The Pickleball Pickle part one of two 7 Dec. 2019
Board Activity and Timeline Relative to Pickleball
This post tracks the dates and discussion regarding pickleball as chronicled in the Board minutes.
Jan. 11, 2016 - Board meeting - " 9.Maintenance Committee Report.Pickleball lines at tennis courts--Kathy Gorton has gathered information about the cost of painting lines (blue whereas tennis lines are white) for pickleball on the tennis courts, opening them up to use by some of the older residents of the subdivision. She secured estimates from Edward enterprises ($400 for two courts) and McKearney Asphalt ($500 for one and $800 for two courts). Pro-Service was used in the past to paint the tennis court lines, and an estimate from them will be obtained before making a final recommendation. To be reported on at next meeting."
Feb. 23, 2016 Board meeting - " a. Quote to repair cracks in tennis court& painting of pickleball lines ProSurfaces submitted a quote for repairing cracks and some additional work. It was agreed that pickleball lines will be added to the courts. Stacy P. will call ProSurfaces."
Nov. 16, 2016 Board meeting - Mention is made of firm opposition to the lighting of the courts request, and there is language regarding the adding of the pickleball lines has increased the use of the courts.
2017 - It does not appear that pickleball discussion was reflected in 2017.
Mar. 1, 2018, Apr. 17 2918, and June 6, 2018 Board meetings, no discussion of courts noted in minutes
Aug. 7, 2018 Board meeting, moved and approved to spend $500 on a temporary court fix (cracks)
Nov. 7, 2018, Board meeting, courts mentioned but no action taken
Feb. 10, 2019 Annual Meeting at Relli's - some discussion was noted
relative to use of the courts (pickleball already in place), and
homeowners adjacent to the courts get word-of-mouth notice that the
topic was discussed.
Apr. 16, 2019 Board meeting, minutes note:
- Linda Hecker presented two videos and a decibel comparison of pickleball versus tennis. She proposed to resurface the tennis courts for tennis only.
- Barb Parsons submitted a letter proposing to resurface the tennis courts for tennis only.
Joe DeSira requested new signs at Tennis courts
be installed to make it more clear that pickleball was allowed to be played on
the courts, Bill motioned to spend up to $400, Jordan second the motion –
passed. Darlene to follow up and order the signs
Aug. 20, 2019 Board meeting, minutes note:
a. Due the
existing condition of the courts, the Association needs to obtain cost
estimates for tennis court rehabilitation or complete reconstruction.
Recommended companies in the greater Lansing area will be solicited. It may be
valuable to have a specialized tennis court company evaluate rehabilitation or
replacement options.
Bill
proposed getting quotes for Tennis court reconstruction including possible
relocation. Extensive crack and resurfacing repairs were done in 2009 for
$10,600.00.
Alternative
locations were discussed (open areas that are better for reconstruction):
o Crofton
Park using one end of the soccer fields
o Norris Road
Park
Jordan
also recommended reducing the courts from two courts down to one court. Bill
suggested we need to clarify with DeWitt Township that reducing the courts
would not create any issues because the original amenities provided by the
builder were for two tennis courts.
Bill to
contact companies to see if there is a cost to evaluate tennis court
reconstruction and/or relocation.
110.
Other
a. Pickleball
playing on tennis courts - decision on restrictions.
i. Bill
suggested the following options be considered by the Board:
1. Restrict
pickleball playing time to 9 am to dusk, and require players to use quieter
paddles at all times, HOA to purchase paddles and keep at courts
2. No
restrictions from current practice
3. Disallow
pickleball playing
4. Questionnaire
to all members with above options and investment in reconstruction
5. Board
puts temporary restrictions until February 4, 2020 meeting and pose an option
that those who attend the annual meeting to decision
ii. Steve
Hecker said that the pickleball community is not receptive to change. He said
they will use quieter paddles until 9:00 am then switch to regular paddles.
iii. Linda
Hecker mentioned that pickleball players used to use covers on paddles and
softer ball until 9:00 am, but said players said it interfered with the
integrity of the game.
iv. Linda
and Steve expressed that tennis courts should be used for tennis only. Linda
stated the pickleball players have options to play elsewhere
v. Sue
brought up the following:
1. Actual
pickleball use of courts is 1.46% of total usable time
2. Acoustblok
study: pickleball sounds are at 68 decibels
3. Yale
Study:
a. Chain
saw: 140
b. Lawnmower:
107
c. Vacuum
cleaner: 75
d. Suburban
area at night: 40
4. DeWitt
Township ordinance Sec. 26-119 Loud or unnecessary noise, paragraph 8 -
addresses building repairs etc. hours allowed to work are 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
5. Precedent
- limiting tennis court use would set a precedent for future noise complaints
regarding contractors, lawn maintenance, pool use, playground use etc.
vi. Darlene
mentioned when she built her house, she knew the soccer fields would be there,
but it morphed into an area with a playground too. She understands both the
noise issue and the use of common area issue.
vii. Linda
mentioned there is a second group of pickleball players using the court and
they are not sure if there are Springbrook Hills homeowners and they do not use
the quieter paddles at all. Brandon suggested using a lock box with combination
lock available on the website to restrict the use of the courts.
viii.
Jordan mentioned that other HOA restrictions have
not been enforceable, and that restrictions on pickleball would be very
difficult to enforce.
ix. Bill
suggested getting the pickleball players and the tennis court residences
together to discuss solutions.
Pickleball Pickle part one of two
Pickleball Pickle part two of two
Pickleball Pickle part three of two
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