HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - PR 2021.05.20• City of Burlingame BURLINGAME CITY HALL
501 PRIMROSE ROAD
BURLINGAME BURLINGAME, CA 94010
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Meeting Agenda - Final
Parks & Recreation Commission
Thursday, May 20, 2021 7:00 PM Via Zoom Webinar
On March 17, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-29-20 suspending certain provisions of
the Ralph M. Brown Act in order to allow for local legislative bodies to conduct their meetings
telephonically or by other electronic means. Pursuant to the Shelter -in -Place Order issued by the San
Mateo County Health Officer on March 16, 2020 (which was then extended on March 31, 2020, and
further extended on April 29, 2020), the statewide Shelter -in -Place Order issued by the Governor in
Executive Order N-33-20 on March 19, 2020, and the CDC's social distancing guidelines which
discourage large public gatherings, the Recreation Center will not be open to the public for the May 20,
2021 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting.
Members of the public may view the meeting by logging into the Zoom meeting listed below. The
meeting video will be uploaded to the Parks & Recreation Department's website after the meeting.
1. Call to Order
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2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes
a. April 15, 2021 Minutes
Attachments:
4. Correspondence
April 15, 2021 PRC Minutes
City of Burlingame Page 1 Printed on 511412021
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Agenda - Final May 20, 2021
5. Presentation: 410 Airport Blvd. Project
6. Public Comments
Members of the public may speak about any item not on the agenda. The Ralph M. Brown Act (the
State and local agency open meeting law) prohibits the Commission from acting on any matter that is
not on the agenda. Members of the public may provide written comments by email to
recreation@burlingame.org.
Emailed comments should include the specific agenda item on which you are commenting, or note that
your comment concerns an item that is not on the agenda. The length of the emailed comment should
be commensurate with the three minutes customarily allowed for verbal comments, which is
approximately 250-300 words. To ensure that your comment is received and read to the Parks &
Recreation Commission for the appropriate agenda item, please submit your email no later than 5:00
p.m. on May 20, 2021. The City will make every effort to read emails received after that time, but
cannot guarantee such emails will be read into the record. Any emails received after the 5:00 p.m.
deadline which are not read into the record will be provided to the Parks & Recreation Commission
after the meeting.
7. Old Business
a. Expansion of Pickleball Court Options
Attachments: Staff Report and Exhibits
8. New Business
9. Staff and Commissioner Reports
10. Future Agenda Items
11. Adjournment
Next Meeting: June 17, 2021
NOTICE: Any attendees wishing accommodations for disabilities should contact the Parks &
Recreation Department at (650) 558-7323 at least 24 hours before the meeting. The agendas and
minutes are available on the City's website: www.burlingame.org.
City of Burlingame Page 2 Printed on 511412021
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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
APPROVED Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting on Thursday, April 15, 2021
1. CALL TO ORDER
The duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame Parks & Recreation Commission was called
to order by Chair Ardito at 7:04 pm via Zoom meeting.
2. ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Milne, Holzman, Chang, Matthews, Lee, Pappajohn & Ardito
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Parks & Recreation Director Glomstad, Senior Management
Analyst Hager, Recreation Manager Acquisti, Rec Supervisor
Vega, Recreation Coordinators Sanchez and Houghton, Parks
Supervisor Holtz, and Recording Secretary Helley
OTHERS PRESENT: Members of the Youth Advisory Committee: Carina, Christina,
Shareen, Kylie, Zach, Pamela, Cameron, Ethan, Pierce, Dylan,
Taylor, Maddie, and Sylvia
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Matthews made a motion to approve the February minutes. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Lee and was approved. 7-0.
