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.org/membership/ to renew or join and you can opt-in to the directory.

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.