|
The Scoop on the Pickleball Dugout
So, what’s the purpose for the dugout? Is it to banish those to timeout who stepped into the kitchen one too many times? Hmm, that’s an interesting idea, but not hardly. Let me try to explain the purpose of it and hopefully put everyone at ease.
When the six courts were installed, it became common practice for players-in-waiting to congregate inside the fence along the sidelines. Eventually, benches were brought inside to accommodate seating. Add to that, PB bags, water bottles and other paraphernalia and it started to get a bit congested. With the dramatic increase of pickleball players, especially during our popular seasons when most of our owners return, it is not uncommon to have all six courts filled and as many or more players waiting in the wings. Pickleball’s popularity is increasing and indications are our court congestion will increase right along. If in doubt, just look at how many newbies Dick Barriss is teaching on any given day!
As a proactive measure to control congestion on the courts before it gets out of hand, I made the decision to remove the benches from the courts. Realizing however that gathering outside of the courts and having to look through the fencing can be daunting and isolating, making it an open-air waiting area seemed ideal. Following are some details relating to the Dugout:
· It is temporary
· The fencing will be painted black
· The mulch will be replaced with pea gravel
· Three or four benches will be placed there
As noted, this is temporary, which of course begs the question, how long is temporary? It was previously announced that plans are in the works to refurbish the area between the tennis/pickleball courts and the clubhouse, that will feature various seating and viewing areas. It is estimated that this project will be completed over the winter months, so the dugout will be utilized until that project is completed.
I hope this clears up any confusion but please don’t hesitate to send a direct line if you have any other questions.
|
