HOMESTEAD IN THE WILLOWS HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION
Tennis and Pickleball Meeting, January 9, 2023 – Unofficial Minutes
CALL TO ORDER: President, Chris Evans called the meeting to order at 5:45 pm. Present were Vice President, Will Cryer; Treasurer, Kelly McCormick; Tennis Manager, Jill Ellsworth; Business Manager, Katie Kidwell and Homeowners Danielle Batillo, Meredith Van Wyck, Kristi Pankow and Chris Tovani.
Chris acknowledged the Board had gathered to hear from the Tennis and Pickleball players about dedicating one tennis court for pickleball use. He asked that each presentation address the pluses, minuses and impacts to the neighborhood so that the Board members could make an informed decision.
All Board members had familiarized themselves with the power point presentations each group had prepared.
Meredith Van Wyck stated that Homestead has the 2nd largest HOA tennis program in the state with 439 adult league participants and 60 summer junior team tennis participants. There is a waiting list to be on a USTA league team and because of the demand Homestead teams already have to stagger play (two teams share the same court on the same evening). Without lighted courts this means tennis captains must ask their opponents to start match play early.
If the HOA striped one tennis court for pickleball, the USTA will not count matches played on that court. If the Tennis community loses the use of one court it will negatively affect the adult evening league.
Danielle Datillo asked if the HOA could hire someone to tape the courts for pickleball on Thursday afternoon and leave the tape in place through Sunday before removing it each week so that tennis can use the court Monday – Thursday for USTA league play.
Kristi Pankow replied that having to tape the courts each week for pickleball is both time consuming and expensive.
Chris Tovani asked if the USTA league use of the courts was all that mattered?
Will Cryer commented that the tennis courts were originally built to be a neighborhood amenity enjoyed by all residents, not just the USTA league players. The USTA league rule prohibiting league play on courts with pickleball lines is creating the problem and holding the HOA resources hostage.
Danielle asked if the HOA would petition the USTA to change the rule as it affects 92 of Homestead’s tennis players.
Chris Evans stated that there is no place for kids to play pickleball. The sport is in such demand that even at clubs, only adults have priority.
Kelly McCormick mentioned that she would be open to the HOA sponsoring teams that play out of the Holly Tennis Center which is very close to Homestead. The HOA could sponsor as many as eight teams which would help accommodate the displaced players.
Kristi commented that pickleball courts would add value to the neighborhood in the same way the tennis courts add value. Can we pursue building pickleball courts?
ADJOURNMENT: The Board thanked everyone for their participation and ended the meeting at 6:40 p.m.