PublicPlay (details)

All of the pickleball courts are open to the public and free of charge. When the six dedicated courts are full and players are waiting, then the whiteboard is used for sharing the courts. The rules and process for use of the whiteboard are listed below. These rules are to be followed at all times and days of the week other than designated Organized Play times.

Public Play Court Sharing

WHEN THE COURTS ARE FULL AND PEOPLE ARE WAITING, USE THE WHITEBOARD

1. ALL PLAYERS MUST VACATE THE COURT AFTER ONE GAME TO 11 (win by 2).

2. Add names to whiteboard for the next available court.

3. Warmup is limited to 5 minutes.

4. Families with children and people learning the game can use a court for 20 minutes.

5. Exceptions include scheduled events such as lessons, Organized Play sessions, and reservations.

The whiteboard has 20 squares where a group or 4 individuals write their name into each square. When a court is available the names are crossed out (not erased) and they take the court. (Entries on board can be erased after game has started.) Groups that wish to stay together are welcome to place their group/family name in one square. Individuals can treat this much like Open Play and join different groups of 4 as it is similar to a 4-in/1-game rotation.

This does mean that during busy times you will only get one game to 11 and have to give up the court to the next group. However, when the courts are in demand this is a system that lets everyone have time on the court and is fair for all types of users. On average, one of the 6 courts will become available every 3 or 4 minutes.

One of the strengths of this system is that it transitions smoothly into and out of use. As soon as people are waiting it goes into effect immediately and if no one is waiting then you are free to start a new game on same court. Your only action is: when your game is over, check to see if anyone is waiting.

FAQs for Public Play:

Q) What if our group wants to play more than one game?

Just exit the court and sign up again to play. If no one is waiting there is no time restriction on the courts and you are welcome to play as many games as you'd like. If the courts are busy then the 4-in/1-game rotation is necessary to share the courts with the community.

Q) Does this policy apply to the lower shared courts?

No, not at this time. People that wish to play longer sets of games are welcome to set up a net and play on the shared courts. Note: Tennis players still have priority on the shared courts.

Q) Can we play singles?

Yes. Doubles is preferred but singles is allowed. If lower courts are available, you are also free to play singles there.

Q) Whiteboard use just started, do we get to play one more game?

No, you must vacate court at the end of your game when people are waiting.

Q) I'm here by myself at 2pm, how do I join in?

If the courts are full with people waiting then just sign up on the whiteboard with the others. However, since this is not a Organized Play time, there is no guarantee that you can get into a game because during non-organized play times many players prearrange matches or have closed groups such as families. Usually there are other individuals also looking for a game so don't hesitate to come out.

Q) My friend is on a court playing, can I put their name down on the whiteboard to play with my group?

No, names can only be placed on the whiteboard when the player is not on a court. Doing something like this would be letting that player jump the line in front of others.

Q) The next group in line doesn't have 4, can we skip over them?

Only if the partial group wants to wait, and in that case they would be up first for the next available court. This is possibly the hardest question and one where we should be conscious of the choices being made at the courts. We strive to be an inclusive community and in this situation we should try hard to make sure no one is skipped over. You can help to match players and skills or maybe be the person that joins in to make a foursome. Work and share your love of the game!

Q) Can we use the paddle racks during Public Play?

Maybe. If the courts are not full then you are welcome to set up any type of rotation for your group or the players present. Most folks are familiar with use of the paddle racks and they are easy to use but they do not accommodate all types of usage such as for families, prearranged groups of 4, or someone being taught the game. If the courts are full and people are waiting for a court then the whiteboard should be used and the paddle racks should not be used. Period.

Q) Why are the names of next group on the whiteboard crossed out instead of just being erased? This seems dumb!

Yes, but on a busy day it helps prevent issues of courts being assigned mistakenly and if erased there is no record of who should be next.