4. CORRESPONDENCE
None
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
6. OLD BUSINESS
None
fI�►L1`.� : II.�I�.X�
a. Youth Advisory Committee — Year -End Report
Recreation Coordinator Houghton introduced herself and the Youth Advisory Committee, a
group of 13 teens who want to give back to their community. During this year, the group has
found new ways to stay relevant and contribute to their community. The group took turns
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reporting events they have participated in over the year: including an informative presentation by
the City Clerk on District elections during which they offered social marketing tips; Zoom Movie
Discussions with different generations; the development of an intergenerational cookbook; the
group assisted with the Night Under the Stars event and the Egg Hunt by providing games. They
participated in a zoom YAC Social event and are conducting a YAC Mask Fundraiser. Masks
can be purchased here: https://registration.burlin ame.or ublic/class/33331/. They are looking
forward to assisting in the second Night Under the Stars event:
https://registration.burlingame.org/public/class/33262/
Commission thanked the group for all their work during the year.
b. Design Approval for the Victoria Playground Renovation
Senior Management Analyst Hager introduced herself and noted that the landscape designer John
Cahalan and Parks Supervisor Holtz were present. In 2019 Council approved funds to replace the
Victoria Park Playground. The park is out of ADA compliance and primarily serves ages 2-5 years.
A committee was formed comprised of two Commissioners, three neighborhood volunteers, three
staff members, and the landscape architect. An online survey was conducted to solicit feedback on
elements for the new design. The survey result showed the desire for equipment for ages 2-5 and
5-12 years, with climbing structures, multiple slides, creative/imaginative elements, horizontal
bars, and a non-traditional swing. The theme options included: Train Station, Fire Station,
Airplane, Rocket Ship, Pirate, Castle and Nature Theme. One of the Committee's goals was to
have a different theme than the other parks in Burlingame. The Committee met several times and
approved the rocket ship theme presented tonight. The timeline for the project would have a
completion date of December 2021 with no delays occurring.
Commission Pappajohn liked the design and details. She asked about the grassy field and asked
staff to be mindful about water savings in case we go into a drought. Parks Supervisor Holtz stated
there is a 20 x 50ft grass area being removed, and the pop-up irrigation currently in place is no
longer recommended so staff will be installing drip irrigation which will contribute to net savings
in water use.
Commissioner Chang complimented the work done. He asked if there was a good representation
of the seniors in the area. Hager noted that this project was focused on the playground only. The
Committee's hope was the seniors could enjoy the additional benches under the trees.
Commissioner Milne noted his favorite part is the real constellations on the surface of the park.
He wondered if this could be an opportunity to work some educational pictures on the other blank
areas. Hager stated she could inquire if a play panel could be incorporated at least in the 2-5 area.
She noted that Commissioner Holzman made sure the stars are a legitimate constellation.
Commissioner Lee noted the other alternative design, Castle/Fairy Land, while cute, was a clear
second when shown to Committee member's children who loved the Rocket Ship theme by far.
Chair Ardito opened public comments. Administrative Helley read an email comment from Abbi
Phillips: "I am a Victoria Park neighborhood resident, and I am a neighborhood representative for
the playground committee. I am writing to share my strong support and enthusiasm for the project
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design. I think it will give the neighborhood a playground that is unique and fun for all ages. My
hope is that this will help Victoria Park to become a focal point for the neighborhood."
Adrienne Leigh stated she is in attendance tonight to talk as a pickleball player; however, she lives
in the neighborhood. She noted she is a member of the Transportation, Safety and Parking
Commission. She would like to see additional access for pedestrians and bikes and a higher fence
at the basketball court to keep balls out of the street. She noted the new pathway seems to cross
the basketball court. She thinks it is sad the sand is being eliminated and thinks windbreak plants
would be a good addition to the park as it gets windy. She wanted to double up on Commissioner
Milne's comment on more writing and education items, including hopscotch and four square on
the concrete.
Todd Weller was on the Committee and is a neighbor. He wanted to express his excitement for
the design, and he noted that the placement of the stars was incorporated to allow for jumping
opportunities. He felt that the design will be unique in Burlingame.
Chair Ardito closed public comments and inquired as to a motion from Commission.
MOTION: Commissioner Matthews made a motion to approve the plan for Victoria Park
Playground as proposed. The motion was seconded by Commission Milne and was approved.
7-0
c. Expansion of Pickleball Court Options
Recreation Coordinator Sanchez introduced himself to the Commission and gave background on
the item before the Commission.
