NOTE:
Most courts have special requirements that must be followed during Phase 2. Please be supportive of modified protocols during this limited time period.
If all goes well Phase 3 could happen by the end of June, which might allow for drop-in play of up to 50 people, and scheduled skill-level sessions.
It is worth following these restrictive safe practices to support one another, and get to the next phases.
Reference: USAPA: COVID-19 GUIDANCE ON SAFE RETURN TO PLAY; https://www.usapa.org/…/05/COVID-19-RETURN-TO-PLAY_USAPA.pdf
LOCAL PHASE 2 COURT OPTIONS AND GUIDELINES
(Subject to change without notice)
BELLINGHAM PARKS’ COURTS
All guidelines were set in collaboration between BPC & Bellingham Parks and Rec Dep’t.
*NOTE ALL:
- Play should be pre-arranged to meet up in a small group of 2-5 people.
5 people is the limit for recreating or gathering.
Please avoid mixing players between groups or playing in multiple groups during a visit to the courts. - Singles (including “skinny singles”) and doubles have equal court priority.
Singles is a safer choice than doubles, unless partner is a household member.
Skinny Singles: https://youtu.be/NFMLlzQt2TY
Regular Singles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1ZL9tdP87k - There is no drop-in, congregating, or larger group play allowed at courts.
- Maintain 6-foot distance with non-household members and/or wear mask or face shield.
- While others are waiting for a court, play is limited up to one hour.
Please be considerate. - One waiting group at a time per court.
The group, or representative, waits outside that specific court. - Stagger sessions from dawn to dusk to minimize wait times & congestion.
- Please assess your own health, safety, & risk factors, and take care of yourself.
- All relevant local and state guidelines apply.
BELLINGHAM PARK “MULTI-USE” COURTS
Fairhaven Park has lines for use with tennis nets, and/or for two portable nets.
Padden & Elizabeth Parks have tennis courts with painted lines to use tennis nets.
Birchwood Park on Cedarwood has a basketball court with lines for two portable nets.
Cornwall Park Tennis/ Pickleball “Multi-use” Courts::
There are two tennis courts which are striped for 4 pickleball courts with portable nets, or 2 courts using the tennis nets.
All same guidelines apply.
NOTE: A limited number of nets are available for borrowing by BPC members for several weeks at a time.
CORNWALL PARK: 4 dedicated pball courts are open for play, with above guidelines.
THE TWO MIDDLE COURTS ARE CLOSED so players don’t walk though occupied courts, or need deal with errant balls on courts. This way each court of players is completely in charge of their own safety.
Each court should be entered and exited separately, including 2 back courts by using back gate.
THE TENNIS/ PICKLEBALL “MULTI-USE” COURTS @ Cornwall are open. There are 2 tennis courts or up to 4 pball courts if you bring a portable net. (Same guidelines apply.)
BIRCH BAY ACTIVITY CENTER
BBAC is open by reservation only (for up to 4 people per court on 2 outdoor courts). $3 per person per session. Masks are recommended at all times when you can’t be six feet apart, and required whenever inside the BBAC building. For important details & rules, go to: share.getcloudapp.com/8Lu7QAEk
LYNDEN CITY PARK has a pickleball court with permanent net and has remained open.
BENDER FIELD in Lynden with 4 courts hopes to open sometime in June.
SEMIAHMOO Resort & Spa plans a June 15th re-opening on outdoor tennis court with pball lines. They will operate at 30% capacity. Bring own net. For members only.
HILLCREST PARK’S six new courts in Mt Vernon will likely open in June. The protocols are still being developed.
NOTE: If you’d like to join a list of players sharing contact information to make pickleball connections, visit https://bellinghampickleball.
If you make the personal choice to play pickleball during this time, we highly recommend that you use excellent hygiene measures & physical distancing to minimize the potential spread from person to person. And of course, cover sneezes & coughs with your arm, avoid physical contact, and don’t come at all if you feel sick at all, or have been around people who are sick. During this time it is safer to play in small closed groups with agreed upon hygiene practices than in an open group. If you are in a high-risk health category, we recommend that you not play in open groups.
