Agenda Item D.1
CPMS DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM
Meeting Date: March 1, 2022
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Jaime A. Valdez, Neighborhood Services Director
CONTACT: JoAnne Plummer, Parks and Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: Consideration of a Proposal from the Goleta Valley Community Center Organization to Repurpose the Existing Tennis Courts for Pickleball Use
RECOMMENDATION:
A. Support the proposal by the Goleta Valley Community Center Organization to repurpose the existing tennis courts for use as permanent pickleball courts; and/or
B. Provide alternate or additional direction to the Goleta Valley Community Center organization.
BACKGROUND:
On January 18, 2022, a proposal for tenant improvements from the Goleta Valley Community Center Organization (GVCC) was considered by City Council (Attachment 1). The proposal was to convert the existing tennis court into four pickleball courts for community use. The existing basketball court would remain but would also be striped for temporary pickleball consideration and use.
The Goleta Community Center is a C ity-owned facility, managed by the GVCC, a non- profit organization. In 1994 the GVCC built the multi - purpose courts, designed for use by tennis and basketball players. As the demand for tennis use drastically decreased, becoming essentially non-existent in the last 10 – 16 years, the GVCC sought other uses such as martial arts, softball pitching practice, etc. While these uses did provide some activity on the courts, the area primarily sat dormant. Due to the significant reduction in demand and competing capital improvement needs at the facility, the courts were not considered a priority by the organization for needed improvements.
Community members came to the GVCC to request consideration of a pilot pickleball opportunity on the existing basketball court in 2019. The project was funded through donations and was very well received with high demand from the public . During the pandemic, residents sought outside opportunities for physical activity, exercise, and socialization. Once it was safe to allow tennis and pickleball, users from the pickleball 1 Meeting Date: March 1, 2022
community approached the GVCC for a possible expansion of the pickleball pilot program that was so popular prior to the shutdown. The expansion of the pilot program temporarily re-purposed the one existing tennis court to four separate pickleball courts and maintained the temporary pickleball court on the basketball court. The improvements to the courts for the pilot program were: 1) improvements to the lights, 2) temporary court lines installed, 3) portable nets, 4) new entrance gates to the courts and 5) a portable restroom for users. The users held fundraisers in the form of tournaments and clinics, paid a daily use fee or an annual membership fee. The funds raised not only paid for the improvements for the pilot program, but also have provided the opportunity to fund the proposed improvements associated with this current request.
DISCUSSION:
At the meeting of January 18th, City Council asked staff to return to address concerns in three primary areas: 1) Access for al; 2) Costs to play; and, 3) Noise. These were areas of similar interest to the Parks and Recreation Commission when they reviewed this proposal at their November 18, 2021, meeting.
ACCESS FOR ALL
Councilmembers communicated concerns associated to access for all, indicating that the GVCC has not communicated to the entire community information on programs and how to get involved.
In response to Council concerns and in addition to current efforts, the GVCC has confirmed they will do the following:
• Develop and install a promotional banner on the front of the courts in English and Spanish.
• Place signs/sandwich boards in front of the Goleta Community Center specifically advertisings “Open Play” opportunities, how to get involved and how to reserve a court in English and Spanish.
• Coordinate efforts with City Staff to post information at other City -owned tennis/pickleball courts.
• Provide monthly beginner pickleball workshops at no cost. (GVCC to pay instructors).
COSTS FOR THE USER
The cost developed for the use of the pickleball courts at the Goleta Community Center was in line with the GVCC’s fee-for-space business model that is used for all activities at the facility. Historically, unless a program is funded through an outside source or the GVCC’s Board of Directors agrees to waive the cost recovery fees, a user fee is charged.
However, at the January 18
th meeting it was indicated that the City Council does not want that same approach for use of the basketball or tennis/pickleball courts.
2 Meeting Date: March 1, 2022
To address the concern, the GVCC has confirmed it is willing to implement the following:
• Open Play ( pick-up games, all abilities welcome ) with no fee on the days/times below:
o Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8 am – 1 pm
o Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 pm – 8:30 pm
• A reservation system for all users during other times with an optional $2 donation • Membership opportunities at $60/annually for those interested • Scholarships available for those desiring the annual membership, but needing assistance
In the beginning, the membership fee ($60/annually) was used to provide access to the online system and to communicate to the users. Many of the users have found the information they receive quite valuable and have expressed an interest to continue. In response, the GVCC has shifted the focus of the membership program to accommodate the desires of the users as well as align with Council direction.
While the membership is not required, it is available for those individuals that are interested in further information about pickleball. Members will receive direct information on classes, leagues, workshops, tournaments, etc. at other court locations throughout the tri-county area. The Membership Connection will not only provide a network for local users, but also provide the opportunity for players to support the program financially if they choose. The funds raised through the membership will:
• Allow players to reinvest in pickleball at this location • Help subsidize direct costs associated with the pickleball program such as a portable restroom, lighting costs, marketing, administrative efforts, etc. • Support the current proposed project
• Potentially provide fiscal support for future projects
NOISE
As City Council is aware, the GVCC Organization has been responsive to noise complaints and has adjusted the hours of play. There have been concerns expressed from across the creek that the GVCC has not been able to mitigate to date, but GVCC has proposed the following:
• Resurfacing of the courts, which will reduce the impact noise of the ball bouncing on the court.
• Install thicker windscreen material on the south fence, which currently only has chain link fencing.
• Recommend that players use paddles and balls from an advertised and posted approved list.
• Propose the expansion of the existing wooden fence on the east side of the field to the southern border of property. City Staff is currently exploring this option and 3 Meeting Date: March 1, 2022
potential considerations with regulatory agencies. If allowable, the GVCC will pay the costs associated with the new fence.
The GVCC, in addition to the measures listed above, has purchased some of the approved paddles and balls for players to experience.
While the GVCC is confident that these actions will significantly reduce the noise impacts, they do request a three- month period once complete before requiring additional mitigations. Should the Council require additional mitigations, the GVCC has suggested the installation of used quilted fiberglass absorber construction panels. These panels have a proven noise reduction rating, but the GVCC has communicated some safety and logistical concerns.
The primary concern about this product, or other proposed noise reduction products is the elimination of visibility. The dense materials not only entirely block the court use visually and from air flow, they also eliminate the opportunity to see any activity on the field south of the courts. The field is in an area with low visibility now, but the placement of a solid product will eliminate all visibility from the north side and become an open invitation for undesirable activity. In addition, the chain-link fence posts would need to be retrofitted to support this product and/or any of the other proposed products.
EXISTING RECREATION RESOURCES
In the City of Goleta limits, the following Tennis and Pickleball Public Courts are known to staff to be available for use at no cost to their users:
TENNIS USE Total
Courts
Mixed Use
Evergreen Park Tennis 2 1 (w/pickleball)
Stow Canyon Open Space Tennis 2 0
Berkeley Park Tennis 2 0
Goleta Community Center Tennis 1 0
Jonny D Wallis Neighborhood Park Junior
Tennis
1 1 (w/basketball)
OTHER TENNIS
Dos Pueblos High School Tennis 6 6 (non-school
hours)
Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club (Private) Tennis 10 0
Winchester Commons HOA (Private) Tennis 2 0
Other Private Courts Tennis 3 0
Private courts are limited to authorized users
4 Meeting Date: March 1, 2022
PICKLEBALL USE Total
Courts
Mixed Use
Evergreen Park Pickleball 2 2 (w/tennis)
Jonny D Wallis Neighborhood Park Pickleball 1 1 (w/Bankshot) Goleta Community Center Pickleball 1 1 (w/basketball)
OTHER PICKLEBALL
Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club (Private) Pickleball 3 0
Private courts are limited to authorized users
In addition to the courts listed above, there are an additional four dedicated pickleball and three dedicated tennis courts with no courts designed for mixed use at the Kellogg Courts on North Kellogg Avenue, outside of the city limits. These courts are owned and operated by the County of Santa Barbara Parks Division.
The proposed project would eliminate one community access tennis court from the list above and make four dedicated community access pickleball courts at the Goleta Community Center, for a total of 5 pickleball courts (4 dedicated and 1 temporary). This is how the courts are temporarily being used now.
