Our board had a lengthy discussion today as part of our monthly meeting about whether or not we should be continuing to play pickleball given all of the cancellations regarding the Corona virus. For starters, we reached out to Jim Whitmore for guidance in order to stay aligned with what other amenity groups are doing. Due to the nature of our play being outside and consisting of groups of 4, at this point in time, he suggested we continue to offer pickleball as scheduled on the calendar. We agree. Individuals can make their own decisions about attending open play or arranging their own personal matches. Best Health Practices have been in place since March 6 and will continue to be utilized.

One further enhancement we agreed upon was the use of bleach water to sanitize the pickleballs at the beginning of play each day. There will be a white 10 gallon bucket available on the table under the covered area. Bleach, as long as we can provide it, will be available in the brown cabinet. We are asking that the first person/persons to play each day fill the bucket halfway with water from the faucet in the pool area under the clock, add a ½ cup of bleach and put the pickleballs in the solution. There will also be a pair of yellow Playtex gloves for use to dunk and/or remove the balls. At the end of the day, if you are in the last group to play, please dump the water down the storm drain in the blacktop at the front of the planter in the social area and leave ALL THE PICKLEBALLS IN THE BUCKET (do not redistribute them in the tubes). That way the pickleballs will be ready for sanitizing the next day. Please do not leave the pickleballs overnight in the bleach water solution, as we do not know how this will eventually change the integrity of the plastic. Return the bucket with the balls, gloves and rags to the table under the covered area.

For the time being, please place broken pickleballs on the lower shelf of the right side brown cabinet (since we are using that bucket for the bleach water now). This will be helpful for still keeping track of how many are breaking.

If you want, bring your own personal pickleballs to use, that is always another option.

We are further asking all individuals to consider wiping down hard surfaces including the tables, chairs and gate latches at the start of each day. A few rags will be included in the bleach water bucket to be used for this purpose. Please refrain from using the wipes as we have such a limited supply and these areas are large. Wipes can be used to clean balls in between games.

We know that this is asking a lot, but at the same time, we are trying to be as proactive as possible to allow those that choose to continue to play pickleball the safest environment that is possible. EVERYONE WHO PLAYS HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP ONE ANOTHER STAY HEALTHY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE WITH THESE NEW TASKS!!