Mission Statement
BPC promotes the development of pickleball skills, facilities and community in the greater Bellingham area.
BPC Membership Supports:
- Expansion and improvement of local pickleball facilities.
- Welcoming environment for players of all levels.
- Vibrant pickleball community.
- Opportunities to connect with players of your level.
- Enhanced communication, including BPC website.
- Links to places to play, local classes and clinics, rules and organizations, and discounts.
- And much, much more…
Contact Us
Questions about the club, or anything else?
Visit “Bellingham WA Pickleball”, a local group of pickleball players on facebook. Provides general information but not specifically BPC.
News and Updates
NEW SURVEY RESULTS SUMMARY and THURSDAY EVENING MEETING INVITATION
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READ THE SURVEY RESULTS SUMMARY
Thank you to the 133 people who completed the survey on Phase 2 & 3!
Even though Whatcom County won’t reach Phase 3 as quickly as we had hoped when we launched the survey, it's great to hear from so many people!
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Mbs3dRfQ_LRWa1U3n2XXPLSV3ojluTQNWeasyy73HQs/edit?usp=sharing
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JOIN US THIS THURSDAY EVENING 7/9 for a DEVELOPMENT MEETING
We'll focus primarily on Cornwall Park, and provide an opportunity for:
- Phase 2 feedback, with consideration of Phase 2 potential modifications when benchmarks are met.
- Park Department Updates
- Review of Survey Results Summary regarding Phase 2 & 3.
- Q & A;
- Looking ahead toward Phase 3 at Cornwall Park (up to 50 people).
- And more....
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WE INVITE EVERYONE TO SEND US QUESTIONS, FEEDBACK, OR INPUT @ bellinghampickle@gmail.com; (or contact Barbara @ 360-441-5628 or bagoebel@gmail.com).
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ALL ARE WELCOME.
RSVP is greatly appreciated, but not required.
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READ THE AGENDA @ bellinghampickleball.org/meeting-notes/
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MEETING DATE, TIME, & ZOOM LINK:
THURSDAY July 9th 7:15- 8:45pm
(Meeting can be joined anytime after 7pm)
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Join Zoom Meeting
swsd.zoom.us/j/97937509816
No password needed. You can check link ahead of time.
Trouble-Shooting Zoom
You are welcome to test the meeting link ahead of time.
There is helpful info on Zoom website. Look for “About/Resources and Support/ Test Zoom”.
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If you want support in advance, contact Mark L @ mdllivingston@gmail.com & he’ll respond when able.
If you need trouble-shooting assistance on Thursday evening, contact Mark L @ 252-451-0367 (c)
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Reminders:
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RENEW OR JOIN BPC @ bellinghampickleball.org/membership/
We have 150 new and renewed members since May!
This provides opportunities to join the BPC CONTACT DIRECTORY (opt-in/opt-out), vote in August board elections, & support pickleball advocacy.
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PHASE 2 COURT GUIDELINES and LOCAL COURT OPTIONS can be found @
bellinghampickleball.org/updates-info/
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PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR A FACE COVERING OR STAY 6' APART
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BPC PORTABLE NETS
If you’d like to borrow a portable net for use at Fairhaven Park, Birchwood Park, and Cornwall multi-use courts or elsewhere, BPC has a limited supply available. You’d do a one-time check-out for 2-4 weeks. (BPC has priority on net use if needed.) We’d love to see folks spread out to various locations by using a portable net. (You can also use the tennis nets at Padden, Elizabeth, and Fairhaven Parks by bringing a bungie to pull the net down. Bring a measuring stick as net height in middle should be 34”.)
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FACE SHIELDS AVAILABLE
Jeff Kerr has graciously made and donated clear face shields for anyone interested. The shield helps protect you and others while conversing, and when 6’ social distance isn’t feasible. They are very lightweight, and don’t impede breathing. We can arrange for porch pick-up. If the demand is high, Jeff can make some more.