GOLETA STRATEGIC PLAN:
The proposal before the City Council does align with the City of Goleta’s 2021 - 2022 Strategic Plan, with specific strategies and goals listed below:
City-Wide Strategy: Support Community Vitality and Enhanced Recreational Opportunities
Strategic Goal: Support programs that enhance quality of life in the Goleta community such as recreation, public safety, human services, and cultural arts
City-Wide Strategy: Return Old Town to a Vital Center of the City
Strategic Goal: Support the continued vigor and vitality in Old Town
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The GVCC is not requesting any funds from the City of Goleta regardless of who should have paid for this maintenance in the past. The organization will utilize funds in their operation budget as well as monies raised in cooperation with the pickleball com munity, to make the court improvements for pickleball and basketball.
5 Meeting Date: March 1, 2022
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT
ESTIMATED
COSTS
AMOUNT
TO BE
PAID BY
GVCC
REQUESTED
FUNDING
FROM THE
CITY OF
GOLETA
Resurfacing and restriping of area
(striping for 4 dedicated pickleball
courts and one mixed use of pickleball
and basketball). Cost includes the
installation of posts for pickleball nets
$21,250 $21,250 $0.00
Repairs to existing fencing
(replacement of some of the existing
mesh)
$12,490 $12,490 $0.00
Installation of thick windscreen on
south fence line where none exists
$5,250 $5,250 $0.00
TOTALS $38,990 $38,990 $0.00
Additional costs associated with this improvement are the promotional/marketing materials and workshops that the GVCC has committed to implement which include, but is not limited to, banners, sandwich boards, signs, and instructor compensation.
Operational costs for this program for maintenance of the courts after the improvements are made will be funded by the Goleta Valley Community Center if they are the manager of the Goleta Community Center. These ongoing costs are listed below:
NEEDS ANNUAL COSTS REPLACEMENT COSTS
Portable Restroom $5,400 n/a
Use of Lights $1,000 Replacement costs
included in annual
maintenance costs
General Maintenance $2,000 n/a
Resurfacing of courts Every six years $3,500
Windscreens Every six years $2,500
6 Meeting Date: March 1, 2022
ALTERNATIVES:
The Council may choose not to accept the proposal, but if so, the City will need to allocate funding to a future maintenance project to resurface the existing courts , which have exceeded their life expectancy. In addition to the court surfac e, the City would need to address the repairs to the perimeter fence to deal with holes, sharp edges, and gaps at the bottom of the fence.
Reviewed By: Legal Review By: Approved By:
___________________ ___________________ _________________ Kristine Schmidt Megan Garibaldi Michelle Greene
Assistant City Manager City Attorney City Manager ATTACHMENTS:
1. Goleta Valley Community Center Organization Proposal from January 18, 2022, to Repurpose the Existing Tennis Courts for Pickleball
2. Goleta Valley Community Center Organization Pickleball Proposal Presentation Addressing Expressed Concerns
7 Attachment 1
Goleta Valley Community Center Organization Proposal from January 18, 2022, to Repurpose the Existing Tennis Courts for Pickleball 8 Phone: (805) 967-1237
Email: [email protected]
5679 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117
501(c)3 Tax Exempt Corporation #95-3278302
Proposal
December 19,2021
The Goleta Valley Community Center, (GVCC) a 501c3 nonprofit organization, currently the managers of the Goleta Community Center Campus located at 5679 Hollister Ave in the City of Goleta, proposes to Convert the (4) existing temporary Pickleball courts into 4 permanent Pickleball Courts and one court, court #5 into a multi-use court for Basketball and Pickleball, the conversion to be done at no cost to the City of Goleta.
The outdoor courts are currently being used as temporary Pickleball Courts with one court, court #5 being used for dual sports of Pickleball and Basketball. The proposed changes include, resurfacing and painting the playing surface, striping the new surface for Pickleball on courts 1-5 with court #5 also being striped for basketball. The improvements also include installation of eight new permanently installed court net post and four nets for Pickleball on courts 1-4. Court #5 will have a portable net due to its mixed use of Pickleball and Basketball.
