John MCLAIN , CCC BOARD SPORTS CENTER LIAISON , REPORTS -

Everyone is anxious for the first shovel of dirt to be dug . Yes , the two existing outdoor courts will be replaced with a new building that provides year-around play for both tennis and pickleball .

The court surfaces will be lined for both tennis and for pickleball play — not at the same time of course . The new indoor courts can be configured as either two tennis courts ( permanent nets ), or four pickleball courts ( portable nets ). The new building will be oriented and designed to match up with the appearance of the adjoining existing indoor tennis building ( two indoor tennis courts ).

Gary Newbore , CCC president , says : “ Given the required permitting time and the time to get steel for the Sports Center building , we are hoping to have it operational by summer of 2023 .” The completed cost of the new building is estimated by outside consultant contractors to be about $ 1.5 million ( give or take $ 300,000 ), which CCC will fund through a bank loan with a very low interest rate of 3.125 % fixed for 10 years . This improvement project and loan was anticipated in past budget cycles and the loan payments are not expected to contribute upward pressure on future dues assessments in 2023 and beyond .

The courts in the new building will be scheduled 50 / 50 between tennis and pickleball , but there is flexibility to support special events and clinics by the two clubs . Residents can join the tennis club , the pickleball club , or both . Membership information is available in the Activity Center office . With the addition of indoor pickleball courts as a permanent amenity for Charbonneau residents , the combination of new and old buildings will be called the Charbonneau Sports Center . This project will significantly expand opportunities for residents to play pickleball and tennis too .

Pickleball news

COLLEEN MCKENZIE AND STEVE RYAN , PICKLEBALL CLUB BOARD MEMBERS , REPORT -

A recent news article noted that there are “ more than 4.8 million participants

nationwide , and a growth of 39.3 % over the last two years ... pickleball was officially announced as the fastest-growing sport in America for the second year in a row ” according to The Sports & Fitness Industry Association ( SFIA ) 2022 . Here in Charbonneau , pickleball ’ s growth trajectory gives every indication it will be a permanent and significant part of the Charbonneau active lifestyle . Why is it so popular ?

The New York Times article , September 2022 , reports that besides being easier to learn than tennis , pickleball is also slower paced and there ’ s less ground to cover ; you could fit several pickleball courts onto one tennis court , and most picklers play doubles . Some research suggests that it may be safer than tennis for people with heart issues , too . According to the USA Pickleball Association , in 2021 the sport trended toward older pickleball players . But the vast majority of casual players are under 55 , and the fastestgrowing segment of all pickleball players

is people under the age of 24 .

Steve and I want to make sure that the residents feel comfortable with what the Pickleball Club is doing and how it can be beneficial to residents if they choose to join us . Pickleball is :

� A Charbonneau amenity intended for residents . Come play , have fun , meet some new neighbors and make new friends

� Inclusive to everyone ; all ages , all skill levels — it is a sport that is played primarily underhanded

� A way to exercise and stay healthy while having fun

� A sport that you can learn without any previous experience

� Easy to get court times to find a time to play when it is convenient for you

� A way for you to invite three friends to join so you can learn the game together and create your own group .

� Will be an indoor sport in 2023 with year-round opportunities to play pickleball .

John Walsh , Rick Rogoway . Gary McKenzie , Steve Ryan , Fritz ( Dan ) Hostetler , Jim Cullison , John McLain , Gary Townsend , Shirish Patel , Dennis Reed , and Gene Schwartz won the 65-plus men ’ s league tennis championship .

COURTESY PHOTOS

So , in summary , Charbonneau , pickleball is a very fun sport , with lots of other players to help you learn the game and make you feel comfortable learning and playing with players of your own level , so you can progress at your own pace . We currently have a great , growing group of recreational players who meet for organized open play . There are currently over 130 club members , mostly residents . The goal for the next few years is to grow resident membership to about 200 members or more . To get things started , we have scheduled a few free clinics for residents who would like to try it out , meet a few neighbors and experience the fun of pickleball . Mark your calendars for the following clinics : � Paddles and balls will be provided � A few volunteers will be there to help explain the basics � No experience necessary , just a desire to learn and have fun � Dec 11 — Free Pickleball Clinic at

1 p . m .

SPORTS CENTER / Page 7