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IF YOU NEED A COUPLE OF PICKLEBALLS because you don't have any, and you are a new or renewed member, send a message to bellinghampickle@gmail.com .
INPUT ALWAYS WELCOME!.
Bellinghampickle@gmail.com
www.bellinghampickleball.org
#bellinghampickleball
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
swsd.zoom.us
Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...At Public Pickleball Courts
Due to surging numbers of COVID-19 cases in Whatcom County, along with directives from Governor Inslee and Whatcom County Health Department, PLEASE:
1) Maintain 6’ distancing and/or wear a face covering. This is particularly important while talking or breathing hard.
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2) This can be a simple bandana, a mask, face shield, or whatever suits your fancy. If you'd like a clear face-shield, BPC has some extras made by Jeff Kerr.
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3) Even if you choose not to wear one while playing, wear one when while not playing, unless you are sure to keep your 6’ distance.
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4) And of course during Phase 2, always make a plan to meet up and to gather with no more than five people. It's not the time for mixing or showing up looking for games or socializing.
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Whatcom County has had 107 new cases in the past 7 days!
Please take care of your own health, and thank you for caring for each others safety.
With Appreciation,
BPC Board
bellinghampickle@gmail.com
www.bellinghampickleball.org
#bellinghampickleball
www.bellinghampickleball.org
Welcome to the Bellingham Pickleball Club (BPC). BPC promotes the development of pickleball skills, facilities and community in the greater Bellingham area. BPC Membership Supports: Expansion and improvement of local pickleball facilities.We want to hear from you!
BPC invites local picklers to take this 10-15 minute survey to help us gather information for Phase 3 planning at Cornwall.
We want to hear from both club members & non-members of ALL levels.
While no system will please everyone, it is very helpful for us to gain a sense of preferences and interests in the local community to help guide our planning process.
We want input from as many local picklers as possible by MONDAY JUNE 29th, so please don't delay.
Your personal info won’t be shared with others without your consent; only summary information. Please share with other picklers you know.
Thank you!
BPC exists to promote the development of pickleball skills, facilities, & community in the greater Bellingham area.
Here's the link forms.gle/QCQE4kGtQWdEvmxQ8
#bellinghampickleball
Preparing for Phase 3 Pickleball at Cornwall; Survey from BPC, June 2020
forms.gle
Your input is important! BPC invites local picklers to take this 10-15 minute survey to help us gather information to plan for Phase 3 at Cornwall. We want input from both club members & non-members of ALL levels. We want input from as many people as possible by MONDAY JUNE 29th. Your personal info....Info regarding Phase 2 and Phase 3 below.
Thank you for taking the time to be informed.
(Fyi, this info plus more in recent email.)
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CORNWALL MULTI-USE (TENNIS / PICKLEBALL) COURTS HAVE OPENED!
Same Phase 2 Guidelines apply as for the dedicated pickleball courts. The multi-use courts can be used with the tennis net, or with a portable net. If you have a portable net, bring it in your car when you come for your pre-arranged session, in case the dedicated courts are full but the tennis courts aren’t. The tennis nets can be used as well, by bringing a bungie and measuring stick, lowering to 34” in the middle. Some courts can be slick when damp.
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UPCOMING PHASE 3 INPUT SURVEY!
We want your input! Watch for a new Cornwall Phase 3 Survey by mid-week, as we want to learn of preferences from more than 100 people. There will be a quick deadline for replies, so please submit your input as soon as possible. The results will influence the direction of the Phase 3 at Cornwall. There will not be drop-in the same format as last year. We must also keep in mind that plans need to be practical, supported by volunteers, and within local guidelines.
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REFERENCE PHASE 2 GUIDELINES & COURT OPTIONS
Available @ bellinghampickleball.org/local-venues/
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SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY JUNE 30th @ 7:15PM FOR NEXT BPC DEVELOPMENT MEETING; All Welcome!
