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 now has 4 dedicated pickleball courts.
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 in Mt Vernon has three dedicated courts open (of six total). Players must come in groups of 2-5 and play with that group. There is no group or drop-in play. If players are waiting, play 2 games and rotate off courts. Use safe distancing with other groups.
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
Here are election results, meeting highlights, and volunteer requests.
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BOARD ELECTION RESULTS: (After the meeting, the new board chose officers)
President: Stephen Dillon; Vice President: Carol Lo; Secretary: Barbara Goebel; Treasurer: Terri Vossbeck; At-large: Gaby Gaiz, Josh Sharon, Mark Livingston.
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ANNUAL MEETING NOTES (@ bellinghampickleball.org/meeting-notes/ )
The meeting included sharing of highlights from the past year, and priorities for the coming year. There was much appreciation expressed for all the good work done to-date.
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REVIEW BPC ACCOMPLISHMENTS, VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION, & FINANCIAL REPORT @ bellinghampickleball.org/meeting-notes/. It's quite impressive!
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TOP UPCOMING PRIORITIES:
Trying to find suitable places to play this winter.
Opportunities for small group skill-drill sessions & player development;
Pursuing a year-round covered facility.
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SOME HIGHLIGHTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM PAST YEAR:
Increased indoor play sessions from 16 in the previous year to 112 sessions (before 2020 season was cancelled);
Skill-level sessions (including drill-skill development);
New Cornwall courts, activities, & infrastructure;
Successful Phase 2 protocols resulting in play spread throughout the day;
Community outreach & partnerships;
Well organized communication, activities, and volunteer efforts.
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SEEKING VOLUNTEERS; PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP or WANT MORE INFO
A) Check out local covered spaces to see if any are suitable for play with portable nets!
B) Start a small group skill-level session for your level range.
C) Lead a small group skill development session for players of a lower level.
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A BIG THANK YOU TO 193 PICKLERS WHO RENEWED OR JOINED BPC SINCE MAY!
180 people have opted to join in the Member Directory, and 48 have participated in the optional Match Making Survey.
Renew or join BPC Now @ bellinghampickleball.org/membership/ .
Due to the Covid-19 situation, everyone is welcome to pay whatever member fee works for them, even if it’s $0.00.
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NEED HELP?
If anyone reaches out to BPC because they don’t know how to get going with pre-arranging a group for playing (and/or drilling), we will help arrange some playing options for them. bellinghampickle@gmail.com
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MAGGI SIGNING OFF FROM BPC BOARD
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to serve the pickleball community as a BPC Board Member and to collaborate with so many awesome volunteers! I will continue to volunteer to help out and encourage others to do so as well.
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Input is always welcome.
Thank you for your support of our pickleball community!
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.YOU ARE INVITED TO THE
2nd ANNUAL BPC GENERAL MEETING & BOARD ELECTION;
SUNDAY AUGUST 9th, 6PM (via Zoom).
Everyone is welcome at the meeting!
Those who have renewed or joined BPC since May 2020 are eligible to vote at the meeting, or at any time prior to the 8/9/20 deadline.
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For those who want to renew or join, please go to bellinghampickleball.org/membership/
If you are aren’t sure whether your membership is current, email bellinghampickle@gmail.com .
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READ CANDIDATE INFO & MEETING INFO, WITH e-BALLOT LINK:
bellinghampickleball.org/flyers-documents/ or bellinghampickleball.org/meeting-notes/ .
All voting, whether in advance or during the meeting, will be via the secure BPC e-Ballot Google Form..
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Meeting RSVP greatly appreciated, but not required.
For RSVP or questions, direct message BPC or email bellinghampickle@gmail.com .
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DETAILS TO JOIN ZOOM MEETING:
Click on Zoom link, or copy and paste: swsd.zoom.us/j/99650377092 .
No password needed.
Meeting ID: 996 5037 7092; One tap mobile +12532158782, 99650377092# US
(Barbara Goebel will be there early to welcome attendees.)
You are welcome to try out the meeting link ahead of time.
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If needed, there is helpful info on the Zoom website. Look for "About/ Resources and Support/ Test Zoom".
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If trouble-shooting assistance is needed on Sunday evening, please contact Mark L. @ 252-451-0367 (c).
If you need support in advance, you may contact Mark @ mdllivingston@gmail.com & he’ll respond when able.
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THANK YOU to the 188 PICKLERS WHO RENEWED OR JOINED SINCE MAY!
Due to the Covid-19 situation, everyone is welcome to pay whatever member fee works for them.
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WANT HELP CONNECTING FOR PLAY?
If anyone reaches out to BPC because they don’t know how to get going with pre-arranging a group for playing (and/or drilling), we will do our best to help develop some options. ( bellinghampickle@gmail.com )
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Input and questions are always welcome.
Thank you for your support of pickleball in our community!
Barbara Goebel, BPC President
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.UPDATES, INVITATIONS, SURVEY RESULTS, & REMINDERS
(Same info & more in recent email.)
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FYI: Fairhaven Park Courts will be closed for repairs on Tuesday 7/21 & Wednesday 7/22.
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JULY 9th BPC DEVELOPMENT MEETING NOTES,
Meeting Notes, and Survey Results Summary, can be found @ bellinghampickleball.org/meeting-notes/ .
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PHASE 2
The Phase 2 court protocols have been working well for most of those playing. However due to Phase 2 and relevant protocols lasting longer than anticipated, there appears to be a challenge for some to connect with others to organize and pre-arrange games. Because of this, some people aren’t playing nearly as much as they’d like to. BPC proposes the following to help players connect:
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1) If anyone reaches out to BPC because they don’t know how to get going with pre-arranging a group for playing (and/or drilling), we will help arrange some playing options for them. ( bellinghampickle@gmail.com )
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2) The BPC Member Directory (& Match Making Survey) is available to all renewed & new members who consent to share contact information.