Pickleball is a growing sport both locally and nationally and is a game that combines elements of
tennis, badminton Ping-Pong. Before the Burlingame Recreation Center's closure, the pickleball
program was a drop -in, a fee -based recreational program where participants paid $5 on Mondays
and Wednesdays 10 am — 1 pm in the Rec Center.
The program ended in February 2020 when the Department moved out of the Rec Center in
anticipation of the construction of the new Community Center. The intention was to transfer
pickleball to the Washington Park Sports Court. The pickleball program did not immediately
resume as COVID prevented City staff from offering drop -in programs. On Monday, September
28, staff restarted drop -in pickleball with the same schedule. Due to the COVID concerns of
handling cash, staff temporarily discontinued the $5 fee. Between October and December, staff
would set up and break down the City -owned pickleball nets. In December 2020, San Mateo
County experienced a surge in COVID, which resulted in the program being temporarily
suspended again.
While the City could not offer the program and be in incompliance with COVID guidelines, the
players, at their discretion, could continue, but they would be responsible for setting up the nets
and managing play. Even though the COVID guidance now allows this type of activity, the group
has continued in the same manner. Pickleball is well attended, averaging approximately thirty
players per meeting.
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Pickleball is the only recreational program that has a recreational facility reserved at no cost for a
specific use. To be consistent with the Master Fee Schedule and Department operations, pickleball
will need to either be a scheduled fee -based drop -in program or on a first -come first -use basis,
such as basketball and tennis. In speaking with one of the City's pickleball liaisons, his opinion
was that the pickleball players who use Burlingame courts would be willing to pay a drop -in fee
to reserve space.
Additionally, the pickleball community has expressed a desire to have more time, days of the week,
and additional locations available for pickleball. The intent of these other locations would be for
unreserved pickleball, where members of the community are responsible for bringing their own
equipment. Having alternative space available would lessen the demand on the currently
scheduled Mondays and Wednesdays.
Potential sites for Commission's consideration include Bayside Parking lot, Cuernavaca Park,
Victoria Park, Village Park, Washington Park (for additional times), and the Burlingamer on
Rolling Road for indoor and weekday use only. Ray Park is being considered as a potential site in
the future. All sites have pros and cons and would provide additional opportunities for pickleball
play.
Commission input/discussion included:
Commissioner Lee liked the idea of the Burlingamer site. She noted most of the spaces
accommodate during the week use and asked which sites could accommodate weekend use.
Sanchez noted Village Park, Cuernavaca Park, and Washington Park could offer weekend times.
Commissioner Milne inquired about the blacktop at Pershing and if it could accommodate courts.
Sanchez noted there is quite a slope on the blacktop but could be an option.
Commissioner Chang liked the idea of the Burlingamer as it provides year-round play. He wanted
to make sure, since this is a family type of play, to provide weekend opportunities. He also asked
about the Murray parking lot.
Chair Ardito liked the idea of Pershing Park, even if it only is one court. She also suggested
fencing at Cuernavaca to keep the ball from rolling down the slope at the court.
Commissioner Holzman had a few questions about balls going up and over the fence into an
adjoining play space or street. She felt that there is a need for another dedicated drop -in time and
weekend time options.
Chair Ardito opened public comments.
Jack Elward is the USA Ambassador in the mid -peninsula and has been involved in pickleball for
30 years. He noted every community up and down the peninsula has a growing pickleball demand
and need. The game is easy to learn and play for all ages. People bring their own nets, and love
the sports court the City has made available. He felt the cost of putting in pickleball lines is
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minimal, and having those throughout the City would mitigate the backup of play. He also
suggested an additional day scheduled to play on the weekend. The target parks noted by Sanchez
are wonderful, and he feels pickleball lines at the basketball court at Village Park and at
Cuernavaca Park would be great.
Adrienne Leigh feels there is a desperate need for an additional scheduled day. She said that it
should go back to a pay -to -play system to register online the day before, so it is not drop -in that
day with cash and have a senior discount and have resident and nonresident rates. She would like
to see the addition of the Sunday morning 9-12 or 8-11 with the summer schedule and then if City
staff could start setting up the nets again. She would like to see added the Washington Park court
1 with lines, and then it could be reserved online like tennis courts. She suggested asking Jack to
teach lessons.