(Depending on current events, if that date seems to soon we may postpone until Thursday July 9th @ 7:15PM)
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BHAM PARKS’ UPDATES
CORNWALL
PHASE 2: People have been able to play for extended periods of time, and groups haven't had to wait more than 15 minutes, if at all. During many times of day, there are available courts. This is because players are spreading out early to late (and playing at other courts), plus some are still reluctant to play for health reasons or find it challenging to pre-arrange sessions.
Adherence to the Cornwall Phase 2 Guidelines is now going well, and there are few problems, which is wonderful. More people are getting connected in various ways to pre-arrange sessions, including via the new BPC Member Directory (opt-in/ opt-out). We welcome the re-opening of the multi-use courts which provide increased capacity.
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PHASE 3:
It is unknown when Phase 3 will start in Whatcom County. It is unlikely Whatcom can apply on June 26th, as our local numbers are not looking good.
The Bham Park Dept provided Phase 3 guidance to BPC on 6/19, including:
- There will be a 50 person limit applied to both court areas TOGETHER, rather than each separately.
- Middle court reopening will likely be allowed.
- Social distancing and/or mask wearing guidelines will continue.
- Drop-in sessions will be allowed, although in a modified format to reduce congestion, and promote safety.
- Hosted “Skill-level Sessions” can be scheduled on up to 4 courts (as long as they are open to the public, and posted on the website calendar and at the kiosk.)
- We will be allowed to share equipment (portable nets!) and grant lockbox access, as long as safety protocols are in place.
- Players will be expected to self-monitor in order to adhere to guidelines, and support others in doing so as well.
- BPC won’t be required to have hosts present at drop-in sessions, as we were last summer. We do hope to have as many “Pickleball Ambassadors” as possible, so that one or more are likely present during larger group sessions in order to keep an eye out for newcomers, help answer basic questions, and refer issues of concern to the BPC board.
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REMINDER: ANNUAL BPC MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DRIVE IS MAY_JUNE
Thank you to the 125 renewed or new members! Memberships from last season expire on June 30th unless renewed.
Renew or join today @ bellinghampickleball.org/membership/, good through June 2021. We’d love to reach 140 by the end of June. Due to the Covid-19 situation, everyone is welcome to pay whatever member fee works for them, even if it’s $0.00.
Renewing or joining now supports local advocacy, helps our volunteer treasurer, and provides an opportunity to join the member directory, and to vote in August Board Elections.
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6/15 BPC DEVELOPMENT MEETING
The primary focus was to debrief about Phase 2 and begin brainstorming about Phase 3 at Cornwall. The challenge for Phase 3 is to support access for all levels, while still maintaining a relatively safe environment and adhering to local guidelines. After weighing in on some potential options but not reaching a clear conclusion, it was decided that board members will take a step back to consider all factors.
It is clear that simple is preferable to complex, and that we need to get input from more people, so we will do a survey asap. It is unlikely that any Phase 3 system will meet everyone’s needs all the time, but we’d like things to work relatively well for the majority of players most of the time. Skill-level sessions will definitely be needed to help meet additional needs.
See meeting notes @ bellinghampickleball.org/meeting-notes/ .
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SEEKING “HOSTS” FOR SKILL-LEVEL SESSIONS
During Phase 3, we will once again be allowed to schedule hosted “skill-level sessions” for various levels at Cornwall on up to 4 courts, as long as they are open to the public. The concept is to have scheduled times for specific skill-levels to gather for drills & games. All we need in order to put a session on the calender for Phase 3, is a “host” who is committed to being there at a scheduled day & time of their choice, or finding a substitute if they aren’t able to be there.
Hosts are guaranteed a spot in the session, and are free to participate in all activities. For those who haven’t previously hosted, BPC offers support to get you going. We encourage sessions to start with focused drills, however the host doesn’t necessarily need to be the one to lead them. Often players host sessions for their own skill-level range, but you are also welcome to host a session for a range of levels, or for a lower skill-level as a supportive endeavor.