Additionally, the GVCC would like to replace damaged chain link fencing on the divider fence between court #4 and court #5 and parts of the south facing fence. The changes/upgrades to the courts if approved will make them permanent Pickleball Courts. The GVCC has (3) bids on file from licensed contractors that specialize in court resurfacing and our hope is to begin work in early 2022.
Court History:
GVCC has been managing the Goleta Community Center property for over 40 years. We take pride in our work as the caretakers of this property, not just in maintaining the property but also for our vision towards the future. Over 25 years ago, in 1994 GVCC sought permission to build a multipurpose outdoor court to bring more recreational opportunities to the Community Center. Our request was sent to the County of Santa Barbara, the property owner and it was unanimously approved. The new courts were well received. A local Tennis Pro taught lessons and managed the courts for years, however as time went on there was more “pickup” basketball games than tennis use. Eventually, demand for tennis went away. The courts sat 9 underutilized for the last 15 years. The most significant uses were occasional pick-up basketball games and a request from a girls' softball pitching coach wanting to rent the courts at night for the Fall Season. She came to the GVCC as we had the only lighted courts for nighttime use.
Justification for Change:
The playing surface of the temporary Pickle Ball Courts is old and worn, with peeling and chipped paint and a playing surface that no longer has traction and has become slippery especially with dust and dirt on the court.
While the courts were originally built for tennis, they have not been used for tennis for over 15 years. Since being temporarily modified for Pickleball in early August of 2020 the courts have been active seven (7) days a week with heavy use in the morning and early evenings.
The courts were opened for play during the COVID 19 Pandemic. State and City of Goleta COVID 19 guidelines for safe play were established and posted on the courts and GVCC Web site. Players commented how good it felt to be outside playing a game they really enjoy with friends and family. Several commented that it was a mental health boost from the “stay at home” order during the pandemic.
These courts are contributing to health and wellbeing of those coming to play and they are a boost to the local economy especially when there are pickle ball clinics, or tournaments as those activities attract local players as well as players from out of county and in some cases out of state. Those people come and stay in our local hotels, and local RV Parks or campgrounds, they patronize our local restaurants and food markets as well as buying gas in our local service stations. The GVCC benefits financially from the tournaments, thru entry fees and court reservations, the funds received have allow the GVCC to make significant improvements without asking the City of Goleta for additional funds.
Five years ago, the City of Goleta shared with the GVCC management that they wanted to see more recreational opportunities on the Goleta Community Center Campus as well as more recreational value added to the property. They also wanted to see an improvement in the GVCC’s ability to generate more income to reduce the city’s need to subsidize GVCC’s operations. The GVCC has delivered on both those city directives. The proposed changes when completed will attract more players, and because of the quality of the courts the GVCC will be able to host “sanctioned” tournaments bringing in top notched players from out of the area.
Tournaments are weekend events, this means people will be coming to Goleta for an extended time, staying in local hotels, eating at local restaurants, and staying to see our local scenic spots. This will be a boost to the local economy and to the GVCC as the “host Site.”
Recently the GVCC made a presentation to the City of Goleta’s Parks and Recreation Commission, about our Proposal to refurbish the temporary Pickleball Courts making them permanent, their charge was to consider the GVCC Proposal to repurpose the existing tennis courts for pickleball use and provide a recommendation to the City Council related to the 10 recreation use compatibility based on community need and existing adopted City Parks and Recreation related plans.
The presentation was virtual with over 135 people logging on to the presentation and over 300 letters of support sent to the City of Goleta stating how important the courts are for the community and how important it is to have this outdoor recreational activity that supports not just individual physical activity but that the courts are a financial boost for the local economy. The community overwhelming supports pickleball and expressed their desire to have even more courts available. The CVCC Courts are a logical best choice for renovation, they are central to the community and located in a Commercial Zone as opposed to residential zoning, they serve a more diverse population than any other site, they have ample parking, and lights for night play.
The GVCC Pickleball Courts help keep our community vibrant and healthy! The GVCC management is committed to resurfacing the courts, painting the courts, striping the courts, having permanent net post and nets installed, replacing the damaged fence between Courts 4 & 5, and installing windscreen material on the south fence, all at no cost to the city.
