February 13, 2023
Gym Wait Times
Wait times are long at indoor gyms for several reasons. First, newer gyms like Carreon, Valle Bajo, and Marty Robbins only have two sets of pickleball lines. Galatzan, Don Haskins and Veterans have three; we have lost 1/3 capacity as our numbers explode! Adding to the problem, Chamizal will not let us use all four courts. East side gyms are only giving us one day per week. (I hear there are a lot of people living on the east side, just saying.)
Our members have been asking Chamizal for more court time for a year. If you have not seen the videos on FB, we had 22 people sharing two courts, while the other 1/2
of the gym was reserved for basketball - there had been two people shooting hoops. This is common. Basketball gets court time every single hour Chamizal is open, and understandably they have low traffic during work hours. VB/BB share the gym every MWF. I have video from Wednesday showing the volleyball side completely vacant, while there are a mere four people shooting hoops on the basketball side. The gym was virtually empty!
And yet we cannot get more than two courts, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Ben Avalos spoke with the Supervisor of the West/Northeast/Central areas, who said he would discuss it with the gym directors. I presented at the Parks and Recreation Call to the Public on Wednesday. I asked what the procedure is for allocating court time and was told they would look into it and hopefully have a response by next month's Board meeting.
The first question I was asked, before the meeting started, was "How many members do you have?"
I cannot stress enough how important our membership is, so please encourage everyone to join. We are miles ahead of last year because of our members.
Police Games Coming, June 11- 17
El Paso will be hosting the Texas Police Games for the first time since 1981!
Forty-six events will be offered from a multitude of sports to Texas Hold 'Em and Dominoes. Pickleball will be held for the first time, to be located indoors at Chamizal, tentatively set for Wednesday through Friday, June 14 - 16.
ELIGIBILITY: All law enforcement, first responders, Retired/Active/Veteran or Reserve military from all branches of military service, and Retired/Active/Volunteer firefighters with at least one year service with a Fire Department. For more details click here.
GUEST COMPETITORS — Each authorized competitor can sponsor a Guest.
REGISTRATION: Opens February 13. Sign up before March 12 and get a $20 discount.
Come Watch PEPA's World Cup
Our World Cup event is sold out!
Come watch players represent the USA, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Chile, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. Las Cruces will be in the house.
Location: February 25, play starts at 9:00 (warm-up 8:15), Chamizal outdoor, 2119 Cypress.
Very Successful Beginner's Clinic at Galatzan
The Director of Galatzan was very happy with the
Beginner's Clinic Ben Avalos organized on February 10. Sixteen players attended . A big thank you to volunteers Patty Morrow, Terri Wilson, Dina Chen and Mandy Seeloch.
Meet our newest member
Kim Keisling,
whose late wife was honored by having the newest Upper Valley Park, Mary Frances Keisling Park, named after her.
This park is slated to have 8 outdoor, dedicated pickleball courts! The project is in the funding stage.
Other Events
Watch the club home page for details and updates on gym tournaments.
Registration for Aaron Gifford (Las Cruces Lyons Park) continues at pickleballbrackets.com .
Play on,
Jamie Fisher
President, Pickleball El Paso Association