If you might be interested in doing this, please indicate so on the upcoming survey. If you have questions, let us know. We’d love to have hosts for all levels ready to go prior to the start of Phase 3. Last year, some levels had multiple scheduled sessions a week, with a variety of hosts. Without hosts, skill-level sessions cannot be put on the calendar.
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NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR AUGUST BOARD MEMBER ELECTIONS (All levels welcome!)
Please nominate yourself or others to run for the BPC board. Barbara, Stephen, Terri, Bob, Mark, & Gaby are willing to continue if elected, but new representation is also invited. Maggi will not be seeking re-election but will still be actively involved with the club. Gail McDonald is on the Nominating Search Committee. If you’d like to join her in that role, please let us know. We hope for more than 7 candidates for 7 spots, so that it’s a true election. Please send nominations or interest to bellinghampickle@gmail.com , or connect with Gail or a board member.
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NAME TAGS
If you want a magnetic name tag with your name and BPC logo, send an email to Don “Wheeler” @ wheeler225@gmail.com , and make sure to include spelling of exactly what name you want printed. If your name is long, consider just using first name with first letter of last name. When Wheeler gets a batch of requests, he will place an order. Distribution method will be decided at that time. Cost is around $10, payable to Don Wheeler.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
PLEASE INDICATE INTEREST ON UPCOMING SURVEY.
“Hosts” for Skill-level Sessions
Cornwall Pickleball “Ambassadors”
Lockbox “Guardians”
BPC Portable Net “Stewards”
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PORTABLE NETS
BPC has some portable nets which members can borrow. You’d do a one-time check-out for several weeks. (BPC has priority on net use if needed.) We’d love to see folks spread out to various locations by using portable nets. To buy a portable net, go to www.pickleballcentral.com and USE CODE CRbellPC for 5% off, and a 5% rebate to BPC on most purchases, including nets, balls, and paddles..
(You can also use tennis nets at Padden, Elizabeth, Fairhaven & Cornwall Parks by bringing a bungie to pull the net down, and a measuring stick for 34” net height in middle.
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NEED A NEW PADDLE?
Buy from a dedicated local business that supports BPC.
Shop at www.playerspickleball.com and use code to get 10% off, plus $10 donation to BPC. They have a great range of super paddles made at Bakerview facility. And you can pick up locally if you choose.
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IF YOU NEED A COUPLE OF PICKLEBALLS because you don't have any, and you are a new or renewed member, send a message to bellinghampickle@gmail.com .
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$600 RAISED FOR COVID-19 COMMUNITY DONATIONS; LET’S REACH $650 NEXT WEEK!
In support of our neighbors in need at this time, BPC Board members will donate $50 for every 10 members who renew or join May-June. These contributions will go to the Whatcom YMCA, WhatcomHelpers.org, and local food banks. That’s $600 for 125 memberships, $675 for 140 memberships, etc. To renew or join, go to bellinghampickleball.org/membership/
NOTE: BPC funds will NOT be utilized for these donations as this is beyond the BPC mission.
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BPC MEMBER DIRECTORY (opt-in/ opt-out) is currently a google sheet accessible to those who opt-in. Keith Turley (BPC volunteer webmaster supreme) is researching a member portal for our website, but hasn’t found the right fit yet.
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Input and questions welcome.
Thank you for your support of pickleball in our community!
Bellinghampickle@gmail.com
www.bellinghampickleball.org
#bellinghampickleball
Local Venues • Bellingham Pickleball Club
bellinghampickleball.org
Phase 2 Court Options and Guidelines Calendar of BPC Hosted Events Info About BPC Hosted Events NEW BPC-Hosted Sessions: February 29th – April 3rd @ School Gyms For liability reasons, you must be or become a BPC member to participate at school gyms. (bellinghampickleball.org/membership/) S...