In anticipation of an imminent but as yet unspecified temporary closure of the Marshdale courts, mimosas and donut holes will be served up Monday morning, May 13, while the weather has a chance of being decent. Linda Jacobsen will be pouring the bubbly starting at 10 a.m.

If you’re interested, you can get information on Grouper (formerly known as Element 3) from Linda while you sip.

EPC President Bob Kerr has been working with EPRD and others to provide alternate courts while Marshdale is closed this spring/summer for a major overhaul.

At neighboring Marshdale Elementary, there will be three or four temporary courts prepared and made available for pickleball on an existing surface.

At Evergreen Middle School, three pickleball courts will be patched, painted with sanded paint and striped with white paint as soon as next week. Nets from Marshdale will be relocated to EMS. There should be full access after school is out May 27, and perhaps limited availability before then.

Unfortunately, the tennis courts at Wulf will not be available for pickleball at all since they are used for sanctioned tennis events.

There is still a way to attend the Spring Fling

All 100 complimentary spots have been reserved for next week’s annual Spring Fling. However, those without reservations are still welcome to attend if they email Cherie Peterson, EPC secretary/social director, and pay $30 at the door to cover the taco bar, one drink and room costs. EPC membership is welcomed, but not required, to join this event.

The Fling will be Wednesday, May 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Wild Game in Bergen Park. There are pickleball courts outside, with ping pong, shuffleboard, pool and other diversions inside. Plenty of lively conversation is guaranteed inside or out.

A big thanks to ace pickleballer Gig Blitz, who is generously sponsoring the event again this year.

One a day

Jeff Sweet, EPRD recreation supervisor-Athletics, has received some questions regarding the one session-per-day policy. “Players may choose one time slot per day to play at Wulf,” he said. “Pickleball classes do not count as a player's one time per day as there is an additional cost associated with the class. Ladder play does count as a player's one time per day.”

A ball is a ball is a ball

EPC webmaster Jim Hunsaker has heard players discussing the "good" and "bad" colors for a pickleball. Although it is specific to tennis, Jim says this article addresses the color topic.

Marshdale: Drink a toast, play while you can