Evergreen stepped up and overwhelmingly voted to continue a mill levy that was set to expire in 2025. That means EPRD will keep approximately $1.3 million a year for long overdue maintenance, improvement of certain facilities and programs, and a long-term plan to add facilities.

The pickleball community stepped up and led the charge with 72% of more than 10,000 in-district voters approving the measure.

Linda Jacobsen works the tent at Hops‘n’Drops with EPRD’s Cory Vander Veen.

Out in front of that charge was Linda Jacobsen, USA Pickleball Ambassador, who worked as hard as anyone in the campaign. She posted yard signs, set up tables at community events, talked to anyone who’d listen and got others involved. She deserves much of the credit for the positive response to 6C.

What does that mean for Marshdale?

The EPC Board met with EPRD Executive Director Cory Vander Veen last week to confirm what had been largely rumored. Here’s what’s planned:

8 courts will be resurfaced after scraping down to concrete (removing the asphalt which causes much of the bubbling and cracking)
anchoring the nets (no more legs to trip over)
installing a fence where the two tennis nets are now (balls won’t bounce into courts opposite baselines)
removing the netting and fencing between the east and west courts to provide a bit more sideline spacing (unfortunately not enough to safely allow for fencing between courts)
a cement walkway around the courts (room to set up chairs and benches outside the fence)
new exterior fencing with two entrances on the south side and two on the north side (allowing for getting on and off courts without having to cross through or “slide”)
construction completed in 3-4 weeks, scheduled for June (as we always say up here, “depending on weather”)
Lucky strike extra: installing a pre-built, vault-based facility to replace the porta-potties (no running water but it will be like a real restroom).

Two new competition courts might look something like this, bringing the total to 10 courts at Marshdale.

Wait, there’s more!

Two “competition” courts will be built to the west of the 8 courts. Fences will separate the courts on all sides. A natural bleacher section will face the westernmost court. And it’s possible that the courts will be covered with a roof and lighted. No guarantee though.

Yeah, but what’s the catch?

EPRD has been clear in its strategic plan that improvements to Marshdale were a “public/private partnership.” That means, taxpayer dollars will be committed to the project if private donors come up with a share of the cost. In this case, one-third of the projected $600,000, or $200,000.

EPRD will be active in seeking private contributions, including EPRD Grants & Strategy Manager LIz Cohen pursuing grants and donations from corporations, governments and organizations.

Time to step up our game

EPC is one such organization. We have the most vested interest in making Marshdale happen. The EPC board is confident that we will raise $100,000 through our members, players, families and friends. Al Buenning, EPC immediate past-president will lead a concerted fundraising effort. Monte Poague, EPC Facilities & Equipment Director, will advise EPRD on design and amenities, including the color combinations of the courts.

Bob Kerr, incoming EPC President, will keep moving forward on securing a facility for more indoor courts, again as part of a public/private partnership.

Thanks to our members and players for promoting and advocating for pickleball in Evergreen

You made it happen. The hundreds of members and players who voted, who encouraged family and friends to vote, who spread the joy of pickleball every day have brought us here.

Thanks to you we will have a state-of-the-art facility next summer. Zero Zero Two.

EPRD Election Results: Ballot Issue 6C Wins 11-0