Field house fundraiser paused
A meeting last month of EPRD representatives with constituents interested in proposed projects at Buchanan Park indicated that a field house construction is not a top priority.
In light of this fact, the Evergreen Pickleball Club board has suspended its campaign to raise funds for a field house near or attached to Buchanan Rec Center. EPC has returned a total of $47,550 donated by 21 people, minus a total of $1,600 that four people designated for improvements or upkeep at the Marshdale and Evergreen Middle School courts.
It has become apparent that planning for the field house, which EPC expected to include at least some dedicated pickleball courts, is still very preliminary. EPRD has not made any decisions about location, size or type of courts at any future field house.
John Dunlop, EPC vice president, said the meeting revealed that the EPRD board’s number one priority is building out the aquatics center at Buchanan Rec Center to replace the aging pool at Wulf Rec Center. It will be eight months to a year before work starts on the Buchanan aquatics project.
The number two priority is building the outdoor amenities at Buchanan Park funded by a Great Outdoors Colorado grant of $650,000 to Evergreen Rec District. That includes a skate park, replacement of the existing playground and construction of an outdoor stage/amphitheater.
EPC had hoped to raise about $450,000 toward field house construction if it included dedicated pickleball courts.
Still busy at Wulf: Intermediate players navigate the paddle rack last week.
Only 14 spots left for Spring Fling
Blues and brisket are just a couple of the attractions on tap at Gig Blitz’s annual party, this year on Tuesday, May 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Genesee Pub and BBQ. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Chaz DePaolo will entertain.
Attendance is limited to 65 people, so RSVP ASAP. One complimentary drink is included with the free dinner and entertainment.
Gig Blitz and Jeff Dickenson
Gig is an accomplished pickleball player, proven once again by her silver medal with also talented partner Jeff Dickenson at the Mile High Amateur Open Sunday at Apex Rec Center in Arvada. They shined in the 4.0-4.5 mixed, 45 years and older division.
Besides the Spring Fling, Gig again will sponsor the EPC Mixed Doubles Tournament in September. If you haven’t gotten to know her yet, here’s an introduction.
“A little about me, for those I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting! I moved from Houston to Evergreen in 2019 with my family and joined the pickleball club shortly thereafter. I knew it would be a great way to meet people and learn a new sport.
“I had no idea how to play, but coming from a tennis background with reasonable hand-eye coordination, I figured someone would teach me. Thankfully a couple of delightful folks, seeing my enthusiasm and complete and utter lack of skill and knowledge for the game, helped me learn. I was hooked!
“Through pickleball I now have friends to enjoy mountain biking, hiking, skiing, paddleboarding and, more recently, camping! A group of us recently spent five days in Moab together and had a super, fun-filled, adventurous time.
“Don't be a stranger, come up to me at the Spring Fling, Marshdale, Wulf or courts down the hill and introduce yourself. I'm the girl with the weird accent!”
Thanks from all of us, Gig. We appreciate your ongoing support of Evergreen Pickleball Club!
Monte Poague, EPC maintenance and facilities director, ordered up Push and Pull stickers so we can keep our minds on playing, not trying to get on and off the courts.
Why wait until tournament time to get your club membership?
More than 50 people renewed or started an EPC membership in the last 10 days. Let’s keep the trend going and you’ll be all set when EPC tournaments start June 7. Thanks to EPRD finishing its major renovations last year, all this year’s tournaments will be at Marshdale. Here’s the real, true, final tournament schedule:
Round Robin: Saturday, June 7
Dinkeroo: Friday, June 27
Geezer Games: Friday, July 11
Women’s Doubles, sponsored by Sisters & Company: Saturday, Aug. 2
Men’s Doubles: Saturday, Aug. 23
Mixed Doubles, sponsored by Gig Blitz: Saturday, Sept. 13
EPC-branded visors added to website store
You also don’t have to wait until tournament time to grab some new gear. Jim Mosby has stocked the EPC store with pickleball visors in six different color combinations. They sell for $21.
