3/10/21 

FoNT - Pickleball Update

Ron Joseph/Ami Gordon:  Status of Pickleball in Newton

- Created informal group out of Playtime for Pickleball
- Play at The Cove at Auburndale throughout Winter; may be less during summer
- Members are from Newton and surrounding towns
- One-half are from Newton; usually 10 – 20 players during winter.
- Following recommendation from Friends of Newton Tennis to work with city
- Beginning in April, players will register through city of Newton Parks, Recreation and Culture (PRC) website in order to formalize permitted pickleball play 7 days a week for 10:30 to 12:30 pm at the Cove in Auburndale.
- Permitted Pickleball players at the Cove will be $20 for Newton residents and $25 for non-Newton residents per quarter  

Sami O’Reilly – Addressed privacy issues related Pickleball

 - Suggested hanging inexpensive windscreen at McGrath Courts

I played pickleball at McGrath on Monday -- those courts REALLY need privacy windscreens to block the houses and busy Washington Street.   FoNT might consider contributing.  We would have to get Parks&Rec approval. We would get the Pickler community to help install.  

Doug Eng - Noise complaint issue and mitigation ideas

The pickleball noise in neighborhood is a national issue. Complaints common in densely populated communities. Newton needs to consider where they put the pickleball lines; might be best at least 75 yards from any house. In addition, they are making a softer pickleball. If Ron or Ami want discounts/supplier. I deal with HEAD directly.

Doug Eng - Pickleball level of popularity – A bit of history and growth trend (vs tennis)

Pickleball has claimed to be #1 in all sports growth . . . In reality, pickleball did not grow when it started in 1965. Its growth period was about 2005-2014. From 2014-19 it grew another 30%. I think in 2020 with COVD it grew about 50-60%. So, since 2014, it doubled but I think that is because it claims 1.3M younger people who tried out pickleball 1-7 times and did not play again. The definition is casual players. The core population remains to be 55+ age group.  

Sami O'Reilly - Suggested adding a combined Pickleball/Spec Tennis Subpage on the FoNT Website

Since all tennis court users share the same interest in maintaining and improving tennis courts across Newton, it is in FoNT's interest to build constituencies across all racquet/paddle sports. This is not to say that FoNT will endorse use of all 67 courts in Newton for Pickleball -- but we will be able to direct the conversation as to which courts are best utilized for these sports if the constituencies reside under FoNT's umbrella organization.  We all agree, the more FoNT members the stronger our voice as we advocate for City funding for repair and improvement of Newton's tennis infrastructure.  

Sami O'Reilly - Right now, another new racquet sport Spec Tennis, which uses Pickleball lines, is in its infancy.  However, prominent names in Newton such as Dave Fish and his wife Bonnie Masland are promoting Spec Tennis. We should address locations of blended courts and other issues such as privacy at McGrath.”

Bruce Baron – Opinion on add Pickleball lines to tennis court in Newton

Recommends no Pickleball lined hybrid courts at Newton North because players are waiting for the courts most evenings and weekends.  (Note: Phil Landa agreed).

Bob Jampol – Put FoNT on notice about current MIAA tennis court rules

MIAA likes to specify rules for secondary lines (in order to reduce confusion and prevent disputes).  Recommends no Pickleball lined hybrid courts at Newton South since tennis courts must comply with Mass Interscholastic Athletic Association for matches and tournament. 

Tennis Court Audit Update:

Bob Jampol: Update on Newton South

I spent a few hours today (gorgeous outside!) at South putting on center straps and tying nets to posts. Folks were playing on all eight courts that didn't have snow on them. Two or three of the nets on the north bank of courts, those left up over the winter, have holes and will need replacement. But when Parks and Rec came and put up the nets on the south bank, we agreed to wait to replace those damaged nets until April. Since bad weather might come, it seemed wise to get another month out of the old nets. I will jury-rig the ones with holes so that they will be adequate until then. 

Tomorrow, perhaps, I will return to put up new court numbers where needed. Some signs fell down and others, the old ones made of plastic, have worn out. There is some clean-up to do, but I might wait until the teams can help with that...I am getting old!

Is the city going to address that crack that runs down the middle of courts 1 and 7? Though the courts are safe, I think, that crack will grow, and some sort of repair might hold it for a few years. The last contractor (New England Seal Coat?) made a mistake putting the seam mid-court. Apparently, it should have gone in between the courts since these seams will inevitably open, given the high water table underneath the courts. In any event, I remember being told that someone from the city would take a gander and see what might be done.

Email from Derek Mannion of PRC (Mar 11):  We will reassess number of linear ft for cracks at south tennis courts. Last April we measured 575 ft. Once we have measured the cracks, we will reach out to Vermont Rec for a repair estimate. We will identify funding amounts for fiscal year 21 and 22.

Tom Friedman: Update on Newton Highlands Playground

Eric Bavly and I rehung the two entrance doors and latches on Newton Highlands Playground courts because the doors were not easy to open or close  during play.   Before the courts were open 3-4 years ago, the doors were incorrectly hung by the vendor, which I mentioned to the vendor (on the day they were installed) and mentioned to city via 311 every year.  PS Eric and I also swept courts and picked up litter around inside and outside courts.   

Parks, Recreation and Culture Signage Update

Stephanie Lapham:  Introduced final draft signage language

Court Rules & Regulations 

• Courts are for racquet sport ONLY 

• Play is limited to ONE HOUR when others are waiting 

• Please help keep these courts clean and free of litter 

• Use of Public Courts for private gain AND/   OR, organized use shall require a permit. Viola tors shall be subject to M.G.L. c. 45, Sec. 24

• Pets, ride-ons, glass products, and cleats are prohibited

Have fun!

For inquiries regarding this court, please call: 617-796-1500 or email at Parks@newtonma.gov 

In case of emergency, please call 9-1-1 

M.G.L. c. 45, Sec. 24, Whoever violates any rule or regulation for the government or use of any land or way taken or held under this chapter or for like purposes under any special act, and made under authority of law by any board or officer in charge thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars.

Stephanie Lapham:  Newton North print shop will produce 46 signs for all tennis court entrances -2 foot by 18 inches at 46 entrance on city’s 62 hard courts