Ron Parks thanked Sanchez for all his work and wanted to be sure we are mindful of the surfaces
for the safety of the players. He would also like to see a combination of indoor/outdoor and lighted
opportunities.
Lisa Kowlaski started playing pickleball late summer last year. She said that it has been amazing,
particularly during the lockdown, as it has kept her fit. She travels to San Francisco, where they
have dedicated courts for pickleball both in Stern Grove and McLaren Park and in Foster City.
She noted that besides senior playing, she had seen children thru millennials taking part. There
are lots of people and lots of interest.
Chair Ardito closed public comments.
Ardito inquired as to what staff was looking for from Commission at this point.
Glomstad stated staff is looking for a starting point to focus on by either narrowing down the
choices or prioritizing and then move forward with short-term and long-term goals to increase the
ability to play pickleball in Burlingame. The goal is to bring this matter back in May for short-
term decision -making.
Ardito supported the idea of putting lines on courts and did not want to lose sight of the safety
issue when going to the fee -based system.
Milne suggested a long, short, and immediate term goal. He thought that going to a fee -based
system to add hours at the sports court would be the quickest option. Glomstad noted the area is
highly used due to picnic areas opening up, and due to the construction, there is a limited traffic
path in the area.
Chang asked if Village Park is busy on the weekends. Glomstad confirmed Village Park is busy
with picnics and soccer.
Lee favors having pickleball on a tennis court as it serves more people, the Burlingamer, Victoria,
and Village Park. She also supports the addition of pickleball lines on courts and blacktops.
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Holzman agreed with Lee regarding the tennis court option with the option of reservation. She also
supports the future Ray Park option.
Sanchez summarized Commission's thoughts: Lining black tops, increase the fee -based program
at Washington Park, putting out a survey to help narrow down other locations in the City, and
looking into a partnership with the Burlingamer.
8. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER REPORTS
a) Parks & Recreation Department Reports
Director Glomstad reported the construction of the new Community Center is progressing on
schedule. She also reported numerous incidents of vandalism in Washington Park in the past
several weeks. In response, the City has temporarily installed three cameras in the park to
determine when the incidents occur so the police can be present.
There will be a second Night Under the Stars event with an 80's theme on May 15, and the
Department will be resuming the Concert in the Park series on Friday evenings from 6-8 pm with
one in June, two in July, and one in August.
Due to the parklets on Burlingame Avenue, there will not be a Burlingame on the Ave this year.
The Department is working with the Chamber to host a similar event on three weekends, once a
month, in the west end of Washington Park.
The Department is also working with local hotels on a Staycation idea in which there are events
and activities planned to encourage locals to stay in hotels.
Returning events with the relaxing of the COVID guidelines are the Muddy Mile and the Family
Campout. Both events will look a bit different due to the guidelines; however, they will be back.
b) Commissioners Reports
Commissioner Milne — Reported he was happy to attend the opening of Primrose Playground and
enjoys seeing how busy the playground is daily.
Commissioner Pappajohn — Stated she lives near Skyline Park and noted that the park is always
used and gave kudos to the staff for making the park available to the public.
Chair Ardito — No report.
Commissioner Lee — Reported how much she enjoyed the Victoria Playground Committee
experience. She also enjoyed assisting with the Night Under the Stars event. She and
Commissioner Pappajohn have been assigned to work on the Taskforce for Aging, which will work
to line up the opportunities with the World Health Organization's age -friendly curriculum.
Commissioner Chang — No report.
Commissioner Matthews — No report.
Commissioner Holzman — Stated she also enjoyed the Victoria Playground Committee.
9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Fenced in off -leash area at Ray Park
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April 15, 2021
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:31 pm.
The next meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission is scheduled to be held on Thursday,
May 20, 2021, at 7:00 pm via zoom webinar.
