TITLE:
Receive Report and Provide Direction to Staff Regarding Options for Pickleball and Tennis Players at Bainbridge Park ISSUE:
Pickleball, a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has seen a significant increase in participation in recent years and was declared the “fastest growing sport in America” by The Economist. This popularity is due to its ease to play on a smaller court than tennis, ability to get a workout for all ages, and fun atmosphere amongst players. The number of places to play pickleball has more than doubled since 2010, and according to the USA Pickleball Association, there are now nearly 8,000 known public and private locations. The spread of the sport is attributed to its popularity within community centers, PE classes, YMCA facilities, and retirement communities. It should be noted that pickleball, as compared to tennis, is considered a relaxed, fun, boisterous sport where all ages are playing amongst each other. Due to the smaller dimension requirements of court size (20’ x 44’) for both singles and doubles, installing a co-located or blended tennis/pickleball court includes the ability to offer 1 tennis court along with 1, 2, 3 or 4 pickleball courts. While the maximum number of players playing tennis on one court is four people playing doubles, the maximum number playing pickleball using the same space is 16 playing on four courts which further activates the park space. There are currently two pickleball courts at Bainbridge Park though the City frequently receives requests from the public to add more.
ANALYSIS:
The City’s population is approximately 7,200 people. Our service extends beyond our borders, serving well over 14,000 people in the community. While the natural areas surrounding the City are valuable for connecting with nature, fresh air, and exercise, they do not serve the same kind of important function as an outdoor community center such as Bainbridge Park. The combination of tennis courts, basketball courts, and playground are essential for fostering community and creating equity among all members of the community. Bainbridge Park is the only public playground that provides an opportunity for interactive outdoor play that is critical to social development for children and intergenerational community interconnectedness.
Bainbridge Park currently has a basketball court, tennis courts and pickleball courts. Plans and funding are in place to add two artificial turf soccer fields and replace Wiggly Giggly playground equipment. The park will provide more diversity in healthy and active engagement for youth.
The City of Fort Bragg is densely built with approximately 2,586 residents per square mile. Approximately 30% of the City’s residential zones are zoned high density and very high density residential. In these areas, residents typically live in apartment complexes, mobile home parks, or densely built individual housing units, which do not have yard space for active recreation. Bainbridge Park is the primary location where children living in these areas can engage in healthy social outdoor activities.
Additionally, Bainbridge Park is a critical space for engaging elderly members of the community. Healthy Mendocino reports that 33% of people 65 and over live alone. Especially, as the pandemic continues, these members of the public, who are considered high risk for COVID-19, need to have safe spaces where they can participate in accessible intergenerational activities outdoors. The addition of the pickleball courts has provided a low impact activity for our seniors and youth. Expansion of this game at Bainbridge Park will provide for a heathier community.
Discussion Topics:
Restripe the eastern court for four pickleball courts. ($27,000 for this work) Includes netting or fence between the pickleball and tennis courts.
Add an access gate for entry and exit on the east side.
Add permanent pickleball nets.
Place temporary markings (tape) on the west tennis court when empty, with a 2-hour pickleball limit. The tape would be removed after each game.
Place temporary markings (tape) on the basketball court to add two pickleball courts. Staff recommends the basketball court be available when children are out of school.
Improve Fort Bragg Unified School District Middle School tennis courts. Scope to include the two northern tennis courts converted to eight pickleball courts and the two south tennis courts remain. Work to include crack repair coating and striping. ($45,000) RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Receive report and provide direction to staff.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Receive report and take no action.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IMPACT:
Not applicable.
CONSISTENCY:
Consistent with Coastal General Plan Goal OS-17: Provide an attractive system of parks and recreation facilities throughout the City to meet the needs of all age groups and capabilities. Consistent with Coastal General Plan Policy OS-18.2, City/School/Recreation District Cooperation: Continue to encourage City/School/Recreation District cooperation in developing and maintaining park and recreation facilities.
IMPLEMENTATION/TIMEFRAMES:
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposal from First Serve Productions Inc.
NOTIFICATION:
Bainbridge Park “Notify Me” subscribers.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8B
AGENCY: City Council MEETING DATE: October 24, 2022DEPARTMENT: Public WorksPRESENTED BY: John SmithEMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]: City Council MEETING DATE: October 24, 2022DEPARTMENT: Public WorksPRESENTED BY: John SmithEMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] AGENCY: City Council
MEETING DATE: October 24, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTED BY: John Smith
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
AGENCY: City Council
MEETING DATE: October 24, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTED BY: John Smith
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY