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
UPDATES, JUNE 2nd MEETING INFO, & ANNUAL MEMBER DRIVE
(FYI: There are more details in the recent email.)
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BELLINGHAM PARKS
BPC has had productive discussions with Park Dept. We await follow-up from them as soon as they can bring the needed pieces together. Unfortunately they are totally swamped while adapting to competing needs, restrictions, and unknowns. We will inform you as soon as we have the necessary info, including dates!!
See the end of this post for some likely elements of re-opening.
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OTHER VENUES
Birch Bay Activity Center is also working on transition plans during these challenging times. You'll get news as soon as there is any to share!
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PHASE 2 and RETURN TO PLAY
Whatcom County will not reach Phase 2 re-opening by June 1st as many had hoped because we've had too many recent covid-19 cases. The timing is unknown, but will likely be no earlier than June 8th, and probably later. It all depends on the numbers of new covid-19 cases here.
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VANDALISM AT CORNWALL
More eyes at Cornwall would be helpful, as there has been some vandalism during the past two weeks. Added presence of walkers or bikers could be a deterrent. Park ambassadors now also stop by periodically. Please only do what is safe. If you see any suspicious activity, please call 911 rather than intervening directly. We’ve requested to install a web camera, but are guessing that will not be allowed.
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BPC ZOOM MEETING: NEXT TUESDAY, JUNE 2nd @ 6PM
AGENDA: Updates, participant input & trouble-shooting.
RSVP: Greatly appreciated, but not required.
LOCATION: Your device via Zoom video conference. (Works best on a computer with camera & mic, but can also be done with tablet or smart phone via video or voice.)
NOTE: You might be required to download an update (at no cost) prior to using.
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DETAILS TO JOIN ZOOM MEETING:
Go to: swsd.zoom.us/j/91502961579
(no password needed)
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Trouble-Shooting
Please leave time to upgrade if needed. You can test the meeting link ahead of time. There is helpful info on Zoom website. Look for “About/Resources and Support/ Test Zoom”.
If you need trouble-shooting assistance on Tuesday 6/2 after 5:00pm, please contact Mark L @ 252-451-0367 (c)
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BPC ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL DRIVE IS MAY-JUNE
PLEASE RENEW OR JOIN TODAY, good through June 2021, even though we aren’t yet playing or holding sessions. This is of great support for our treasurer/ bookkeeper, and for the effectiveness of BPC as we continue to advocate for pickleball in our community. Due to the Covid-19 situation, everyone is welcome to pay whatever member fee works for them, even if it’s $0.00.
bellinghampickleball.org/membership/
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NEW BPC OPT-IN MEMBER DIRECTORY
When you join or renew this season, you can now choose to opt-in or opt-out for BPC to share your name, email, phone #, and skill-level you provide, with other members who also consent to share theirs. This may be of particular value with the covid-19 situation because there will not be drop-in or skill-level sessions for quite awhile. Player rotation & waiting groups will be very limited per WA State Phase 2 guidelines. Pre-arranged play will be highly encouraged and perhaps the only option. The opt-in directory will be periodically updated.
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$200 RAISED FOR COVID-19 DONATIONS; LET’S REACH $500 BY NEXT WEEK!
As an added incentive to complete renewals soon, and in support of our neighbors in need at this time, BPC Board members will donate $50 for every 10 members who renew or join during May-June. These contributions will be split between the Whatcom YMCA, WhatcomHelpers.org, and local food banks. That’s $250 for 50 memberships, $610 for 122 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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LIKELY ELEMENTS OF PHASE 2 RE-OPENING
> All relevant local and state guideline are in effect.
> Pre-arranged play with no more than 5 people outside your household.
> No drop-in, mixing of partners between court groups, or congregating.
> 4 dedicated pickleball courts only @ Cornwall, with middle courts closed.
> No shared equipment.
> Players can bring a net to set up on the “multi-purpose” courts.
(Same rules apply).
> Not yet known: singles, household member doubles partners, and/or all doubles?
> Each of the 4 courts will be entered & exited separately.
> Each court will be allowed only one group waiting at a time.
> One hour maximum play once others are waiting for your court.
> 6 foot distancing on & off courts, and wearing masks if that isn’t possible.
> Spread court use between sun-up to sun-down to maximize court availability.
> COB policy currently bans reservations for all Bellingham Park facilities through August 31st. We will continue to pursue a system that allows for reserving a court, but unfortunately we don’t expect that to happen soon.
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Input welcome.
Thank you for your support of pickleball in our community!
Bellinghampickle@gmail.com
www.bellinghampickleball.org
#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....BPC UPDATES, MEMBERSHIP DRIVE, and POTENTIAL RETURN TO PLAY
BHAM PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Park dep’t staff have been quite consumed with adapting to the covid-19 situation, which has been a massive effort. On 5/13 we had a brief conversation with management and upon hearing a few of our ideas, they requested that we submit a Phase 2 proposal for their consideration asap, though they didn't plan on opening sport courts in Phase 1. They said that they hadn’t yet been able to think about Phase 2 sports, including pickleball. We submitted a proposal yesterday. We do not yet have a sense of timing of their response for further conversation and modifications.
They were open to considering return to pickleball play on a restricted basis when we enter Phase 2 of the WA State 4-Phase re-opening plan. This would need to be done in compliance with concurrent local, state, & federal regulations, and we don’t yet know what that will look like. Phase 2 in Whatcom County will likely start no earlier than June 1st, and possibly later if new cases increase. www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/chart-washingtons-phased-approach
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RETURN TO PLAY
(NOTE: Breaking News! The governor JUST announced new Phase 1 rules including paddle sports, which can allow singles, or also doubles only if ALL players are from same household. Stay tuned for potential updates on how that impacts our local venues, which will adapt with varying speeds and allowances.)
We know that there will be no open drop-in sessions, large group interactions, shared equipment, nor BPC-hosting for quite awhile. It is likely that the two middle Cornwall pickleball courts will be blocked off, and that player rotation & waiting groups will likely be a maximum of “no more than five people outside your household” (per WA State Phase 2 guidelines). We do not yet know the degree of playing restrictions and whether there will be allowances for:
Singles, and all household doubles players (as for Phase 1); or
Singles, plus doubles with "partners” who are household member;
or Singles, plus doubles including non-household members.
Other entities and venues will also be figuring out how they will proceed. We will let you know when we have some solid updates.
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May 3rd BPC DEVELOPMENT MEETING NOTES
We had a productive meeting via Zoom with the main topic of what Phase 2 return to public play might look like, given that it needs to abide by local and state guidelines, and be incorporated by venue management (which for Cornwall Park is the Bham Parks & Rec. Dep’t). Read the 5/3 Meeting Notes and the “Return to Play” guidance @ bellinghampickleball.org/meeting-notes/
Next meeting is Tuesday June 2nd @ 6PM (via Zoom)
Meeting link and agenda will be shared prior to the meeting. Please save the date, but be aware that the date could change if the situation dictates. Let us know if you have suggestions for the agenda!
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MORE DRILLS YOU CAN DO BY YOUR SELF at HOME!
Here are a few excellent drills (via video) that you can do with a wall, shared by Mark Livingston from Jem Morris. youtu.be/Xjrl7mcVP9g (2 minutes) and youtu.be/TVPEImpo__I (5 min)
We welcome your input.
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bellinghampickle@gmail.com
www.bellinghampickleball.org
#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....BPC Development Meeting
Sunday May 3rd @ 6pm via "Zoom"
Pertinent info below. Keep in mind that the agenda is subject to change if we get new relevant information. Hopefully the meeting via Zoom will go smoothly, but if not we hope you’ll be supportive while any kinks get worked out. Info also @ bellinghampickleball.org/meeting-notes/ .
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DATE: Sunday May 3rd
TIME: 6pm (you can connect earlier.)
RSVP: Greatly appreciated, but not required.
LOCATION: Your device via Zoom video conference.
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DETAILS TO JOIN ZOOM MEETING:
Link @ us04web.zoom.us/j/73514119280
MEETING ID: 735 1411 9280 Password: 028297
(Works best on a computer with camera & mic, but can also be done with tablet or smart phone.)
See trouble-shooting support below if needed.
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AGENDA
> Introductions
> Annual Member Renewal & New Member Drive (May-June)
> BPC Finance Update
> Update from Park Department (news or no news)
> BPC Approach to Return of Play (when restrictions lifted)
> Member Input Regarding Return of Play (phased approach)
> Follow-up.
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>Other:
- Next BPC meeting date?
- Need for Volunteers (when BPC-Hosted sessions phased back in)
- Reminder of August Board Elections
(request for nominations in July.)
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You are welcome to try out the meeting link ahead of time.
If needed, there is helpful info on the Zoom website.
Look for "About/ Resources and Support/ Test Zoom".
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If you need trouble-shooting assistance after 5pm on Sunday May 3rd, contact Mark L. @ 252-451-0367.
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If you have questions about setting up Zoom IN ADVANCE, you can contact Barbara @ bagoebel@gmail.com or 360-441-5628, or you can contact Mark.
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bellinghampickle@gmail.com
www.bellinghampickleball.org
#bellinghampickleball
Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting
us04web.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...Here are some timely updates.
NEED ASSITANCE WITH ANYTHING?
If you'd like assistance in any way, please let us know and we'll do what we can to help out. We are here to support our local pickleball community! Whether you need extra groceries, someone to pick up a medication, or just a listening ear, please give us a shout. Message us or email bellinghampickle@gmail.com .
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EPIC MINDSHIFT SUMMIT on APRIL15th & 16th; 1-5PM PDT;
Live-streamed @ www.pbMindShiftSummit.com . Top pickleball pros & coaches will focus on the "Mental Game" to help you unlock a new sense of belief, create daily intentional habits, & tap into a heightened sense of focus. Once you register (via Facebook) you can see the videos of each person in the video gallery and see what aspect of the mental game they plan to emphasize. Co-hosted by Dotti Berry
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PICKLEBALL MYSTERY THRILLER: “0-0-DEAD” (free until Tuesday 4/14)
Steve Pustay, from Canton Ohio, is sharing his whodunnit thriller, free of charge, from Friday April 10th- Tuesday April 14th.
Written last year as a serialized holiday gift to his pickleball club, Steve says it’s a fun read with characters we’re all likely to recognize. Anyone can download it to a computer, Kindle, iPad, or any electronic reader @ www.amazon.com/0-0-Dead-Steven-Pustay-ebook/dp/B08414CD5M/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=0-0-dead&q... . You'll need to either have a Amazon/ Kindle account (free 30-day trial available) or download the free Kindle app onto a device.
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DRILLS YOU CAN DO at HOME!
Here are links for a multitude of drills you can do by yourself!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoI6PQu_LeM&t=9s AND youtu.be/MpcEm0uUB6k Coach Jem Morris (shared by Mark Livingston.)
docs.google.com/document/d/1LwKClA46YxgEz0rse4phfVhKJAhR2jeEnaWtvEFuUqk/edit#heading=h.36j0ua8358kw (shared by Dotti Berry from USAPA Ambassador Summit “chat box”)
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NEXT BPC DEVELOPMENT MEETING IS SUNDAY MAY 3rd @ 6PM (via Zoom)
The BPC Board invites BPC members to join in via Zoom, so please save the date. Topics depend on the current and projected situation related to Covid-19. Meeting link and agenda will be shared prior to the meeting. Please let us know if you have suggestions for the agenda! (The original BPC Dev’t meeting was scheduled for 4/19 but we wanted to wait for potential new developments prior to meeting.)
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CORNWALL COVERED COURT FESABILITY STUDY!
The City of Bellingham is currently taking bids until 4/29 to find a qualified candidate to do feasibility study, analysis, and planning for the Cornwall “Covered Pickleball Courts Project”. Hopefully it will turn out that the multi-purpose (tennis) courts can become dedicated pickleball courts, and can be covered. The first step is the feasibility study which will determine subsequent decisions by COB.
Best Wishes to All!
bellinghampickle@gmail.com
www.bellinghampickleball.org
#bellinghampickleball
IMPORTANT: COVID-19 UPDATES FOR ALL
BPC will not be coordinating any activities, nor encouraging open play, including at Cornwall Park, until circumstances change regarding Covid-19.
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Yes this breaks our hearts, but it is the only responsible thing to do given the current situation. It is incumbent on us as a community organization to exercise caution and comply with relevant official recommendations, guidelines, and laws.
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Because we value the health and safety of our cherished community (yes, even above our love of pickleball), we are postponing everything. The USAPA has yet to provide an official statement, but has withdrawn sanctioning for tournaments for the next two months. Pickleball Canada has already made an official statement.
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NOTE: BPC DOES NOT RECOMMEND PLAYING in open groups or large groups, and cannot even recommend playing in foursomes unless the four players all live together. While many will find this to be common sense, some likely may not.
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FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO CONTINUE TO PLAY, we encourage you to follow the recommendations below.
Any local play should only be undertaken if there is full compliance with the most stringent of current and relevant official guidelines and recommendations including Whatcom County, WA State, and the Federal Government/ CDC.
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This includes respecting guidelines for:
> Group size limitations;
> Physical distancing;
> Staying home if you, or anyone around you, have been feeling unwell;
> Object sanitation (eg. ball, paddle, etc) and hand hygiene (including sneezing/coughing into arm, not touching face, hand sanitizing if washing hands is impractical, etc);
> Extra caution for high risk and vulnerable persons;
> AND VERY IMPORTANTLY, having an effective disease containment plan in place, referencing all components above, that is well articulated & understood throughout all players in a group.
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Unlike normal times when BPC usually takes leadership in crafting plans, we will not be doing so in this situation beyond stating the above recommendations. At this time the Bellingham Park Department is leaving all outdoor facilities open to the public, but that could change at anytime, particularly if they see high risk behaviors taking place.
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It is likely that the local North Sound YMCA Tournament will be cancelled or postponed, but that decision will be made later in the month by the YMCA.
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These are tough times, and they won’t last forever, but we are all in this together. Please remember that your actions, both on the court and off, will have ripple effect consequences for others. This also applies to people who have no symptoms, but unknowingly might be transmitting the virus.
Thank you for acting responsibly.
BPC Board
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Barbara Goebel, President (bagoebel@gmail.com; 360-441-5628 )
Stephen Dillon, Vice President
Maggi Kriger, Secretary
Terri Vossbeck, Treasurer
Catharine Vadar, At-Large
Gaby Gaiz, At-Large
Bob Hei, At-Large
Bellinghampickle@gmail.com
#bellinghampickleball
Clear, concise, and necessary. Kudos for taking this action.
I absolutely appreciate your response to this situation. Thank you.