB courts because they solve one of the main drawbacks of courts shared by Tennis and Pickleball players alike: errant Pickleballs (aka whiffle balls). These wind-sensitive runaways interrupt adjoining games when players in both games must stop to collect the ball so that both may proceed.
Barron Park School
on Jan 5, 2018 at 3:56 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 3:56 pm
This will greatly impact tennis court availability, especially at night. With the new plan, Mitchell Park will be down to only 4 lighted tennis courts, no way enough to accomodate tennis players looking to play at nights, especially since 2 out of the 4 courts are reserved for lessons taught by city instructors. Can anyone imagine having only 2 courts available to play at nights?! It is going to be a nightmare getting a court. The city really should leave the courts as they are which allows most flexible use, can be used for both pickleball and tennis players. There is already not enough lighted courts for tennis players, the new plan does not make sense at all. Yes, the city is trying to accomodate the growing senior population, but what about the youth, where are the youth going to play when they can only play after school and need the lights. Tennis players, please write to the city and voice your concern!
South of Midtown
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:08 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:08 pm
Thank you Gennady Sheyner and the Palo Alto Weekly for this excellent article.
Kudos to all City officials who have embraced the sport of pickleball, acknowledging the health and wellness benefits it provides people of all ages in the community. The reason we need dedicated courts is because 25lb portable nets have to be carried to the courts, sometimes by 70 and 80 year olds, and kneeling down on the courts to put up the nets is no easy task.
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. because it’s easy to learn, inexpensive, and as competitive as you want it to be. Pickleball is not only for retirees. Many families came out to play over the holidays, and we often have children as young as 10 years old competing against adults. The Palo Alto Recreation Department has been offering pickleball lessons for the past 4 seasons, and the classes of 30 attendees are full with a waiting list. Pickleball lessons for youth will be offered when dedicated courts are available. This is the perfect sport for kids who don’t play soccer or football and don’t have the inclination to learn tennis. Leagues are in the future.
Four pickleball courts can fit on just one tennis court so over 44 people can play pickleball on only 3 tennis courts. This is a tremendous use of space.
There are 33 city owned tennis courts and 7 public tennis courts at each of the two high schools. Most tennis players understand that converting only 3 tennis courts out of a total of 47 is a very fair deal. We appreciate the support we have witnessed from tennis players who recognize that we are pickleball pioneers who are setting the groundwork for assuring their future fitness
We play morning, noon, and night so do, indeed, need lights. The problem with parking is not likely to get any worse because we have been accommodating 300+ people every week for over two years. Some players park on Middlefield road and would walk a mile to play pickleball. The reason for the popularity is that you don’t need to plan a time and you don’t need a partner, you just show up , put a paddle at the net of a game in play and when the game is over, winners stay on the court and you challenge the winners.
Many pickleball players still play tennis. I was on the board of the Palo Alto Tennis Club years ago and now look forward to working together with the tennis community to make this a win win situation for the mutual benefit of both sports which, by the way, are completely different. Pickleball is more like ping pong than tennis. However, the camaraderie at pickleball gatherings cannot be beat. Please come over to see for yourself and join the fun.
Crescent Park
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:16 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:16 pm
I support the dedicated pickleball courts at Mitchell park
Menlo Park
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:17 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:17 pm
New pickleball courts planned for Mitchell Park
I play Pickleball 2 times a week or more and would like to have these courts converted to dedicated Pickleball courts to allow Pickleball play without interferring with the tennis olayers
Crescent Park
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:31 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:31 pm
Great news for those of us who are besotted by our new found sport, whose legs are becoming a bit wobbly but can still get to the kitchen in time for a wicked dink and frequently attempts a Como short slice serve when the apponent stays deep.
another community
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:34 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:34 pm
So many people from all ages come together to play pickleball and so glad to hear about permanent courts. I know many people from the community greatly appreciate this and great efficient usage of space accommodating large numbers. Looking forward to the completion of this soon.
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:59 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 7:59 pm
I have been playing pickleball almost daily since September, when on a complete whim, I took a class offered by the City of Palo Alto. Since then, I have personally recruited my husband, my best friend and her husband, and all of our teenaged children to pick up a paddle too. The game is so fun and social, and definitely not just for seniors!
Tennis is a wonderful sport, but there's really no denying that pickleball is a huge and growing part of our city's recreational future. Stop by the Mitchell Park courts on any Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday and see for yourself. Or any other day of the week for that matter. Once introduced to the game, people of all ages absolutely love it.
I urge the city to move forward with converting all three of the courts near the Magical Bridge playground to pickleball courts, as proposed in this article. It's the forward-thinking thing to do.
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:07 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:07 pm
I recently switched from tennis to pickleball and won't be switching back. The proposed conversion of a small percentage of Palo Alto's tennis courts is a great use of land and will likely attract more pickleballers, including those who are unable to still play tennis.
Mountain View
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:08 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:08 pm
I love all sports and everyone who play sports.
I am delighted to see that Palo Alto is providing permanent pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Three years ago pickleball did not exist here and now there are literally 100s of players at Mitchell Park. The growing popularity of the sport and the demographics are perfect for Palo Alto.
This is a GREAT development, especially for older players like myself who want to play sports the rest of their lives. For players who play other wonderful racket sports like tennis, it is a welcomed relief from arthritis and knee and hip issues.
Up until now, players have had to use temporary tape for boundaries and set up and take down nets. It's been a bandage approach. With permanent pickleball-dedicated courts, players will do neither. They will simply show up and play.
So come out and play. It is great fun. In fact, that is the #1 rule in pickleball - have fun! And you will not find a friendlier and more social sport and group of players. It will change your life.
See you on the courts!
Midtown
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:09 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:09 pm
Pickleball?
What's next - ham & swiss on rye ball?
(Sorry)
another community
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:14 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:14 pm
Monica Williams has supported the growth of this fabulous sport of Pickleball with grace and joy.
A couple of major differences of the two sports are the laughter and joy FROM ALL AGES you hear and experience on the Pickleball courts and the genuine offer to those who play tennis to come experience the game of Pickleball .
Not so much the other way around .
Thank you Palo Alto for considering making dedicated courts.
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:16 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:16 pm
Thank you Palo Alto! This is really exciting. I’m a long time tennis player who now looks forward every week to playing pickleball. The social aspect of pickleball is incredible as I routinely play with people from 18 to 83. It is great to see our town listening to the changing needs of the community.
Portola Valley
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:17 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:17 pm
I was introduced to this sport about a year and a half ago - at Mitchel Park. I am a resident of Portola Valley but have over the years had many activities in Palo Alto - we are neighbors after all. Pickle ball - what can I say? When I go there, which is 2-3 times a week, I see very few (comparatively) tennis players and MASSES of pickle ball players. We set up those nets in record time and take them down every single day we play. Tennis players don't have to do that and yet there are far fewer tennis players than pickle ball players. FAR FEWER. I look around those courts on any day we play - and we have a Minimum of 8-10 and an average of 30 or so....it is extremely popular. I wish I were a resident of Palo Alto so that my vote would count on how much we all need to have dedicated Pickle ball courts (we are very used to figuring out which lines are ours on the mixed use courts (which all of our courts are). It is a sport that keeps people active...what could be more beneficial in a community?
Barron Park
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:54 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 8:54 pm
It may seem that 3 out of 47 courts is a fair deal, but what tennis players are really loosing are lighted courts. There is just not enough lighted courts in Palo Alto, especially in South Palo Alto, only Mitchell Park has lighted courts. There is no lights at Cubberly and no lights at Gunn High School. There is lights at Paly and there is lights at Rinconada. That's it. During summer time at night, Mitchell Park tennis players are already waiting for courts. If the pickleball community is large and growing, what the city should do instead is to install lights at Cubberly, instead of taking precious lighted courts away from the tennis community at Mitchell Park.
Fairmeadow
on Jan 5, 2018 at 9:10 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 9:10 pm
My family of four supports the conversion of the three tennis courts to pickleball courts. We enjoy the sport a lot, and look forward to being able to play pickleball in the lighted court at night.
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jan 5, 2018 at 9:38 pm
on Jan 5, 2018 at 9:38 pm
I played pickleball in P.E throughout middle school and high school. It's easy to learn and the smaller court allows people of all physical capacities to play. Building more courts would reinforce the growing interest in this accessible sport and encourage new members of the community to join in. It'll get more people exercising and connecting with each other, and anything that brings us together and gets us active is a good thing.
South of Midtown
on Jan 6, 2018 at 8:49 am
on Jan 6, 2018 at 8:49 am
Congratulations to the Comission for this decision. Pickleball has been a wonderful addition to my family's life, especially since the courts are close to our house in Palo Alto. I hope our tennis friends will check out pickleball; the more the merrier!
Old Palo Alto
on Jan 6, 2018 at 9:24 am
on Jan 6, 2018 at 9:24 am
There are usually 10 to 20 pickleball players at the Mitchell Park courts at 10 am every morning (and 40 on weekends), and that's in the winter; there are more players in the summer. Generally, there are no tennis players or just 2. I think it's a fair sharing of resources to allow a few tennis courts to be converted to pickleball. In order to play pickleball as it currently stands, we have to set up our own nets and then take them down after, unlike tennis nets, which are permanent on all courts. Allowing 3 out of 47 public tennis courts to be dedicated to pickleball, considering how increasingly popular the sport is becoming, seems a good solution.
South of Midtown
on Jan 6, 2018 at 9:28 am
on Jan 6, 2018 at 9:28 am
Pickleball is crazy fun and a great transition sport when you can no longer cover a full tennis court.....we are relocating from Palo Alto to the senior community of Oakmont in Santa Rosa where Pickleball is equally popular.....Oakmont residents are facing the same issue of needing to accommodate to the growing enthusiasm for Pickleball.....with limited space we need to be willing to share so that everyone can participate in the sports they enjoy...the idea of having dedicated courts in Palo Alto where nets don’t have to be set up and taken down everyday and the number of available courts is consistent will be a joyful additional to the recreational facilities at Mitchell Park....
Charleston Gardens
on Jan 6, 2018 at 9:28 am
on Jan 6, 2018 at 9:28 am
Twenty months ago I was walking to the library and saw 50 people having way too much fun playing an unfamiliar game on the tennis courts next to the Magical Bridge Playground. I looked inquisitively through the chain-link fence; somebody invited me in, gave me a paddle, and directed me to a court where somebody would teach me how to play.