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3) BPC is beginning to arrange some small groups based on skill-level for ongoing play (and/or drilling). These formats are in accordance with Phase 2 guideline of playing & gathering only in groups of five person or less during a session. If you want to be invited to join a group as they are formed, you are welcome to send an email expressing your interest. These formats will be on an experimental trial basis, and modified as relevant.
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A BIG THANK YOU TO THE 175 PICKLERS WHO RENEWED OR JOINED SINCE MAY!
160 people opted to join in the Member Directory, and 44 have participated in the Match Making Survey.
During May-June, 152 renewed or joined which resulted in board donations of $620 to the Whatcom Family YMCA, $275 to Whatcom COVID-19 Helpers, and $400 to the Bellingham Food Bank. Way to Go!
(Note: No BPC funds were utilized for these donations as this is beyond the BPC mission.)
Renew or join BPC Now @ bellinghampickleball.org/membership/
Due to the Covid-19 situation, everyone is welcome to pay whatever member fee works for them, even if it’s $0.00.
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THERE ARE FOUR NEW DEDICATED COURTS at BENDER FIELD in LYNDEN!
Thank you to Mount Baker Rotary, the Blackburn Family, and all the generous supporters!
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2nd ANNUAL BOARD ELECTIONS and GENERAL MEETING:
SUNDAY AUGUST 9th, 6 – 8pm.
Zoom Link: swsd.zoom.us/j/99650377092 ; No password needed. RSVP requested, but not required.
Board election nominations are open until Saturday July 25th. Please send nominations (of self or others) to bellinghampickle@gmail.com, or connect with Gail, Neal, Barbara G, or Maggi.
All current BPC members will receive an electronic ballot by July 30th. Voting can be done during or before the meeting.
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BELLINGHAM PARK DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Open courts are available at Bellingham Parks much of the time, with infrequent or minimal waiting. Spreading out at various times and parks is working! If you want to borrow a portable net from BPC, let us know.
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Feel free to hand-chalk lines now for portable nets at Elizabeth Park, as BPC will not be allowed to spray-chalk this season. Of course, you can also use the tennis nets at there, and at Cornwall & Padden.
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The Park department is clear that the middle courts will stay closed throughout Phase 2. We will address the topic again as we approach future phases.
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BPC and the Park Dept had a productive meeting confirming our shared commitment to current protocols.
This includes: All the public have equal access to the courts; Players are encouraged to pre-arrange groups of 5 or fewer rather than drop-by looking for pick-up games; Social distancing and/or mask wearing is expected; Stagger play sessions dusk till dawn.
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PHASE 2 & 3 SURVEY RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS (from 7/9 BPC Meeting Notes)
You can read the full Survey Results Summary, with comments @ bellinghampickleball.org/meeting-notes/
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133 people completed the survey.
As usual the intermediate levels made up over 50% of the respondents, followed by 30% beginners & novices (levels 1.0-2.5+), and 13% lower & upper advanced (4.0-5.0)
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71% of respondents had played during Phase Two.
44% had played at Cornwall.
31% reported playing all they wanted,
40% had played but not as often as they wanted, and
29% weren’t ready to play yet.
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The most common challenge for folks was finding suitable groups to pre-arrange play with. This is what motivates the BPC Board to trial using Spond or Playtime Scheduler that will still result in groups of five or fewer. There is concern about ensuring that a chosen format doesn’t slip into informal drop-in.
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Survey responses from September 2019 showed that 99% thought they’d be playing at Cornwall this summer, yet the current survey reflects that now only 68% are confident they will play there this summer.
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53% of people are interested in skill-level sessions during Phase 3. An interesting related survey outcome is that during Phase 3 more people are interested in skill-level sessions during the morning than in morning open general drop-in. This reflects concerns of many about the safety of large-scale open drop-in gathering.
49% say “yes, there should be skill-level sessions in the mornings”, compared to 19% who say there should not be. 24% didn’t know enough to answer.
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Although there is interest in volunteering, the commitment level is well below normal due to a high level of uncertainty.
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Phase 3 is still likely quite a ways in the future, so our current focus is on Phase 2.
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Input always welcome.
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.Please Save The Date for The 2nd BPC Annual General Meeting and Board Elections.
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You are invited to the 2nd BPC Annual General Meeting on Sunday August 9th, 6-8pm, during which time the slate of board members will be elected for the next term.
This is an important right and responsibility of club members.
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Additionally, the list of activities for the past year and the financial report will be shared, and there will be an opportunity for input from members.
These are unprecedented times as we figure out how to operate during an ongoing pandemic, and your support is greatly appreciated.
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All current BPC members will receive an electronic ballot by July 30th.
Votes can be submitted in advance, and the cutoff for ballots will be during the meeting (exact time to be determined).
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The election form will include statements from each of the candidates along with the positions they are willing to serve.
Nominations may still be sent to bellinghampickle@gmail.com until Saturday July 25 (15 days prior to the election).
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The Zoom Meeting: will be
Time: Aug 9, 2020 06:00 PM Pacific Time
swsd.zoom.us/j/99650377092
Meeting ID: 996 5037 7092.
No password needed.
RSVP requested, but not necessary.
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Input always welcome!
Thank you.
Barbara Goebel
BPC President
bellinghampickle@gmail.com
www.bellinghampickleball.org
To renew or join: bellinghampickleball.org/membership/
#bellinghampickleball
Membership • Bellingham Pickleball Club
bellinghampickleball.org
BPC Mission Statement Promote 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....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
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