There is a new, preliminary plan for the future of public pickleball courts in Evergreen. Significantly, the plan calls for eliminating the two “competition” courts previously penciled in as additions to Marshdale. That saves money that potentially could be used to place those two courts in north Evergreen, possibly in the Buchanan Recreation Center area.

Pending final approval by EPRD, the plan may be the culmination of lots of research and plenty of opinions. Incoming EPC President Bob Kerr spent a year investigating possible locations for new courts, settling on Buchanan as the best option. “The plan is (most likely) for six courts in Buchanan,” he said. He is eyeing a configuration that would make the courts suitable for indoor use with options to open it up during warmer weather.

EPC member Jack Darnell produced a drawing of the latest plan for Marshdale after meeting with Don Rosenthal, a member of the EPRD board and also of Evergreen Pickleball Club, along with EPRD staff.

The existing cement pad at Marshdale would be reused, which may allow EPRD to foot the entire bill for the refurbishment of the courts within its budget. There will still be eight courts with a north/south orientation.

EPRD Executive Director Cory Vander Veen has previously said that work on the Marshdale courts, which require safety-oriented repairs at the least, would be scheduled for next summer. The courts thus will not be usable during a time of heavy demand, but EPC is working on identifying alternate places to play.

Among the latest proposed changes to Marshdale:
- The court spacing is slightly improved, especially the side spacing for courts next to the side fence.
- The plan assumes the existing fence will be removed and replaced with a new fence set just outside the existing slab. If it proves cost-effective, the new fence will have bigger poles and allow for a taller 9-foot windscreen, Don Rosenthal said.
- There are seven gates in total: one north, one south, one middle, two east and two west.

Jack’s drawing shows new asphalt for seating outside the playing courts on the east and west sides. No longer will those waiting to play be able to sit inside the fence. The drawing also shows a storage shed outside the playing surface.

Jack Darnell’s drawing of potential Marshdale improvements

Down the Hill, But Inside

When we first wrote about a new indoor pickleball facility under development in Wheat Ridge last June, 30 readers registered their interest on the 3rd Shot Pickleball website overnight. The wait is over, co-owner Max Ireland confirmed. “We are open to everyone!” he said, not just members. “It’s been a little crazy around here.”

Tamra Hall’s paintings on display for sale at 3rd Shot Pickleball

The facility on Wadsworth between 6th Avenue and I-70 finally had its soft opening Wednesday, with a grand opening celebration set for Thursday, Jan. 18. Boasting 13 indoor courts, it is the largest dedicated pickleball facility in the Front Range, said Travis Ervick, 3rd Shot teaching pro and EPC board member.

It is a membership-based club, but you do not have to belong to reserve courts and play. “3rd Shot will be open throughout the holiday season for lessons and court time,” Travis said.

The Jan. 18 grand opening will feature free open play, food and giveaways. Members may sign up starting Jan. 4 for the celebration and non-members may start signing up Jan. 11.

The website has information on rates and court availability. If you are interested in taking a lesson in the new year, you may email Travis directly. Full disclosure: There are six teaching pros.

EPC has other connections to 3rd Shot Pickleball. Tamra Hall, whose pickleball painting was auctioned at the EPC Holiday Benefit, has two paintings displayed for sale at the new facility in Wheat Ridge. EPC board member David Huerta works with club owners Max Ireland and Adam Kahn as an ambassador.

Go Ahead: Ask Santa for More, Better Courts