I was immediately hooked and I now play nearly every day. It has been a great way to get daily exercise and make many wonderful new friends. I am very excited that we will be getting dedicated courts!
Downtown North
on Jan 6, 2018 at 10:14 am
on Jan 6, 2018 at 10:14 am
I play tennis and pickleball, and have not had trouble finding open tennis courts.
So let's make room for pickleball, and invite more folks to lead an active healthy life.
Fairmeadow
on Jan 6, 2018 at 10:15 am
on Jan 6, 2018 at 10:15 am
I've lived in Palo Alto since 1973...45 years! For 20 years I played and captained Palo Alto based USTA teams until I was sidelined with serious knee injuries. Several years ago, I joined a senior pickleball class (court size is much smaller than a tennis court) and now I'm back on the courts, having a great time and getting exercise. It's been life changing for me.
Pickleball players are a welcoming inclusive community. You can stop by any day of the week, morning, noon or night and play. This is not a sport that's just for seniors. We have all ages playing at Mitchell Park. My grandson who is 13 was visiting for the holidays and we played together!
What I rarely see on the courts at Mitchell Park are tennis players. One of the reasons may be that these courts are surrounded by Eucalyptus trees which constantly drop leaves on the court. Unless you have a blower (we do), playing on them is difficult.
Sharing is also difficult, but 3 courts for pickleball which will accommodate so many people seems fair. I believe that the City of Palo Alto is planning on adding 2 more tennis courts (presumably with lights) so the net loss to the tennis community is just 1 court.
Putting up and taking down nets every time we play is not so much fun. It would be wonderful for us and for the City of Palo Alto to have these 3 courts converted to dedicated pickleball courts.
If you are not yet a pickleball player, please stop by the courts, across from the Magical Playground in Mitchell Park, and we'll teach you. I promise, it's addicting and so much fun!!!
Los Altos
on Jan 6, 2018 at 3:49 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 3:49 pm
It is so exciting that Palo Alto is a progressive city. Dedicated Pickleball Courts are going up all over the country and now we'll have one in our area. I am a tennis player, golfer, but pickleball is by far my favorite. Kuddos to Palo Alto
another community
on Jan 6, 2018 at 3:49 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 3:49 pm
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the USA, and is for all ages and abilities! Having dedicated courts would help us all by giving us incentives to play and be active, especially as we all age!
Midtown
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:13 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:13 pm
I support the city's effort to allot 3 tennis courts at Mitchell for dedicated pickleball courts. They are acknowledging a surging trend in Palo Alto and recognizing this sport isn't going away. Every time I go to play pickleball I see very few, if any, tennis players on these courts. Putting up and taking down nets is a pain. Many cities are recognizing the popularity of this growing sport and already have dedicated courts. It appeals to all ages as does tennis. It seems only fair that pickleball players have the same conveniences as tennis players. If lights are an issue, maybe the city could put up more lights at one of the sites that doesn't have them. Trends change and the city needs to recognize and accommodate that.
Menlo Park
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:15 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:15 pm
I took the pickleball class offered by Palo Alto recreation and have really enjoyed playing. Having to set up and take down nets makes it a bit more difficult. Permanent courts would be great.
Mountain View
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:19 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:19 pm
I think dedicated pickleball courts would be wonderful. So may people playing a growing sport that is good for all ages is the perfect community activity. Good on you!!!!!
Mountain View
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:26 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Dedicated pickleball courts at Mitchell Park would definitely improve the health and happiness of many people, as evidenced by the large number of players showing up every day of the week. I play four times a week and would appreciate permanent nets and court lines. Thank you for considering this, Palo Alto City Council!
Mountain View
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:26 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:26 pm
As both a tennis and pickleball player, I am in favor of converting the 3 courts to dedicated pickleball use. There are lots of lighted and unlighted tennis courts in Palo Alto and neighboring cities and very few pickleball courts. Pickleball courts allow many people to play at a time compared to tennis.
Perhaps we can use the dedicated pickleball courts to hold tournaments to raise funds to light up other tennis courts? Cubberley?
Many thanks to Palo Alto for being a frontrunner in supporting pickleball!
Woodside
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:48 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:48 pm
Three permanent pickleball courts would be wonderful. No putting up and taking down nets! These Mitchell Park tennis courts do not seem to be used too often by tennis players so I don't think we are taking too much away from them. Thanks Palo Alto in advance for supporting the ever increasingly popular sport of pickleball.
another community
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:57 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Dedicated courts would be great at Mitchell Park. We have so many people wanting to play there. It could be a future venue for tournaments too.
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 6, 2018 at 5:07 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 5:07 pm
Thank you Palo Alto for having "dedicated" pickleball courts. This sport has grown very quickly and we need these courts. We get 40-50 players playing on Saturdays or Sunday. Sorry, tennis players, but I don't think you get that many to play. We need to work together.
Old Palo Alto
on Jan 6, 2018 at 5:14 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 5:14 pm
During the summer of 2016 a friend in Santa Cruz gave me a pickleball lesson. My wife and I began to play a couple times per week and still maintain that level of involvement. Nice group of people and recently we have taken free lessons from a woman who just wants all of us to become better players. On weekends younger players show up and the level of play is above me, but there are plenty of other "advanced beginner" and intermediate players to share the courts with. Typically there are a couple of tennis players on one or two of the courts and the pickleball players interact with them in a friendly manner. Lots more pickleball players show up so a few dedicated courts is a good use of the area. Private clubs and many other towns are creating courts for the sport. Thanks to the Parks & Rec. Commission for moving ahead on this valuable addition to the city.
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jan 6, 2018 at 5:37 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 5:37 pm
I am one of those Palo Alto tennis court users who got older and is now trying to learn pickleball.
I notice a lot of people starting to play this exciting game.
I support Palo Alto's effort to develop dedicated pickleball courts.
another community
on Jan 6, 2018 at 6:24 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 6:24 pm
Pickleball is a tremendous addition to the community. All ages play - families, couples, etc. It is extremely welcoming to all. As others have said, you can show up by yourself, and within minutes be immersed in a game. That is the nature of the sport. All levels play together, and experienced players help beginners get the hang of the game. And because all levels can play, the sport accommodates many different fitness levels, and everyone gets exercise. Also, it's almost always played as doubles which means that even more people can play at once. Dedicated courts would be a terrific idea.
Adobe-Meadow
on Jan 6, 2018 at 6:26 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 6:26 pm
Wow - dedicated pickleball courts would be amazing!
Hugely supportive of this effort as the participation is amazing and it is one of the few things I do that makes me feel apart of the local community.
I would also love to see a dedicated squash court or two!
Mountain View
on Jan 6, 2018 at 7:17 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 7:17 pm
My wife and I are two more people who discovered pickleball recently, about a year and a half ago. Now we each play 8-12 hours a week. It's great exercise, no matter what your age, and the group at Mitchell Park is incredibly friendly and welcoming. Just today I convinced 4 different passersby to come in and try it out. We have loaner paddles that any newbies can use while they check out the game, and plenty of people who will teach them the rules and hit with them while they learn.
We play here on the weekends, and also evenings. At night there may be only 8-12 people playing pickleball, and we try to set up our nets in a way that leaves as many tennis courts open as possible. Often we are using just one tennis court, leaving the other two for tennis players. Although there can be errant pickleballs or tennis balls, I have always found that players are respectful of each others' games, and fine with returning balls that come into their court.
As I understand the proposal, there would only be a loss of two tennis courts, as a new tennis court would be added adjacent to the four tennis courts near the library. Presumably this court would also be lighted, as the current 4 courts are. I'm hoping that's a plan that'll work for all concerned.
South of Midtown
on Jan 6, 2018 at 8:11 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 8:11 pm
I have been part of the Pickell ball group at Mitchell Park in 2017. The activity is great for those of us who are over 60 nad find tennis difficult to perform. Though this is attended by many people who are not Palo Alto residents, they do live nearby in Mountain View or Los Altos. It is a popular event at Mitchell parkon several days of the week, and Every day will find several people on the courts.
Palo Verde
on Jan 6, 2018 at 9:46 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 9:46 pm
I have lived in Palo Alto for 45 years, and am very pleased that the city is committed to creating dedicated pickleball courts. The shared courts are used by many more pickleball players than tennis players, even though pickleball players must set up and take down nets. With dedicated courts, this space will be used by hundreds of players every week, day and night.
South of Midtown
on Jan 6, 2018 at 11:08 pm
on Jan 6, 2018 at 11:08 pm
haha -- lots of comments from pickle organization .. I guess this has been an organized action. How long they have been planning this?
No objection to the importance of pickle ball sports. But upon the pain of tennis players?? Is this not selfish??
I am curious: 5 minutes of pickle ball net setup is such a big hassle that now they like to monopoly or take away the 3 valuable courts for tennis players?
Why not seeking new courts construction without making others suffer?
How to best utilize the precious resource of lit courts? It should be shared by both sides as much as possible.
BTW, who can say without shame that the three tennis courts is little used if he/she can come to see those in a summer night ?
Barron Park
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:21 am
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:21 am
Pickleball has become a great joy to me and many other seniors, allowing us to engage in a sport that can be intense and competitive, but also can be friendly and supportive. This is just what we need. A sport that you can play for hours, involving weight-bearing movement but at a lower impact level, and which can be played at whatever intensity level that is right for your body.
The city could greatly support the well-being of its increasing number of older, but still active residents by providing a large number of dedicated Pickleball courts in the space of a very few tennis courts.
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:59 am
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:59 am
Wow, the pickleball community have managed to get themselves all organized to comment on Town Square so I suppose they managed to get this done to.
It reminds me of how the tennis players got themselves organised once to prevent work being done on the old Mitchell Park library when it was previously up for redesign.
It also reminds me of how the bicycling community have managed to get Ross Road full of obstacles. And how we are suffering a name change for two middle schools.
Perhaps there is a lesson here, if you want change turn into a lobbying group.
For those who want the changes to slow down, perhaps we should start lobbying for some common sense.
I would like to start a group of Palo Altans for Common Sense. Anybody want to join?
Los Altos
on Jan 7, 2018 at 9:09 am
on Jan 7, 2018 at 9:09 am
I played tennis many many years before I started pickleballing. It’s a truly convenient enjoyable sports. Except for the pain of setting up
/taking down the nets and invisible lines. Thank you Palo Alto for supporting the dedicated courts!
Palo Alto Hills
on Jan 7, 2018 at 9:56 am
on Jan 7, 2018 at 9:56 am
As a high-level tournament Picklball player there are two things I look for when deciding where to play on any given day. The quality and condition of the courts and the type of players that show up to them. In Concord they built 14 beautiful permanent Pickleball courts and high level players come from all over every Weekend to play on them. I travel from Los Altos and San Francisco since I am the duel resident just to play with type of players that show up in Concord. Having a venue like Concords in Palo Alto would put Palo Alto in high standings in the Pickleball community where there is a huge number of players showing up by hundreds every weekend is nothing shy of astute intelligence by the city of Palo Alto.
Walter Hays School
on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:41 am
on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:41 am
The behavior of the pickleball community is not very plausible. Why didn't they work with the tennis community to find a solution that is satisfactory to both?
Barron Park
on Jan 7, 2018 at 12:08 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 12:08 pm
Susan McConnell, unfortunately the tennis players are not loosing only one court, they are loosing two courts and if we count lights, the tennis players are loosing three lighted courts. During the December meeting held by Adam Howard, the city is proposing to build one new tennis court only, not two. Also, the one new tennis court will be wired for lighting, but there will be no lights yet since there is no budget.
Also, to those who think the three courts are not used much by tennis players, that is not true at all. I use them, my children use them and others use them. In fact, several times in November, my son couldn't get a tennis court at 7:00PM since all 7 courts were used. He and his friend waited 45 minutes for a court.
What the city should do is that since both tennis and pickleball are in high demand, instead of taking away courts from the tennis players, the city should find ways to build dedicated pickleball courts. This way, the city can serve both the growing population that is playing pickball as well as the youth and adults who continue to play tennis.
another community
on Jan 7, 2018 at 12:24 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 12:24 pm
Hi,
My husband and I would love to have designated pickleball courts. Since we're getting older, the lines on top of other lines make it very hard to see if a ball is in or out. We appreciate all the nice people spending their precious time setting up courts for us to play, but it's a lot of work for them to put it up & take it down daily. We live in Los Gatos and are willing to drive to Palo Alto every weekend to play with such wonderful nice people and nice courts. We can't find any other place with designated pickleball courts close to us. Having all 12 courts would be great since a lot of people play pickleball.
Thank you,
Judy & David Kwan
Palo Verde
on Jan 7, 2018 at 2:02 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 2:02 pm
Calling for resignation of head of Palo Alto tennis club -- look at how Mountain View and other cities handle the case. Not only no permanent pickle ball line is allowed on their tennis courts, they also require pickle ball player to reserve court ahead of time with reservation fees. Now look at what Palo Alto has done. We allow not only permanent pickle ball lines on tennis courts, but also give them equal right to play as tennis players. Then look at what happened after more than one year of sharing the courts, they are taking away the lit courts from tennis playing.
This is a big loss as lit courts are always scarce, but what has our tennis club leader done regarding the matter? Almost none. Agreed that two communities better co-exist and co-operate, our tennis community leader should have been standing stronger to protect tennis players' right.
Stepping down from the important role and letting others more suitable to lead is not too late a call.
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 7, 2018 at 2:13 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 2:13 pm
Wait a minute, wait a minute
Some of these comments are showing that these new courts are about to be used by players from all over the Bay Area. People willing to drive long distances to play on the best courts seem to think that Palo Alto will be the new mecca for Pickleball.
Does this worry anyone? Should we be building courts (and losing tennis courts) so that we can become a destination for pickleball?
Palo Altos for Common Sense.
another community
on Jan 7, 2018 at 4:18 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 4:18 pm
This conversion is a great idea, as there is so much interest in pickleball in the bay area and so few places to play. Right now, to play on *real* pickleball courts, we have to drive all the way up to Foster City or Concord.
Greene Middle School
on Jan 7, 2018 at 5:40 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 5:40 pm
1 winner, all other sports lose (tennis, racquetball, handball, etc) so how can this happen? How much money is in the talks anyone knows?
If there has been little resistance from tennis or racquetball communities, either they don't know they got tricked or they got misrepresented, dud cheques have been issued to them.
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 7, 2018 at 5:44 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 5:44 pm
Please pay attention fellow Palo Altans.
There are at least 19 supportive comments on this thread about Pickleball from people who say they are not from Palo Alto.
19 people who want to come to Palo Alto to play Pickleball.
Are we adding Pickleball courts for our own residents, or for people who will (drive) here to play pickleball?
Should we be instead asking what Palo Alto residents' want before opening up this sport to people from all over the Bay Area?
Palo Altans for Common Sense.
Mountain View
on Jan 7, 2018 at 6:26 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 6:26 pm
I have played Pickleball on both permanent and temporary courts, and the permanent courts have the huge advantage of having dividers between each court, greatly improving the convenience and safety of not having as many errant balls going into neighboring courts. Recently, I was privileged to play on the US Open courts in Naples, FL, where they have over 40 dedicated, permanent, divided courts, covering all levels of play, and it was wonderful! Yes, permanent courts in PA will draw in players from around the area, and that is good for the city's businesses. As for reducing the number of tennis courts in the area, I rarely see the other courts at Mitchell being fully utilized, even on the weekend, but I support building some additional courts if there is a concern by the tennis community. Alternatively, you could make the pickleball courts be the new construction, if you can find an area big enough to support 12 new courts. Please make this happen, one way or another!
Charleston Meadows
on Jan 7, 2018 at 6:55 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 6:55 pm
This is my primary form of exercise and as a member of the Silicon Valley Pickleball club for almost 3 years, I’ve seen it grow exponentially in that time!
Midtown
on Jan 7, 2018 at 6:59 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 6:59 pm
I never even heard of "pickleball" before this. I guess its easy to be the fastest growing sport when you start with a tiny base. Personally I prefer sports that just require an open field or a footpath in the mountains.
another community
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:05 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:05 pm
I develop software in Germany and play Pickle ball and visit the Bay Area alot. It would be great to have a dedicated court to play on when I visit!
Midtown
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:10 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:10 pm
After hearing about Pickleball from raquetball players and friends from Florida, I went to check out the Palo Alto Pickleball players this November. I was welcomed by one of the friendliest organizers and immediately placed on the court to learn scoring and game techniques. Within an hour I realized there were 44 people on the courts and another 15 waiting to play. This group has a nice mix of hard-core players all the way to beginners, with room for everyone. Palo Alto is smart to be a relatively early adopter of this new exercise trend!
Midtown
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:12 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:12 pm
Yay for pickleball! Though I’m new to the game I’ve felt welcomed and included. What a great way for learners and experts to gain skills, have fun, and build community.
Fairmeadow
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:22 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:22 pm
I was introduced to pickle ball 2 years ago while hitting tennis balls against a MItchell Park back board by a handful of Pickleball enthusiasts. Since then, I’ve really grown to really love this sport which not only provides a great outlet for staying in good physical condition, by has equally provided an opportunity for social interaction and fun with a group of folks that continues to this day to grow by leaps and bounds. Our Pickleball community is truly welcoming of all ages, creeds and colors and I look forward to a day when we might celebrate the joy and exiliaration of playing on some courts specially dedicated to it.
Charleston Meadows
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:23 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:23 pm
I support the construction of dedicated pickleball courts in Palo Alto.
Pickleball is great fun and has a great community of welcoming players.
St. Claire Gardens
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:43 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:43 pm
I've been a Palo Alto resident for the last ten years, and prior to pickle ball spent my time playing golf, tennis, coaching Little League, and playing in corporate sponsored softball leagues, all here in Palo Alto. Pickleball has connected me to my community as no other sport has.
- I have met more Palo Alto neighbors in the last year of pickle ball than in my prior nine years in other activities.
- There are ample tennis courts throughout Palo Alto already. I drive past these courts every day and see them largely unused. It seems incredible to me that people complain of converting just three courts when we can easily keep them all filled, morning and evening, with residents like me who have had our fitness and community experience transformed by pickle ball .
- Palo Alto has a wonderful inclusive culture, and if that means it attracts residents from nearby communities to come play, so be it. That's something I'm proud of!
Bravo Palo Alto City Council for making this investment in our community, and for seeing beyond the politics. Common sense indeed dictates supporting this wonderful, social, egalitarian, senior-friendly sport. Palo Altans deserves it.
Charleston Gardens
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:49 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 7:49 pm
Come join the fun, share the laughter, make new friends and get some exercise while enjoying Pickleball.
San Francisco lets me use their parks, I borrow books from Mountain View Library. I use resources in surrounding communities.
We are quite fortunate, let's share our resources, it can be done.
I have never played tennis and I have never thought of tennis courts in Mitchell Park taking over "my" park space.
Palo Alto restaurants and stores welcome non Palo Altans to come to our city. There's really no need to worry about some non Palo Altans coming to play Pickleball or Tennis or Soccer or other sports.
Come meet us!
Adobe-Meadow
on Jan 7, 2018 at 8:13 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 8:13 pm
People of all ages can enjoy these courts - I have lived in the Mitchell Park area since I was a kid and would love to see more courts dedicated to this sport, especially since pickleball courts are hard to find in the Bay!
Charleston Gardens
on Jan 7, 2018 at 8:34 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 8:34 pm
I am very in favor of dedicated courts in Palo Alto. I have been playing with my elementary age daughter after school and it has been much easier and more enjoyable than tennis. Very happy to have the courts so close. We would not be able to travel to do it. Thank you.
Adobe-Meadow
on Jan 7, 2018 at 9:31 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 9:31 pm
I am a Alto resident who plays both tennis and pickleball. I am in full support of adding some dedicated pickleball courts. I have only recently started pickleball and have been amazed at how multi-generational the sport is. The pickleball veterans have been very welcoming and generous with their time and expertise in helping new players. There are many places to play tennis. A few dedicated pickleball courts seems warranted.
Midtown
on Jan 7, 2018 at 9:41 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 9:41 pm
I have been an avid Palo Alto tennis player for many years. I’ve played USTA tennis, drop-in tennis and have several regular singles partners whom I’ve played with on courts at Mitchell Park, Hoover Park, Rinconada, Gunn High School, Paly High School courts and various Stanford courts. Throughout that time, if courts were filled, a five minute (sometimes 25-minutes) drive could find a free court somewhere else. USTA and drop-ins could reserve courts.
One Saturday morning a month ago, without a tennis partner, hitting balls against the walls near the Mitchell courts, I packed up my tennis gear and wandered over to the popcorn noise of the Pickleball players. They loaned me a paddle, taught me the game and supplied numerous friendly people to play. I am now hooked.
I still play tennis but the daily availability of people to play at this single location in Mitchell Park, the fact that the game allows people of wide skill levels to enjoy play with each other, and the frequent game turnover makes it much more convenient to get a great, spontaneous workout.
It is my understanding that prior to this measure, unlike tennis, the Pickleball club was not allowed to reserve courts but had to live under a first-come-first-served basis at this single location. We are talking about sacrificing a few courts to allow this growing, happy mob that is making tremendous use of this small corner of our public parks to have a fit-for-use facility. What is sacrificed by our tennis community is convenience.
Note: I’m okay with budgeting for more lights on other courts and adding courts to Greer Park and elsewhere. I would also encourage the Palo Alto Tennis Club to come up with a drop-in format more like Pickleball Club which allows for more frequent turnover, requiring less organizing overhead and doing it DAILY, not just a few Sundays a month.
Adobe-Meadow
on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:17 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:17 pm
Pickleball has really been a great sport that my son and I have been enjoying for over a year. We look forward to playing together and we meet new friends every week. This sport needs to be supported by the City of Palo Alto and dedicating a few courts to this fantastic sport that helps young and old exercise would show the community that the city cares about the residents. BTW, I am a mom and my son is in his late 20’s, so any sport (Pickleball) that bring multi-generations together, I am all for it.
Evergreen Park
on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:31 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:31 pm
Thank you for the excellent article about pickleball in Mitchell Park. My family and I are playing in the park and would love to have the dedicated pickleball courts there.
Because the pickleball court is considerably smaller than a tennis court, more courts can use the same space, allowing for more players at one time. 2 pickleball courts could be laid out on a tennis court allowing for 8 happy pickleball players at one time. We would love to play on the new vibrant Blue and Light Green color courts with white 2” wide lines.
We can't wait to make it happen!
Hoover School
on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:45 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 10:45 pm
Common sense Palo Alto is lost in the organized team campaign by the pickle ball community. This usually happens when the whole community is geared up for a common goal, which is frowned upon by common sense people.
There are much much more tennis players in PA than pickle players. Lets look at the lit court count:
Tennis:
Paly: 6 courts
Rinconada: 5 courts - 2 (for instructional/coaching activities of the city)
MP: 4 courts - 2 (for instructional/coaching activities of the city)
Total is 13 courts, as compared to 3 courts for pickle ball.
3/13 is more than the ration of pickleball players/ tennis players.
Where is common sense
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 7, 2018 at 11:00 pm
on Jan 7, 2018 at 11:00 pm
Actually there is an error in the counting : It should be 14 pickleball-court vs 11 tennis-courts. There are more pickle-ball lit courts than lit tennis courts.
12 courts in the converted area and there are two lit pickle-ball courts already by MP court1-2.
14 vs 11
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Common sense Palo Alto is lost in the organized team campaign by the pickle ball community. This usually happens when the whole community is geared up for a common goal, which is frowned upon by common sense people.
There are much much more tennis players in PA than pickle players. Lets look at the lit court count:
Tennis:
Paly: 6 courts
Rinconada: 5 courts - 2 (for instructional/coaching activities of the city)
MP: 4 courts - 2 (for instructional/coaching activities of the city)
Total is 13 courts, as compared to 3 courts for pickle ball.
3/13 is more than the ration of pickleball players/ tennis players.
Where is common sense
another community
on Jan 8, 2018 at 12:36 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 12:36 am
Most pickleball complaints are about the onus of erecting/disassembling pickleball equipment.
Tennis players show up with just a racquet, balls and possibly a smile to enjoy their sport with permanent nets installed . Picklers have to "prepare" their playing surfaces and deconstruct afterwards, always with smiles.
There are rolling pickleball nets (no need to break them down) that can be moved out of the way for tennis play. These rolling nets are used at Finley Park in Santa Rosa, augmenting the permanent pickleball nets at the facility.
Having a low structure or "garage" to house these nets at Mitchell Park would protect the assets. Most rolling nets are used in gyms and do not cost that much more than regular nets.
Referencing other communities:
Santa Cruz [(includes Live Oak) population 75,000] has 4 permanent pickleball courts, no lights, with line overlays for 10 more courts at two sites.
Foster City (population 30,000) has 6 permanent pickleball courts with lights.
Santa Rosa (population 163,000) has 8 permanent pickleball courts at two locations, 4 courts are lighted, with line overlays for 2 more courts.
Palo Alto (population 67,000) has NO permanent pickleball courts.
I've played at all these sites. Surely, the Palo Alto community can afford and support a dedicated pickleball facility.
Midtown
on Jan 8, 2018 at 12:52 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 12:52 am
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Midtown
on Jan 8, 2018 at 8:01 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 8:01 am
Am a lifetime Palo Alto resident and a PA tennis club member who supports dedicated pickle ball courts at Mitchell Park. It is a great game and there is room to share.
Brian Mauck
3210 Middlefield Rd.
Old Palo Alto
on Jan 8, 2018 at 8:20 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 8:20 am
I am a former tennis player who discovered pickleball, and i will not be switching back. Pickleball courts are a more efficient use of community space.
Crescent Park
on Jan 8, 2018 at 9:14 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 9:14 am
Pickle Ball as a sport is growing exponentially, nationwide:
Because of a need to provide for this special skill that is not as strenuous as tennis and therefore attracting a larger population.
Because games are short and court size much smaller than tennis, more players can enjoy more time of active play, a larger number of this population are able to participate.
Because of the shorter game time, the short wait between play allows for intermingling and socialization.
And as the sport grows, more neighboring communities will recognize the need to provide for it.
Congratulations to Palo Alto for recognizing the trend and bravo to our promoters to make it evident.
Fairmeadow
on Jan 8, 2018 at 9:22 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 9:22 am
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Fairmeadow
on Jan 8, 2018 at 9:38 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 9:38 am
It would be so nice to have more courts dedicated to pickleball. It's a very social game to anyone that wants to try it, several people are there to help out and explain the game. Everyone is welcomed and invited to play. It's also a low impact game, perfect for seniors.
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:02 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:02 am
I’d like to respond to the fear that if we build dedicated pickleball courts, people from all over the Bay Area will commute here to play. This misses the important point that the sport is growing so quickly that soon many communities will need to accommodate their resident players by building facilities. We’ll just be early adopters, and I like that.
another community
on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:12 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:12 am
There is clearly a debate going on here. I see lots of comments from pickle ball side and some from tennis side. I dont see one from racquetball players.
Most pickle ball side use the comment like "I am a pickle ball player or converted player, I like the sports, Palo Alto is great".
Most tennis side comments are focusing on shortage of lighted tennis courts.
It looks pickle ball community is trying very hard this time to take away the three lighted tennis courts. The number of comments and what the comments are about clearly show the motivation.
I feel 3 three lighted courts are very important to both sides.
There is one important point missing here which is how badly pickle ball players need permanent courts. Elder people setting up the net is not enough a reason as Palo Alto does have permanent pickle ball courts. Also as pickle ball players tend to play in group format, it doesn't sound like a big problem. Permanent courts are nicer or safer is just nice to have type of thing. Tennis courts don't have divider on all of them either and they haven't complained about safety from that for decades. Picking up runaway tennis balls from other courts is taken as granted for sportsmanship :-)
So pickle ball players need to convince me about that, not just it is a great sports.
Evergreen Park
on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:36 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:36 am
Three months ago I joined the Picleball community in Palo Alto and I’m happy to find a sport that fits me well (I’m 65). The only problem is it’s getting very crowded on the courts especially on Saturdays and Sundays. It would be great to have more dedicated courts here in Mitchell Park since this sport is getting more and more popular.
Olga R.
South of Midtown
on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:51 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:51 am
Pickle ball community please build your own courts and return the loaned-to tennis courts.
Or please install lights on more tennis courts first, before the taking away.
If those were non-lit tennis courts, it'd be OK.
Green Acres
on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:58 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 10:58 am
We have been Palo Alto residents for over 20 years. Our teen learned pickleball in middle school here and loves to play with friends. Getting to play at night in the lighted courts is especially preferred. When my teen decided to homeschool, the seniors were extraordinarily welcoming of the youth.
The lack of permanent courts makes spontaneous play for the teens a challenge many times. Setting up nets is less of an issue than having access to nets to set up when the students want to play, and knowing whether it's violating any rules. Knowing the courts are there for pickleball would be great.
I don't think a concern that Palo Alto will be a destination should keep us from providing a resource this in demand by Palo Alto's own residents. My student wishes for opportunities for competitive pickleball play. Those exist in spades for tennis players but not for pickleball. That said, I do not think the City should let this become a conflict between tennis and pickleball players. They should help everyone involved figure out a good solution and provide a framework for fundraising efforts to create a win win for everyone. Pickleball player passions will go a long way to achieving this.
Mountain View
on Jan 8, 2018 at 11:58 am
on Jan 8, 2018 at 11:58 am
I play pickleball at Mitchell Park three or four times a week. It is now an important part of my life, as it keeps me active, fit, and healthy. The social aspect of the game is just as important, and the new friends I've made have strengthened my social network at a time when it would otherwise be diminishing.
Although I live in Mountain View, I spend more time (and dollars) in Palo Alto because of pickleball. I strongly encourage the City Council to follow through and build the proposed dedicated pickleball courts. They will be great for both residents and the city itself.
Thanks.
JLS Middle School
on Jan 8, 2018 at 12:06 pm
on Jan 8, 2018 at 12:06 pm
There seems a conflict between tennis and pickle ball around lit court.
It is fair to say the city has no obligation to build lit pickle ball courts in the first phase.
