On August 29, 2020 the second set of virtual community planning meetings were held. Again we had broad representation from the community including: the Konocti Junior Tennis League, the Kelseyville and Clearlake high school tennis teams, seniors and families as wells as tennis and pickleball players.
These were the third and fourth meetings in a series that will guide the development of a conceptual plan to be used in our grant application to the State Park and Recreation Department under the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program.
The group discussion revolved around how the recreational features and amenities selected during the August 15th meetings would be located with the project site. The features and amenities included:
- 5 tennis courts – allow tennis teams to play all matches at the same time.
- 2-3 pickleball courts. Separate pickleball courts from tennis court is preferable. Overlay pickleball courts over tennis courts if necessary.
- Restrooms
- Bleacher for spectators and tennis teams
- Shade over sitting areas, benches, bleachers, etc
- Court Lighting
- Gathering areas where after tournament events could be held with possible b-b-que facilities, table seating, and cleanup facilities.
- Fencing between courts where possible
- Storage
The participants were presented with a blank site plan that showed the extent of the project limits. During the discussion the participants were able to move modules of the various features and amenities around on the site plan allowing several scenarios to be considered before the consensus plan was determined.
The consensus of the two meeting resulted in slightly different layouts for the pickleball courts.
The morning meeting decided that only two pickleball courts should be constructed with a minimum spacing between courts which provided addition space for gatherings during play and special events.
The evening meeting decided that three pickleball courts should be constructed with maximum available spacing between. Based on input from a pickleball player three courts would better accommodate the anticipated high demand for courts and make the court much more playable.
The design could also allow for expanding into the area of the three pickleball courts as needed for community fundraising events to take place. Providing a few removable 3-foot high fencing panel segments adjacent to the patio area could create a versatile gathering area where additional tables and chairs could be placed when needed
After further deliberation by the participant from both meetings the final consensus was the three court option.
It was also decide that court lighting should only be placed on the two courts fronting Lincoln Street. It was felt that lighting the three courts on Gard Street could not be accomplished without significantly impacting the adjacent residents.
Thanks to all that participated. The discussions were very thoughtful and I believe at the end everyone had a better understanding of how to best integrated the two similar recreational activities into one facility.
Our next meetings will be held on September 12, 2020 at 9:00 am and 6:30 pm. These two meetings will involve discussion about how to beautify the facility and make it safer. In addition the location and extent of the other amenities listed above not previously address will be considered.
If you would like to participate in future meetings please register by clicking on the “Community Planning Meetings Registration” button on the Home page.
President
Lake County Tennis Association