Summary:
• The GVCC Pilot Pickleball Program has been highly successful. • It’s been a huge hit with the community, positive community response and the most widely used and supported courts in Goleta.
• Hundreds of users
• It’s generated thousands of dollars
• It’s brought public recognition to the Goleta Community Center • It’s supported by Businesses, Associations, and neighbors throughout old town • The courts are filled daily with active vibrant visitors
We encourage the Goleta City Council to support our proposal to refurbish the existing temporary Pickleball Courts making them permanent, it creates the highest and best use for this city resource and it immediately allows the City of Goleta to meet community demand and deliver a service comparable to other area cities.
The GVCC and the USA Pickleball Association have collaborated to produce an Investigative Report, Analysis of Pickleball Within the City of Goleta, GVCC Court Resources Report. The attached report supports the GVCC’s desire to renovate the existing courts and addresses the issues and concerns raised by the members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, it is included as a separate attachment for your review.
Respectfully,
Charlie Johnson, Acting General Manager
December 10, 2021
11 Attachment 2
Goleta Valley Community Center Organization Pickleball
Proposal Presentation Addressing Expressed Concerns
12 Goleta
Valley Community Center
Pickleball Proposal Presentation
Addressing Expressed Concerns
February 15, 2022
13 Supporting
multiple forms
of recreation
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Pickleball
1/27/2022 @ 6pm
14 GVCC to upgrade courts
at no expense to City of
Goleta
• Resurface courts – 4 pickleball and one
mixed
use basketball/pickleball $21,250
Cost to City of Goleta - $0
• Fix tattered fencing - $12,490
Cost t
o City of Goleta $0
• Install windscreen on south fence -$5,250
Cost t
o City of Goleta $0
• GVCC Investment $38,990
Cost t
o City of Goleta $0
15 Open Play (pickup games) Times NO cost to
users
Membership available for $60 per year
Reservations available to ALL
Scholarships available by application for those
in needs of assistance for yearlong
membership
• Open Play Fri, Sat & Sunday 8am to 1pm
• Open Play Tue and Thurs 3pm to 8:30pm
• Open Play Times are evaluated and adjusted as needed
GVCC Pickleball Fee Structure
16 Ongoing Costs of
Court Operations
• Portable Restroom - $5,400/year
• Lights - $1,000/year
• General Maintenance - $ 2,000/year
• Resurface every 6 years - $3,550 year
• Windscreens every 6 years – 2,500 year
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC 17 Improved
Community
Communication
& Free Lessons
• Banner on front of courts: Pickleball is for everyone! Come Join the fun. (In Spanish and English)
• Sandwich boards with instructions on how-to sign-up, reserve courts (In Spanish and English.
• Signage in front of GVCC inviting people to participate in Open Play (In Spanish and English. Inf
ormation posted on GVCC website
• Work with City Staff to coordinate posting information at other park locations • Beginner workshops provided monthly for FREE
• GVCC to pay instructors for their time
18 GVCC Noise Abatement Tier 1
• Resurface courts reducing impact noise of ball on cement ($21,250)
• Install 78% blocking windscreen material on south fence ($5,250)
• Construct Wood Fence along south side of field if possible • Players recommended to use quite paddles and balls from the Green Z
one List
• https://www.pickleballportal.com/gear/paddles/best-quiet-pickleball- paddles/
• If this is not successful Tier 2 could be considered
19 GVCC Pickleball
Noise Abatement
Tier 2
(expressed concerns)
20 It is important to
“Routinely analyze the usage of
f
acilities…
Routinely measure the amount
of par
ticipation in its facilities
and services …
Determine the levels of usage
and identify any trends in this
usage...
Make appropriate changes to
its
supporting facilities...”
Goleta Parks, Facilities
and
Playground Master Plan
• GVCC has worked with the community
• Pickleball courts actively used, and trend is growing • Hundreds of families are visiting GVCC and Old Town – some for the firs
t time
GVCC pickleball in background
21 QUESTIONS ?
22