I dont think the tennis community will resist converting of non-lighted tennis courts.
In phase two, lights can be added to the converted pickle ball courts.
Be fair to both communities !!!!!!!!!!!!!
South of Midtown
on Jan 8, 2018 at 1:10 pm
on Jan 8, 2018 at 1:10 pm
As a former tennis player who still loves tennis, I discovered pickleball last spring by taking a course at Mitchell Park through PA Parks and Rec. It’s my and my husband’s new favorite sport. I feel so fortunate to have discovered it, and the welcoming group that plays there. Weekends are so crowded that it’s not unusual to have to wait to get on a court. It would be awesome to have permanent Pickleball courts in such a great location, where the neighbors are fairly isolated from the noise. Thanks, Parks & Rec!
Community Center
on Jan 8, 2018 at 2:33 pm
on Jan 8, 2018 at 2:33 pm
Our lit tennis count count is down to 11 or so, then it is way too low as compared to neighboring cities.
Mountain view has more than 28 lit courts. Are we still proud of being Palo Altan :-)
College Terrace
on Jan 8, 2018 at 2:39 pm
on Jan 8, 2018 at 2:39 pm
I discovered pickleball recently and love to play. It would be great if Palo Alto had some dedicated pickleball courts. I am a resident of Palo Alto.
Mountain View
on Jan 8, 2018 at 3:36 pm
on Jan 8, 2018 at 3:36 pm
Similar discussion happened in Mountain View the year before. We proud Mountain Tennis Club denied all the causes of those ****
Palo Alto tennis players are welcome to join our club, though you need to pay $7/hour non-resident court fee to play if you play for non-club activities :))))
Barron Park
on Jan 8, 2018 at 4:26 pm
on Jan 8, 2018 at 4:26 pm
I'm elated to hear that Palo Alto is going to be creating dedicated Pickleball courts near Mitchell Park's Magical Bridge Playground as part of their Parks Master Plan. As a resident of Palo Alto for 43 years, it is exciting to know that the Parks and Recreation Department is willing to listen to the roar of the Pickleballers about the need for permanent Pickleball courts, a place to really call home. It is due to the tireless and enthusiastic efforts of Monica Williams, our local Ambassador for the USA Pickleball Association and also President of our Silicon Valley Pickleball Club, that the reality of honest-to-goodness Pickleball courts in Palo Alto is becoming a reality!
Having played tennis for almost 60 years, it was wonderful to stumble across Monica 2 1/2 years ago on the two small paddle courts at Mitchell Park. She was instructing 5-6 players in the Art of Pickleball. In less than half an hour, I realized this game was for me. I haven't given up tennis, yet, but Pickleball has become a focus of my life. Where else can you have so much fun and still reap the physical, mental, and social benefits that Pickleball offers anyone who wants to come by, pick up a paddle, and start playing? It's that simple.
Let's give friends and families a permanent place to gather together "for the fun of it", dedicated Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park.
Mountain View
on Jan 8, 2018 at 5:10 pm
on Jan 8, 2018 at 5:10 pm
Monica a resident in PA now? She tried the same thing to Rengstorff tennis courts in Mountain View when she was a Mountain View resident.
Good luck to her this time
Charleston Gardens
on Jan 8, 2018 at 8:31 pm
on Jan 8, 2018 at 8:31 pm
Love pickleball as a fun and inclusive family sport and hope Palo Alto can work this out to get some dedicated courts for this fast-growing and popular activity!
Downtown North
on Jan 8, 2018 at 8:55 pm
on Jan 8, 2018 at 8:55 pm
Thanks to the city of Palo Alto for acknowledging the need for dedicated Pickleball courts.
This sport has won the hearts (and bodies) of our entire family. My husband and I were both serious athletes in our younger years, but a number of my physical limitations have ended our ability to engage in most of our previous athletic endeavors. Pickleball is: a good workout, socially invigorating, inclusive, and an incredibly a huge amount of fun.
We need these dedicated courts to accommodate all the people young and old, expert and beginner, fit and physically compromised that so enjoy playing this extremely popular sport.
Palo Verde School
on Jan 8, 2018 at 9:47 pm
on Jan 8, 2018 at 9:47 pm
please no gloating over tennis players, they are outnumbered here already.
# of lit tennis courts is indeed not as much as pickle-ball courts, and those were their lit tennis courts lent out
Professorville
on Jan 9, 2018 at 2:46 am
on Jan 9, 2018 at 2:46 am
I started playing pickleball in September 2017, and was amazed by how many people played - over 100 sometimes at the weekend mornings. It was fun, great atmosphere. I signed up for lessons and haven’t looked back. It’s another wonderful sub community in Palo Alto - supportive, fun, welcomes beginners. People play EVERY morning, my family often plays in the afternoon. There’s always a game on. I recommend anyone trying it.
Charleston Gardens
on Jan 9, 2018 at 8:56 am
on Jan 9, 2018 at 8:56 am
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
South of Midtown
on Jan 9, 2018 at 12:04 pm
on Jan 9, 2018 at 12:04 pm
Dear Mrs Monica Williams,
I am also a local resident of south midtown, you and me are neighbors. I am writing here for the concerns about the proposal. Please read.
Clearly the tennis community has valid reasons to protect their precious lit tennis courts from taking away by your organization. There have been many comments in the forum regarding their opinions/concerns.
I am NOT gonna say that local residents first here, as our president Trump has said about America first. But it is a fact that local residents need those lit tennis courts as badly or desperately as you think your organization does.
But does your organization really desperate for permanent dedicated courts for now ? Provided the city has no budget ( please work with the city if there is budget, and find a solution that does NOT affect local residents this much ) for all your desires, is it very ethical to upgrade the shared tennis courts to dedicated for pickle playing ? Please be aware that is/was the resource provided to you from the generosity of the tennis community in the first place for your organization to get a foot in the local community. It is gonna hurt their feeling very much if you plan to take away from them the precious resource without compensating for the loss. The upgrade can be viewed as pure luxury or just nice to have, thus can possibly make the hurt become hatred. We dont want that happen for sure, I am sure you dont either.
Why the upgrade can be viewed as just a nice-to-have? I actually personally believe the pickle community can work around the issues faced when sharing the lit court with tennis players. At least the outstanding issues mentioned in the comments can be tolerated for a while before the city finds budget for a formal long term solution for both communities. Maybe there are other issues I am NOT aware of. You and one other mentioned about elders and kids setting up the net issue, we do have dedicated pickle courts nearby, just across the bridge. Further, I don't think the tennis community will complain about you leaving a couple of nets in the courts for those situations.
We are to live with what we have for now, we can NOT afford to live by what we dream of sometimes, though we are to work toward our dreams.
I suggest we step back a little and re-think about the long term of both communities. I sincerely hope time, patience and flexibility will find us more satisfactory solutions. At least after a year or half, things will be quite different.
Appreciate your consideration !!!
Best regards,
a local resident
Mountain View
on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:25 pm
on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:25 pm
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Fairmeadow
on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:37 pm
on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:37 pm
I play on the walls regularly and see routine players over there all the time ****** ALL THE TIME *******
Those walls are the most appreciated structures by almost all players, including but not limited to tennis, racquetball, handball, soccer, volleyball, etc. Basically people practice for basic skills for their sports on the wall.
I do see many, I mean a lot of, pickleball players, practice over there recently.
The beauty of the wall not only lies in low maintenance, it is the best partner to hit with and it is always there unbeatable ;-}}}}}
Lots of people just go there to sweat out, without having to drag a partner in.
Actually if we have tennis courts or pickleball courts around, the walls are almost must-have. When people come earlier or waiting for their turn to play, they appreciate the walls to have a place to practice.
It is *****brainless******, really *******INSANE***** , trying to de-structure or "move" the walls.
JLS Middle School
on Jan 9, 2018 at 2:52 pm
on Jan 9, 2018 at 2:52 pm
To Monica Williams:
I'm not happy about your club at all. This is a typical example of doves' nest being occupied by turtledoves.
I don't play tennis, nor pickleball. But I have kids who play tennis, soccer, and volleyball and Lacrosse.
My kids use the three courts a lot for tennis practice, many times they wait for about 1 hour for a turn to play, sometimes 2 hours. Recently after your club has moved in we no longer can wait for a court over there any more as your club doesn't give tennis players any turn to play for a long time (3,4,5 hours).
Also all my kids use the walls to sharp their skills. The walls are the only place we can use before the kids are skilled enough to control the balls.
Your club is taking all of those away from us. I'm thinking about the word "selfish" for your club.
1) If someone borrows you something, you are supposed to return it and optionally with a favor. Your club didn't. The favor you returned to them is lots of "pickle".
2) Your club is forcing into our community without thinking about how it might impact our local kids. This is lack of empathy.
With our local generosity and sacrifice, your club has been growing in our local community and now has rooted in our local community. Instead of helping our local community in return your club is actually taking resources away from our local community.
You may argue that you suggested one new tennis court without lights but that is based on the cost of losing the walls. You are robbing Peter for Joe.
Now I am thinking about the word "greedy".
Please move your club somewhere else, and yes, out of this local community if possible. I do care about the traffic in my neighborhood from all over the bay area, unlike other people in the discussions, we being quite neighborhood disturbed.
It is better to move your club back to your own city Mountain View, or any other city that you can find a home in. To be honest, Palo Alto people are nice and generous people but it doesn't mean you can take advantage of without conditions.
Typical example of doves' nest being occupied by turtledoves.
Palo Verde
on Jan 9, 2018 at 4:22 pm
on Jan 9, 2018 at 4:22 pm
I am both a tennis player and Pickleball player, and I belong to the Palo Alto Tennis Club, and the Silicon Valley Pickleball club.
I also have lived very close to Mitchell Park for over 25 years, and I can comfortably say that the tennis courts in Mitchell Park are under utilized, as far as use by tennis players.
On the other hand, I am amazed by the increasing numbers of Pickleball players using the tennis courts for Pickleball, throughout the week.
On the weekends there are more than 50 people showing up in the mornings to play Pickleball near the children's Magic Playground, while there is sometimes maybe one court being used by tennis players. It has been my experience that the tennis players are using other courts near the Mitchell Library or in other parts of the City.
I believe that without question, the tennis courts should be converted to Pickleball courts.
JLS Middle School
on Jan 9, 2018 at 4:39 pm
on Jan 9, 2018 at 4:39 pm
Be fair --------------------------
There seems a conflict between tennis and pickle ball around lit court.
It is fair to say the city has no obligation to build lit pickle ball courts in the first phase.
I dont think the tennis community will resist converting of non-lighted tennis courts.
In phase two, lights can be added to the converted pickle ball courts.
Be fair to both communities !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hoover School
on Jan 9, 2018 at 6:35 pm
on Jan 9, 2018 at 6:35 pm
I play tennis often at MP. I observed the pattern of court uses. Sharing is the way to go.
Pickle players tend to play during daytime. They show up in large number (50+ people) almost all the time, club activities for sure. They normally play once a week during the evening hours, though recently sometimes they played twice a week. I think they play twice a week during daytime （in the weekend). I haven't observed the difference of low season and high season for them due to it being a club party.
Tennis players play both daytime and evening hours, but more players in the evening hours than daytime due to work/school. In the weekend, more players play in the daytime than evening hours. Most tennis players are club members but they tend to play with their own partners. Thus there is a big difference between low season and high season. Low season is Nov-Feb and high season is April to Sept. I can tell you for sure that the tennis courts 1-7 will be packed all the time in the evening during high season.
What tennis players are concerned about is indeed the lit court availability during the after work hours in the high season.
I can bet with anyone who says the 3 court are under utilized during the after work hours in the high season.
The city should do a survey on the court usage of MP during the evening hours of high season. I'm very confident about near 100% usage of the courts including 5-7.
The conflict is for real here. The city should do its best to prevent this from happening.
Charleston Meadows
on Jan 9, 2018 at 9:47 pm
on Jan 9, 2018 at 9:47 pm
I have played Pickleball at MP in last 1.5 years. The MP court is walk distance from my home. I have always been living an active life playing some sports. But so far I find the most fun playing pickleball at MP. There are many Palo Alto residents playing here. Even some kids from Gunn and Paly come to play. It's not just fun, it also connects our community.
Midtown
on Jan 9, 2018 at 10:45 pm
on Jan 9, 2018 at 10:45 pm
Keeping the three courts at Mitchell Park make the most sense because there are not enough tennis courts at Palo Alto. First of all, I think the city should not spend funds on creating new courts of any kind. They definitely should not waste money destroying tennis courts, replacing them with some other court and then rebuilding more tennis courts.
Secondly, I disagree with the fact that there are more pickle ball players that tennis players. Pickleball players always occupy those three courts and its impossible for any tennis players to get on them on the weekends. They show up at 6am to hold the courts so that tennis players can't get on. Kids and families who want to play tennis then need to drive all over Palo Alto looking for courts. Its too bad because these courts are perfect for families because of their close proximity to the Magical Bridge Playground.
I personally think there should be some time limits for pickle ball on these courts. Its not fair that they can monopolize these courts on the weekend. Here's why: At least two of the other tennis courts (#1 and #2) are reserved by the tennis coaches, which means tennis players can only play on only 2 courts at Mitchell Park -- the largest park in Palo Alto! Meanwhile, the three tennis courts are being completely hogged by the pickleball people. This is NOT FAIR!
If people want to play pickle ball, I propose that we find indoor space, maybe in Cubberly or some warehouse which could be easily striped for pickleball. Plenty of school gyms are not being used in the evenings -- these would be perfect for a pickleball club. Indoor space solves the wind issue which is a problem with the whiffle balls. In addition, pickle ball is ideally suited for indoor areas because of the small nets and indoor spaces can easily be lighted at night. Why doesn't the pickleball club get their own club instead of leaving tape all over the Mitchell Park courts?
Fairmeadow
on Jan 9, 2018 at 10:58 pm
on Jan 9, 2018 at 10:58 pm
I don't understand why a pickleball club is allowed to takeover a public space in a park and now ask the city to create a facility for them? I agree with what someone said that they are being "selfish" and "greedy". I also don't understand why they are unable to clean up after themselves. I've had to remove their tape from the MP courts on more than one occasion and I have never seen anyone play pickleball in the evenings despite what one person in the comments section said, so dedicated pickleball courts would be really underutilized and a waste of taxpayer funds. Let's all vote to keep the tennis courts at MP!!!
Palo Verde
on Jan 10, 2018 at 10:13 am
on Jan 10, 2018 at 10:13 am
MP tennis courts and practice walls are among the most utilized facilities of the city for the students and their parents during summer break.
I can easily see over 200% occupancy rate when the kids are out of schools. Normally you need to wait in line for a court or wall during the peak hours of the day. Due to daytime heat, people tend to come out in the evening and yes the lights are essential after dark.
I often have to remember when the waiting line will be shorter to bring the kids out.
Pickleball club took 2-3 courts away sometimes and caused much longer waiting lines because most people didn't know when they show up. Once we find out they are there we go home or driver around to other places, with frustration.
Pickleball club shouldn't share tennis courts during summer break. They should try to share basketball courts or other in peak hours.
If they don't like the shared setting with tennis players, we don't like to share with them anymore. The proposal doesn't make sense at all, the tennis courts and the surrounding standings were planned for tennis, pickleball should move out MP.
Monica Williams, your club isn't welcomed in MP by others during summer break, now your move is so aggressive and perfunctory, please get your club out of MP.
Midtown
on Jan 10, 2018 at 11:49 am
on Jan 10, 2018 at 11:49 am
As a member of the Palo Alto tennis community and a recent add to the pickle ball community, I have to say there is a lot of overwrought emotion and presumption by some of the detractors of this initiative.
As most avid Palo Alto tennis players know, there are lots of non-residents who use Palo Alto courts, play in Palo Alto USTA teams and participate in PATC drop-ins and tournaments. The point is that there is nothing delegitimizing about pickle ball getting 3 courts because some of the participants are non-residents that doesn't also apply to the tennis community's claims over the courts.
Also, if you play a lot, you know that there are tons of courts available, you just might have to move around or adjust your times. I spent an hour driving around the other day and found only 2 courts (4 people) out of the 46 I cruised by that were in use. This includes parks and school courts. Where there is a will, and you are serious about playing a regular game, there is a way.
Despite several posts of mis-information, the correct number of lit courts owned by Palo Alto or PAUSD is currently 19 (Rinconada 6, Mitchell 7 and Paly 6). You can also sneak onto lit courts at Stanford, lit courts in neighboring towns or any of the tennis clubs in the area which add to the total. The sacrifice of 3 lit courts that are often covered with Eucalyptus leaves is not a crisis for the tennis community, it may mean that you have to adjust time and location but you should be able to get your regular games in. There will be times when a USTA or high school match will bump you off but, in truth, we live in an area with lots of options.
The counter is not true in that there are not a lot of options for pickle ball.
Neither are a lot of options for the outdoor handball/racquetball players. We tennis players are suffering from a moment of "Having" to "Having" less so that others who have "Little" or "None" can have "Some."
Note: As mentioned before, I'm all for adding more courts to the numerous parks around the city without any. However, this conversation implies the first priority would be to add lights to existing courts. My suggestion would be to light the Gunn courts which would get us a quick 8 more high-quality courts that would more than make up for any inconvenience of the loss of these 3.
Adobe-Meadow
on Jan 10, 2018 at 12:33 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 12:33 pm
So funny to see so many comments on just this story, and phrased so similarly . The fix is in. The clubs are spamming the story, haha. Small town fun :)
Crescent Park
on Jan 10, 2018 at 12:43 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 12:43 pm
Please re-read the E-mail from Dave from Midtown.
Thanks for setting the record straight regarding the number of tennis courts as well as the number of lighted courts. This proper review is most significant. As noted, there are lots of options for tennis players, so those who are most critical of Pickleball should temper their criticism. And reciprocally, we pickleballers ought to agree that properly distributed lit courts ought to be available to the tennis community.
If you have witnessed how the pickleball game is played you will see that players move from one game to another frequently with many different partners, so having a concentration of courts is essential. There are very few times when a court is vacant, and because we are democratic,we allow everyone from young beginners to our elderly members opportunity to play.
Live and let live!
Midtown
on Jan 10, 2018 at 12:53 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 12:53 pm
The pickleball community has been welcoming since the day I first stopped to learn more about this game that my family and friends in other parts of the country have been playing. I support the recommendation that dedicated pickleball courts be established in Palo Alto.
Midtown
on Jan 10, 2018 at 1:41 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 1:41 pm
I've read quite a few of the comments regarding this issue and some of the ones who are against this proposal describe pickleball players as selfish, greedy, and that they are taking advantage of the tennis players. They have also said pickleball players should get out of the community, move somewhere else, build their own courts, and/or move indoors. There tone of some respondents has been downright mean. By not wanting to share, who is really being selfish and greedy, to coin your own phrasing. I bet if the city would build pickleball courts somewhere that didn't affect tennis players, nobody would object. But when it means giving up something you're used to having, it appears that the old "not in my backyard" mentality takes over. Pickleball players have as much right to dedicated courts as do tennis players. If the city would see fit to build separate courts that would be great, but that doesn't appear to be an option. Maybe it's time the opposition thinks about who's really being selfish.
another community
on Jan 10, 2018 at 2:34 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 2:34 pm
Cut and paste from the initial post:
Your club is taking all of those away from us. I'm thinking about the word "selfish" for your club.
1) If someone borrows you something, you are supposed to return it and optionally with a favor. Your club didn't. The favor you returned to them is lots of "pickle".
2) Your club is forcing into our community without thinking about how it might impact our local kids. This is lack of empathy.
With our local generosity and sacrifice, your club has been growing in our local community and now has rooted in our local community. Instead of helping our local community in return your club is actually taking resources away from our local community.
You may argue that you suggested one new tennis court without lights but that is based on the cost of losing the walls. You are robbing Peter for Joe.
Now I am thinking about the word "greedy".
another community
on Jan 10, 2018 at 3:38 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 3:38 pm
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
another community
on Jan 10, 2018 at 4:08 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 4:08 pm
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Hoover School
on Jan 10, 2018 at 4:57 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 4:57 pm
I believe the tennis courts (where dedicated pickleball courts are planned to be built) weren't used frequently by tennis players until the pickleball community showed. There was so much leaves(and trash) on those courts that tennis players didn't bother to clean. It wasn't until the pickleball club brought their brooms & blowers ; which made the courts useful by the whole community. Now tennis players decide to bring there own cleaning material, when they come play.