Respectfully submitted,
Joleen Helley
Recording Secretary
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APPROVED Minutes
April 15, 2021
EXHIBIT
A0 1
=� REPORT0 STAFF
HCo�
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
Date: April 15, 2021
From: Kevin Sanchez, Recreation Coordinator
Subject: Expansion of Pickleball Court Options
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Parks and Recreation Commission review the current Burlingame
pickleball options, proposed adjustments, and provide direction to expand the pickleball court
locations in Burlingame.
BACKGROUND
Pickleball is a growing sport both locally and nationally. Pickleball is a game that combines
elements of tennis, badminton Ping-Pong (Exhibit A). Before the Burlingame Recreation Center's
closure, pickleball had taken place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am — 1 pm in the Rec
Center Auditorium with two courts set up by staff. The program was a drop -in, fee -based
recreational program where participants paid $5 per day.
The program ended in February 2020 when the Burlingame Parks and Recreation Department
moved out of the Rec Center in anticipation of the construction of the new Community Center.
The intention at that time was to transfer pickleball to the Washington Park Sports Court as the
new permanent home of pickleball. Due to the nature of use and flooring of the new Community
Hall, holding pickleball indoors was not feasible, and the plan was to move it outdoors on a
permanent basis.
The pickleball program did not immediately resume as COVID prevented City staff from offering
drop -in programs. On Monday, September 28, staff restarted drop -in pickleball with the same
schedule. Due to the COVID concerns of handling cash, staff temporarily discontinued the $5
fee. Between October and December, staff would set up and break down the City -owned
pickleball nets. In December 2020, San Mateo County experienced a surge in COVID, which
resulted in the program being temporarily suspended again.
While the City could not offer the program and be in incompliance with COVID guidelines, the
players, at their discretion, could continue, but they would be responsible for setting up the nets
and managing play. Even though the COVID guidance now allows this type of activity, the group
has continued in the same manner. Pickleball is well attended, averaging approximately thirty
players per meeting.
DISCUSSION
Since pickleball was first introduced in Burlingame, members within the pickleball community have
contacted staff to express interest in increasing the number of courts and available times in
Burlingame. Currently, pickleball is scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 am — 1 pm
on the Washington Park Sports Court. The three courts at Washington Park can accommodate
twelve players at a time, which results in a queue of approximately twelve to eighteen players
waiting for court access.
Collaborating with the pickleball leadership, City staff, and members of the pickleball community
have surveyed possible locations that could increase Burlingame's pickleball locations. Additional
suggestions for pickleball opportunities were noted in the correspondence submitted to the City
(Exhibits B, C, and D).
Pickleball is the only recreational program that has a recreational facility reserved at no cost for a
specific use. To be consistent with the Master Fee Schedule and Department operations,
pickleball will need to either be a scheduled fee -based drop -in program or on a first -come first -
use basis, such as basketball and tennis. In speaking with one of the City's pickleball liaisons,
his opinion was that the pickleball players who use Burlingame courts would be willing to pay a
drop -in fee to reserve space.
Additionally, the pickleball community has expressed a desire to have more time, days of the
week, and additional locations available for pickleball. The intent of these other locations would
be for unreserved pickleball, where members of the community are responsible for bringing their
own equipment. Having alternative space available would lessen the demand on the currently
scheduled Mondays and Wednesdays.
Staff submits the following potential sites for Commission consideration.
Location Pros Cons # of courts
Bayside Parking Large area Surface is in average 6
Lot Restrooms condition
• Ample Parking Required logistics to block off
parking lot section
Cuernavaca Park Existing basketball court in • Location is not centrally 3
good condition located
• Minimal court use • Lack of natural barriers
• Ample parking
• Restrooms
Victoria Park • Existing basketball court in • Neighborhood location
decent condition. • Lack of parking
• Minimal court use • No restrooms
Village Park • Existing basketball court in • Neighborhood location
good condition • Lack of parking
• Minimal court use • Location used by existing
• Restrooms weekday program (Village
Park Preschool)
Washington Park • Existing Pickleball location • Washington Park sports court
*Addition of is enjoyed by players is a highly active area.
