HCPA News Update – 2/22/2020

Posted on by Earl Sneeringer

HCPA Master Plan Summary Report - During our recent Winter Social & Meeting this last week, Duane StClair spoke on the development of the Pickleball Master Plan and the development of a summary report. If you would like to review the summary document use the following link:

HCRP Master Plan Summary Report

Additionally this summary report can be accessed on demand from our website under the top menu item: Master Plan.

Proposed County Pickleball Courts - Last October our association learned that there were several locations that were being considered for the development of additional pickleball courts by Howard County Recreation & Parks (HCRP).  Many of our members attended to support the proposal and spoke for the proposal.  There were others attending who stood up and spoke against the proposal.  The advisory board submitted their recommendation in November.  Since then Steve Orr, our designated HCRP liason, has been meeting with HCRP to continue to advocate for expanding the pickleball program in our county.  Recently we asked for an updated status on the proposed pickleball courts and we learned the following:

Alpha Ridge Park: This location is on hold until another location can be found for the Archery venue.

Centennial North Park: This location is on hold until the replacement of a new Skate Rink is completed at BlandAir Park
Atholton Park: The replacement of the old outdoor racquetball courts for the additional pickleball court will most likely be canceled.
Rockburn Park: This location is questionable. More information will be available in March.
We provided this information to our members at our recent Winter Social and Meeting and wanted to share it with all members.
We were disappointed to learn this status but plan to continue to meet with HCRP leadership to advocate for additional pickleball venues both permanent courts and temporary courts that the public can use.  We are hopeful that we can work with HCRP to identify alternative locations.  We believe that working with HCRP and presenting one voice for our members and the public is the preferred approach. As we learn any more information we will pass it on to our members.
HCRP Expanding Pickleball Programs - During our meeting Marc Austin, a member of our association, spoke about the expansion of pickleball programs by HCRP.  Marc, a certified PB instructor, has contracted with HCRP and will be conducting instruction on their behalf. Additionally, we learned that HCRP will be offering leagues for various skill levels at Atholton Park, Thunder Hill Elementary School and Hammond Park.  If you would like to register with HCRP to receive email notification of these programs and future PB program plans you can use the following link. 

Howard County Pickleball Program Email List

 

If you would like to learn more about the current offerings for HCRP, the following link provides access to their pickleball website:

HCRP Pickleball Website

 

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