Much should be owed to the pickleball community for making the courts playable and keeping the surface respectable.
Midtown
on Jan 10, 2018 at 6:23 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 6:23 pm
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Charleston Gardens
on Jan 10, 2018 at 6:27 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 6:27 pm
I commented earlier, but I am adding a few thoughts about some of the harsh words I've seen here. I have lived in the Charleston Gardens neighborhood for 35 years; I now play Pickleball in Mitchell Park nearly every day, other than the library it is the first facility in Mitchell Park that I have used since moving into this neighborhood.
Valerie stated: "I don't understand why a pickleball club is allowed to takeover a public space in a park and now ask the city to create a facility for them? I agree with what someone said that they are being "selfish" and "greedy"."
Whoa. Our "club" is merely a mechanism to raise and manage money to buy the portable nets that we use. The courts near the Magical Bridge Playground belong to neither pickleball nor tennis players; they belong to the City of Palo Alto, and the City is making a concerted effort to accommodate the needs of everybody. When pickleball players use those courts, everybody is welcome to join the fun; membership in the "club" is not a requirement. Because games are short and we switch partners and opponents often, additional drop-in players are easily accommodated. Reservations are not required and everybody is welcome, beginner to advanced, club member or not.
I know of seven families right here in my Charleston Gardens neighborhood who play pickleball in Mitchell Park. We are not greedy people with a wicked scheme, just residents who are thrilled that we have access to an activity that gives us so much joy and so much opportunity to connect with our neighbors and build a strong positive community.
Downtown North
on Jan 10, 2018 at 8:15 pm
on Jan 10, 2018 at 8:15 pm
It has been a joy for me to get to know the game of Pickleball and to play it during the summer and on the weekends with my wife and all of the friendly and accepting people who are on the courts and who feel the same way that I do about the sport. There are always many people of different levels on the courts, and it is never any problem at all to find a group to play with. My wife and I really look forward to our weekend games; it is a great way to start our Saturdays and Sundays. I am very grateful that the city of Palo Alto is dedicating courts to Pickleball; thank you!
Adobe-Meadow
on Jan 11, 2018 at 6:13 am
on Jan 11, 2018 at 6:13 am
Not a resource for a private club. This sucks! Share the resources!!!
Charleston Meadows
on Jan 11, 2018 at 10:41 am
on Jan 11, 2018 at 10:41 am
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Mountain View
on Jan 11, 2018 at 12:05 pm
on Jan 11, 2018 at 12:05 pm
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Fairmeadow
on Jan 11, 2018 at 2:35 pm
on Jan 11, 2018 at 2:35 pm
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Menlo Park
on Jan 11, 2018 at 2:43 pm
on Jan 11, 2018 at 2:43 pm
Simply look at how instantly over 100 replies came in. The pickleball club members must have all got the text/email to comment at the same time.
It is NOT reflective of how the Menlo Park COMMUNITY feels. Fairness is SHARING, not grabbing for your own club. Next, a handball club will demand conversion of MP city basketball courts. Outrageous!
Midtown
on Jan 11, 2018 at 11:23 pm
on Jan 11, 2018 at 11:23 pm
In response to Being mean, I am only echoing Amy L's response. The courts belong to the city, not the tennis players. You say you have been kind enough to share with us, like you own those courts. You pay taxes, we pay taxes. The space is a limited resource, evidently. If you're so worried about losing some space, petition the city to give us our own courts.
Adobe-Meadow
on Jan 12, 2018 at 6:31 am
on Jan 12, 2018 at 6:31 am
Yes, the TENNIS courts belong to the city. A private club wants to CONVERT these city TENNIS courts to another use, permanently. The city residents should have say in this,not just some selfish private clubs trying to grab these TENNIS courts away from the residents. I cannot believe we are having this insane discussion. Talk about selfish entitled people. NO CONVERSION of public facilities without the RESIDENT voters having a say.
If the pickle ballplayers want space, they are welcome to find it, but NOT at the expense of others who already use the existing facilities. Find new space for your new game that does not take away from others. When you take away from others for your own needs, it's selfish. Period.
Midtown
on Jan 12, 2018 at 2:17 pm
on Jan 12, 2018 at 2:17 pm
We give them an inch, they take a mile. Pickleball shouldn't be allowed to play on our city tennis courts from the beginning, like in Mountain View. We fostered their growth and after a year when they become stronger, they bite you back.
Palo Alto High School
on Jan 12, 2018 at 3:37 pm
on Jan 12, 2018 at 3:37 pm
Tennis players can write to the following for our concerns.
adam.howard@cityofpaloalto.org,
city.council@cityofpaloalto.org
You are also encouraged to comment publicly with the Parks and Rec Commission of the city on January 23rd at 7pm in Council Chambers.
University South
on Jan 12, 2018 at 5:06 pm
on Jan 12, 2018 at 5:06 pm
The claims of Monica, Lindsay and a couple of other picklers that the city to provide 12 dedicated courts for them is unjustified.
In order for the city to take action on firm feet, the city has to be shown the number of picklers of Palo Alto residents itself. It must be a very small fraction of the tennis players, the same is true for soccer, football, badminton, lacrosse, you name it here. This is the very reason tennis courts are justified.
Not many tennis players are in the know for this. Once the courts are converted, petitions to revert them back will go to the city very soon.
All other sports will eye on this waiting to take similar actions for sure.
Duveneck/St. Francis
on Jan 14, 2018 at 8:33 am
on Jan 14, 2018 at 8:33 am
I was introduced to Pickleball via the Palo Alto Enjoy Classes in the summer 2017. I support creation of dedicated pickleball courts in Mitchell Park. Based on at least 10 years of observations of usage at Rinconada and Hoover Parks, there seem to be plenty of tennis courts available for tennis players most any time (except when lessons are held). The Mitchell Park location has the key advantage for pickleball in that there are no nearby houses.
Registered user
Old Palo Alto
on Jan 15, 2018 at 8:42 am
Registered user
on Jan 15, 2018 at 8:42 am
I am 67 years old and an been an avid pickle ball player for a year and have membership in the SVPC which includes my 39 and 40 year old sons and my wife. I love that I can play a competitive game with teens and 80 year old players and have a fabulous time. Even though I only play on the Mitchel Park courts about once a month at most I like the idea of supporting such a wonderful inter-generational sport that is social and welcoming to all individuals and allows many players to play at once on a constant rotating basis. It is a sport that is easy to learn and difficult to perfect. It is no wonder that Palo Alto is on the forefront of the fastest growing sport in the country. I believe that converting 3 tennis courts out of a total of 47 is a small price to pay to keep so many residents fit and happy well into their 80s and 90s
Charleston Meadows
on Jan 15, 2018 at 6:26 pm
on Jan 15, 2018 at 6:26 pm
Very glad that the city is putting in permanent pickleball courts. I play both tennis and pickleball. There's plenty of tennis and tennis wall practice courts, but no dedicated pickleball courts. Yet, as far as I can tell week after week, there's far more pickleball players who routinely play and yet use a fraction of the space that tennis players use. The numbers of pickleball players are growing very quickly for good reason (I recruited my husband and children to start playing this fun and social game). I think the city has enough land and resources to accommodate courts for tennis, pickleball, and other popular sports. So much space in the public parks isn't used optimally.
Midtown
on Jan 15, 2018 at 11:19 pm
on Jan 15, 2018 at 11:19 pm
My parents purchased our home in Palo Alto in 1954. My wife and I purchased our home in 1985 and have raised our family here. I have played outdoor racquetball since 1977 on the courts that are now in jeopardy. There are two handball groups and one racquetball group that play on a weekly basis. We lovingly refer to our group as the Church. These concrete courts are unique in their dimensions and finish. They are also used by tennis players, Lacrosse and soccer players who use the painted goal and grass area as did I when I was in High School. This area is not large enough for two tennis courts so it would be poorly utilized for tennis. The school located on Middlefield uses a gate for access to the park and would conflict with a tennis format. The community would be much better served by building new tennis courts to the North of the existing courts. I retired in October of 2017 and finally answered the Siren song of Pickleball. I am enamored by the game. It has provided the perfect combination of social and physical activity. Palo Alto has always been a progressive community. We should be able to find a way to accommodate this new sport. Lets all get along.
Fairmeadow
on Jan 16, 2018 at 4:06 pm
on Jan 16, 2018 at 4:06 pm
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Midtown
on Jan 16, 2018 at 6:11 pm
on Jan 16, 2018 at 6:11 pm
To "Get Along" and other fellow tennis players
The only people antagonized are the tennis players who aren't also pickle ball players. There are many members of the tennis community who are also part of the pickle ball community who aren't antagonized by the proposal. The racquetball/handball players are only affected by some of the proposals from tennis players suggesting to eliminate their facility as an alternative to losing 3 of the city's 19 lit courts out of a total of 47 public courts (not even counting the numerous private courts).
The one thing that seems at all reasonable is the suggestion that courts over at Cubberley might be a more amenable alternative to these 3 lit courts at Mitchell.
[Portion removed.] Pickle ball is building a community within OUR community because it is accessible and fun for nearly anyone who tries it, tennis players included. On any given Saturday or Sunday, a fair auditing of all the people playing on public facilities, you might discover a comparable number of tennis and pickle ball players from Palo Alto and surrounding communities. The city is just accommodating this demand instead of shutting it out.
Midtown
on Jan 16, 2018 at 8:19 pm
on Jan 16, 2018 at 8:19 pm
[Post removed.]
Midtown
on Jan 16, 2018 at 10:16 pm
on Jan 16, 2018 at 10:16 pm
To Sarah:
I am a Palo Alto resident for a long time and a tennis player along with many of my fellow pickle ball players. Yet you and others keep suggesting that we must not be.
Ask yourself, what possible motivation do you have for saying that? To me, it looks like you are holding onto that false notion because it makes you feel better about your stance. That’s why it looks like melodrama.
If you play tennis, you may want to try pickle ball to see what the fuss is about.