Scheduled Friday • Restrooms • The sports court currently
and Weekend . Quality surface provides a pedestrian
times pathway across Washington
Park.
• Staff has the need to program
sports and fitness classes on
the Washington Park Sports
Court as needed.
Washington Park • Cost-effective for adding • Impacts tennis court
Tennis Court #1 quality courts availability for tennis play.
• Tennis courts in good • Backcourt spacing is tight.
(Exhibit E) condition
• Lighted courts offer
extended hours
• Location would allow for
additional courts on
scheduled dates
• Restrooms
• Parking
3
2
A consideration for discussion at a future date is Ray Park. Ray Park basketball courts need
resurfacing, which would require prior planning due to the fiscal impact. However, should that
occur and if staff were to add pickleball lines to Ray Park Tennis Courts, that location could be a
future pickleball hub for Burlingame where multiple courts could be present. This could facilitate
a more robust pickleball program in town, including lessons, leagues, tournaments, and rentals
to turn pickleball into a revenue -generating activity in Burlingame.
Staff is requesting the Commission provide direction on which options noted above, or raised at
the meeting, to move forward with to research the fiscal impacts and notice the impacted
neighborhoods.
Staff intends to bring this matter back to Commission in May for further discussion and decision -
making. This is contingent on the amount of staff time required for each option and whether it is
feasible to gather the information and notice the neighborhoods before posting the May agenda.
If the option(s) chosen by the Commission is of a fiscal impact such that staff will need to request
funds from the City Council, it will need to go to the City Council for approval.
FISCAL IMPACT
Depending on which recommendation(s) the Commission provides, the fiscal impact would be
varied. Should new lines be painted at a City park, staff believe the budgetary impact would be
minimal, and staff could accommodate it into the Department's current budget. If an existing area's
resurfacing is required, the fiscal would be significant and require staff to request funds.
EXHIBITS
A. Pickleball Summary and Court Design — USA Pickleball
B. Correspondence from Jack Elward
C. Correspondence from Robin and Ron Karp
D. Correspondence from Tom Hartman
E. Two Pickleball Court Design on Tennis Court — USA Pickleball
Exhibit A
PICKLEBALL"'
Pickleball summary from USA Pickleball:
1. A fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.
2. Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton -sized court and a slightly modified
tennis net.
3. Played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
4. Played as doubles or singles.
5. Can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington.
Three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — whose kids were bored with their
usual summertime activities — are credited for creating game. Pickleball has evolved from original
handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The
game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.
44 ft
�— 7 ft — — 15 ft
Net Height at Sideline = 36 in
(34 in at Center)
Exhibit B
Jack Elward March 5, 2021
945 Paloma Ave
Burlingame, CA 94010
Re: Expansion of Pickleball in Burlingame
Dear Chair Ardito, Parks Commissioners, Ms. Glomstead, and Mr. Sanchez;
On behalf of the thriving community in Burlingame, I appreciate this opportunity to discuss options for
expansion of our pickleball program, times, and facilities. Pickleball is very popular and growing in
Burlingame. We attract players of all ages and abilities. Our participation on Mondays and Wednesdays
from 10:00 to 1:00 continues to expand. Ordinarily we have 18-30 people. On numerous occasions, we
have taken polls, and Burlingame residents account for a majority of our players.
For those not familiar with pickleball, it is played with a net on a lined court; the total area is one third of
a tennis court; we play four to a court, and an average game is 15 minutes. With minimal guidance,
most players can play a moderate game within 30 minutes of practice. First timers are often thrilled and
laughing with joy. We have a simple system for queuing players and rotating teams is highly
encouraged. Currently at Washington Park, with only three courts available, our maximum playing is 12
people at a time. With this limited number of courts it means that somewhere between 6 and 18
people are routinely waiting. This can range anywhere from 7 to 35 minutes. This standing around and
not playing can be very frustrating to everyone. In order to create a better pickleball environment in
Burlingame, I urge you to consider an expansion of our play opportunity. Following are my suggestions:
1. Add Fridays to our existing schedule. Beginning Friday, April 9 have an additional 10:00 to 1:00
reservation on the Washington Park sports court.