Fairmeadow
on Jan 17, 2018 at 12:16 pm
on Jan 17, 2018 at 12:16 pm
[Post removed due to same poster using multiple names]
Mountain View
on Jan 17, 2018 at 1:57 pm
on Jan 17, 2018 at 1:57 pm
Let me respond to Dave's posts again. [Portion removed.]
===================================Dave's post=======================
To "Get Along" and other fellow tennis players
The only people antagonized are the tennis players who aren't also pickle ball players.
>>>> Remember there is parent "PA for kids" asking your club to leave their local community who just voiced for his/her kids. How many pickle ballers are there in PA? And how many people are there "who aren't also pickle ball players". Why Dare NOT anyone in your club including Monica tell us how many pickle ballers are there in the club?
There are many members of the tennis community who are also part of the pickle ball community who aren't antagonized by the proposal.
>>>> There are also members of the tennis community who are also part of the pickle ball community who aren't felling right by the proposal.
The racquetball/handball players are only affected by some of the proposals from tennis players suggesting to eliminate their facility as an alternative to losing 3 of the city's 19 lit courts out of a total of 47 public courts (not even counting the numerous private courts).
>>>> [Portion removed.] Who are those tennis players? Are they the initiator of the proposal? If not, you are [portion removed] just trying to divert the dissatisfaction of racquetball/ handball/ lacrosse/ soccer/ volleyball communities toward tennis community. This is a pitfall/scheme, which might be vicious to some extent.
The one thing that seems at all reasonable is the suggestion that courts over at Cubberley might be a more amenable alternative to these 3 lit courts at Mitchell.
>>> yes, that is the best alternative in your mind [portion removed]. It is free and there is less resistance. [Portion removed.]
Any suggestion that this is somehow a hostile takeover from non-Palo Alto residents, or an unfair gain of 12 courts upsetting some balance of fairness is just [portion removed] attempts to delegitimize the reality of what is happening.
>>>> Are you the judge? What do you base your judgment on? [Portion removed.]
Pickle ball is building a community within OUR community because it is accessible and fun for nearly anyone who tries it, tennis players included.
>>>> Lots of people including myself have played pickle ball before. We tried and we still love tennis. Even if I liked it, what you mean building a community within OUR community when majority of the club members are non-residents. Quoting from another post "80% + of the members are non-residents of Palo Alto". Why can't Monica come out and comment on the percentage of the non-resident?
On any given Saturday or Sunday, a fair auditing of all the people playing on public facilities, you might discover a comparable number of tennis and pickle ball players from Palo Alto and surrounding communities. The city is just accommodating this demand instead of shutting it out.
>>>>> [Portion removed.] There is no doubt Palo Alto tennis players play proportional amount of time in nearby cities. But if a club has 80% non-resident rate, how can I believe you? If my club can monopoly 12 tennis courts for 4 hours, I can't stop people from all over bay area to come over as it is worth the driving.
===========================Second post ==============================
To Sarah:
I am a Palo Alto resident for a long time and a tennis player along with many of my fellow pickle ball players. Yet you and others keep suggesting that we must not be.
>>>> People have given you reasons about their suggestions "selfish", "greedy", "not getting along", "no justifications". Have you ever show evidences that you are not? Don't just tell us pickleball is great and you love it. The guys all agree they and the city shall work together to satisfy the needs for senior pickleball palyers in Palo Alto. But you have show your justification for that many courts and if most PA players are seniors and retired, why lighting is such a big priority for them?
Ask yourself, what possible motivation do you have for saying that? To me, it looks like you are holding onto that false notion because it makes you feel better about your stance. That’s why it looks like melodrama.
>>>> As said earlier, Dave, have you read the sentence to yourself? I feel it describes you as well. Please lets not go to that direction.
If you play tennis, you may want to try pickle ball to see what the fuss is about.
>>>>> Please stop fussing that "if you try pickle ball, you will feel why we aren't selfish and greedy". You need to argue with points, please !!!
[Portion removed.]
Charleston Meadows
on Jan 17, 2018 at 5:01 pm
on Jan 17, 2018 at 5:01 pm
To Dave from Midtown:
Please do not spread false rumors. The tennis community did not suggest nor propose to the city to remove the walls. It is the city who is considering doing that, as a result of the pickleball community's selfishness to convert those three tennis courts. Thus, the handball and racquetball players are antagonized by the pickeleball players.
Monroe Park
on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:51 am
on Jan 23, 2018 at 12:51 am
I have no problem with pickle players, but I am puzzled by the plans to revamp tennis courts to a new sport, while existing courts are in terrible disrepair. Both Cubberly and Rincanada are an embarrassment of cracks and potholes. A few years ago I slid on loose material on the Cubberly courts and was hospitalized for a skull fracture and left with permanent brain damage. The courts have not been touched since. Let's make our existing facilities safe an comfortable before spending money on something new.
Stanford
on Feb 19, 2018 at 7:52 am
on Feb 19, 2018 at 7:52 am
Finally Silicon Valley is catching up with the times!
Literally, everywhere else in the country, pickleball courts are being constructed at a much faster rate than both tennis courts and demand for the new sport. It's about time that here, in the heart of innovation, for the country, we fill the need for a very rapidly growing sport that benefits everyone from 10-100 yrs old. Being part of the young crowd in this new sport (and being a competitive player of the older sport tennis), I see a dire need for permanent pickleball courts, with the ideal location being Mitchell.
Whenever I introduce new young players to the sport (who are very good tennis players also), they have a blast like everyone else, but I think it's hard for them to take it too seriously and stick around because we are forced to play on portable nets with ad-hoc lines on a tennis court. However, if we had facilities of our own, it would be much more official (like the sport that it has become everywhere else), and more young players like myself would naturally be drawn to the sport...again, just like everywhere else in the country.
The discussion for new city parks nowadays is no longer, "how many tennis courts should we build", it's "how many tennis and pickleball courts should we build?" While there are almost numberless options for tennis courts to go to at multiple parks, there are essentially ZERO pickleball facilities in all of Bay Area (with the exception of Concord, 1.5 hours away, which finally caught up with the times and built 14 pball courts which have much more visits than the former tennis courts used to).
Mitchell Park already has an incredible pickleball following and it also bears the theme of inclusivity to all people of any physical handicap, which can also be extended to include older residents who no longer get outside anymore because of lack of interest in sports or lack of ability to play them. When Mitchell Park completes these pickleball courts, they will be showing the city that they care about their younger AND older citizens, and that Mitchell Park is the place to do it.
South of Midtown
on Feb 21, 2018 at 3:04 pm
on Feb 21, 2018 at 3:04 pm
In response to "Brandon, a resident of Stanford", what Brandon has said has no solid data to support and is illusion of his own mind.
Literally, everywhere else in the country, pickleball courts are being constructed at a much faster rate than both tennis courts and demand for the new sport.
^^^^ where is this from? Can I say the same for soccer courts? Due to its small base, yes it might be a higher percentage, but in pure number, how can you be sure that pickleball players growth number is larger than tennis players?
It's about time that here, in the heart of innovation, for the country, we fill the need for a very rapidly growing sport that benefits everyone from 10-100 yrs old. Being part of the young crowd in this new sport (and being a competitive player of the older sport tennis), I see a dire need for permanent pickleball courts, with the ideal location being Mitchell.
^^^^^ it is a known fact that most of the players are 55+ years old, as follows:
ages 6-17: 0.8%
ages 18-34: 5.5%
ages 35-54: 19.2%
ages 55-64: 31.8%
age 65+: 42.7%
The reason it doesn't attract younger players like you I guess is the sport doesn't requires lots of movements. Most of the time, players just stand on their pinned feet and wave their arms.
Whenever I introduce new young players to the sport (who are very good tennis players also), they have a blast like everyone else, but I think it's hard for them to take it too seriously and stick around because we are forced to play on portable nets with ad-hoc lines on a tennis court. However, if we had facilities of our own, it would be much more official (like the sport that it has become everywhere else), and more young players like myself would naturally be drawn to the sport...again, just like everywhere else in the country.
^^^^^ as said earlier, it isnt at all the reason. Blast is due to it being an elder sport, not giving young kids enough exercise. People chatting a lot while playing makes it a social sport for elders.
The discussion for new city parks nowadays is no longer, "how many tennis courts should we build", it's "how many tennis and pickleball courts should we build?" While there are almost numberless options for tennis courts to go to at multiple parks, there are essentially ZERO pickleball facilities in all of Bay Area (with the exception of Concord, 1.5 hours away, which finally caught up with the times and built 14 pball courts which have much more visits than the former tennis courts used to).
^^^^^ this is wrong again. People have shown you the numbers of lit tennis courts vs lit pickle courts (after the conversion) being 12 vs 14 and nobody dare even to tell the public the number of pickle players in your club who are PA residents. Also there are two official pickleball courts in MP already and have been there for more than 20 years. People can play pickleball at night using the light from the tennis courts. But in the past 20 years the courts have been rarely used/occupied, in stead badminton players play there more than pickleball players. Should the city change tennis courts rules one day in the future regarding the 1 hour limit when others are waiting, I am very sure the tennis courts would be better utilized by any tennis club than the pickcleball club. The 1 hour limit is to protect our local residents from the outsiders hogging the tennis courts.
Mitchell Park already has an incredible pickleball following and it also bears the theme of inclusivity to all people of any physical handicap, which can also be extended to include older residents who no longer get outside anymore because of lack of interest in sports or lack of ability to play them. When Mitchell Park completes these pickleball courts, they will be showing the city that they care about their younger AND older citizens, and that Mitchell Park is the place to do it.
^^^^^ these courts should NOT be converted to pickleball courts for sure as it is reasoned being selfish, greedy, not-getting-along, and with no justifications.
^^^^^ last but not least, happy tennis playing at MP.
Charleston Meadows
on Feb 26, 2018 at 11:15 am
on Feb 26, 2018 at 11:15 am
I play tennis at MP courts, and in the winter there is waiting for those courts since there are few lighted tennis courts in PA. I moved to PA from Fremont and I don't know if it is a fair comparison but Fremont had more lighted tennis courts. There are many courts in S. Palo Alto, but the lighted courts have folks waiting for them after work hours. It will be great to have more lighted courts in PA.