2. Paint several additional pickleball courts on the South East side of the 52' x 71' Parks
Department parking lot that is just behind the BHS maintenance yard for Washington Park. This
will alleviate the number of people waiting. And will facilitate our ability separate the beginning
and learning groups from the more advanced players. Currently we are observing residents who
bring their own nets to the unlined parking lot (see picture 1) and play for the love of the game.
The additional courts could solve a common request for weekend pickleball.
3. Confirm that I may voluntarily set up pickleball nets at the Washington Park sports court on
Saturday and/or Sunday mornings from 9 - noon.
4. Create a list of potetional park sites for permanent striping (and resurfacing is necessary). I am
happy to work with Staff on best suited locales and at the Washington Park lot.
In this time of COVID-19, please be assured that I am continuing to encourage our players to follow all
county guidelines such as mask wearing, social distancing and other required safety practices.
In closing, I'd like to add that all of our pickleball community appreciate and enjoy the new sports court
and outdoor facility you have provided for us. The park setting is universally deemed a beautiful
location. Mr. Sanchez and his crew have been excellent in working with us and ensuring that our
residents have safe and fun experience. We look forward to your response and our continuing team
effort with the parks department.
Jack Elward
USA Pickleball Ambassador: California Peninsula (San Bruno — Redwood City)
Exhibit C
March 29, 2021
Council Member Ortiz,
Per our conversation last week, my wife and I put together a letter for you and the City of
Burlingame to consider.
Over the past several months, pickleball's increased popularity took over Burlingame, and the
Peninsula. The game is the fastest growing sport in America, and our community would benefit
from the City taking action to support the growing demand of needed pickleball courts.
https://www.economist.com/united-states/2021 /01 /28/pickleball-is-the-fastest-growing-sport-in-a
merica
We are writing you to ask the City of Burlingame to consider and establish the following
requests:
1) Convert one of the four lighted Washington Park Tennis Courts, located at 850
Burlingame Avenue, for exclusive use as a pickleball court (or courts, see
diagram below), complete with a permanent net(s). This would allow for day and
night access to play, additionally it would allow for those who do not own a net
equal access to play.
2) Stripe existing smooth surfaced basketball courts at parks throughout Burlingame
for shared sport access of basketball and pickleball.
3) Establish and post rules for the sports court at Washington Park.
a) How long can someone play on the basketball court?
b) How long can someone play on the pickleball court with their own net?
c) Post hours the sports court is reserved for Burlingame Parks & Recreation
use.
d) Is it permitted to have pickleball play at the same time as basketball play?
Many pickleball players feel it is extremely unsafe to play pickleball,
simultaneously, next to basketball.
e) Consider building dedicated courts with lights (for a perfect example see
the courts at Leo Ryan Park in Foster City).
Today 28 players were waiting to play in round robin play on the three stripped pickleball
courts at the Washington Park shared sports court, at the same time an additional 12
people were playing; this was during today's scheduled community pickleball hours
(Monday 10-1, Wednesday 10-1). This means there were 40 community members
engaged in playing pickleball. It's obvious there is a need for more access to play
pickleball in the public parks, and access to play under lights in the evening, the time is
now!
We're excited to work with the city, please advise what additional info you need from us.
Robin & Ron Karp
1209 Burlingame Avenue
Burlingame
650.740.8005 (Ron)
650.400.5559 (Robin)
ronaldkarp@gmail.com
robinkarpl &gmail.com
(Today's player's paddles at Washington Park placed in "line" for the next open court)
Four Pickisbsll Courts
Per Tennis Court Diagram
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Exhibit D
From:
TH
To:
PARKS/REC-Kevin Sanchez
Subject:
Re: Ideal Pickleball Situation
Date:
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 4:43:46 PM
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opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.
Hi Kevin, How are you? I really appreciate your interest in Pickelball and reaching out to me
about it. I very much respect and support the City of Burlingame and the Parks and Rec
Department. Of course I will voluntarily help you in any way you need.
I was born and raised in the Peninsula area, received a BA in Recreation Administration at
SDSU, managed thousands of employees throughout the country as a career and now returned
as a local pickleball player. Before COVID I hosted San Mateo High School Indoor play, am
currently backing up Jack Elward as a host for Washington Park play, working with Dan
Hibson from SM Parks and Rec on the 5th ave tennis court action and have spent a great deal
of community support to Leo Ryan park in Foster City and Mitchell Park in Palo Alto. With
that said I would very much like to use my background and shift my primary focus on
Burlingame and helping you and Nicole carefully expand Pickleball.
My current evaluation of Bay Area Pickleball in general is growth, growth and growing. Just
last Saturday I hosted an event at PGCC of which 600 members wanted to attend but we only
had 250 slots. Most who attended it was their first introduction to Pickelball. I imagine their
club is reviewing now how to fully address this huge interest. Burlingame has the Washington
Park Sports court fully attended on Monday and Wednesday with around 24 players showing
up every session. This group is mostly comprised of beginners and advanced beginners and
provides somewhat of a sanctuary for that level of play in the immediate area. Pat Burrell
(from the SF Giants and now a Pickleball player) and I were out at Washington Park yesterday
watching and commenting about this unique location and how nice it was for the community.
I mentioned to him how I would like to protect the players who attend this place to play like
no other place around. In most other places the more advanced players are often left
unmanaged, resulting in court bullying at the expense of the weaker players. Pickleball is
unlike any of the other sports in the drop in and social nature the founders of the sport built
into their creation. Unfortunately this openness lends itself to abuse from advanced players
who often intimidate the less advanced into thinking they cannot use the courts. I don't like
that at all, but understand it well and know it will always be present, but can be managed.
When you consider focus on Pickleball please keep in mind it is to the communities'
advantage to create a template play environment where everyone feels comfortable and
bullying minimized.
Without knowing what other areas in Burlingame you might consider expanding to or whether
the High School can be a consideration, I can say I would be open to review any possible sites,
then give you my opinion of how they could work. I believe there is a City revenue
generating opportunity for some type of facility to be large enough to support tournaments (the
largest is now in Mitchell Park Palo Alto at 8 dedicated courts and another 8 attached
temporary courts ) and instruction (I helped the current PB instructor for Foster City secure his
position and he has more students then he can handle). I would be open to help you review
who becomes an instructor for the city which is a very important part of supporting your
community. There are a couple unscrupulous instructors in the area I could help you avoid
and a couple others I could help you develop that would serve you well.
The ideal situation would be venue choices where skill level is considered and local hosting
managing available... but to also have a larger facility for tournaments. Foster City with its 6
dedicated courts in open every day till IOP and the courts are full almost all day long. So if
you had a couple hosted and managed venues and one large open one you might have the best
of both worlds. The larger one with instruction and tournament capabilities could revenue
support the smaller hosted frequency gatherings.
Sure, let me know about how to attend as audience the Commission meeting and I will try to
be there. I don't feel I would need to express any opinions but can certainly help you and
others in the background.
Thank you,
Tom Hartman
On Mar 2, 2021, at 11:47 AM, PARKS/REC-Kevin Sanchez
<ksanchez@burlingame.org> wrote:
Hi Tom,
This is Kevin Sanchez from Burlingame Rec.
On 3/17, 1 will be speaking with the Parks and Rec Commission about Pickleball in
Burlingame. How we used to operate, our current structure, and most importantly,
what changes can we make to create more opportunities in town. We will likely be
discussing other location sin town that could serve as future pickleball sites.
Can I ask for your to provide your perspective on pickleball in Burlingame? What would
be an ideal situation? How many days a week? What times? Etc.
Feel free to write me an email on the subject. I will include your perspective when
writing a report. Additionally, I would encourage you and anyone else interested in the
topic to join the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting (I will send out more
information). The public is able to express their opinion at these meetings.
Let me know if you have any questions,
<image001.pn9> Kevin Sanchez
Recreation Coordinator I Parks and Recreation
Direct 650.558.7312 Main Office 650.558.7300
1010 Burlingame Avenue I Burlingame, CA 94010
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Exhibit E