It was a great group of 30 Rotarians gathered tonight! To Frank's delight, there were no visitors requiring him to remember names and make introductions! 

 

President Karen rang the bell and we rose for the Pledge. Jack led us in our National Anthem followed by an invocation reminding us of our commitment to service, in unity and community, and to bring positive change for all.

 

Past President Liz thanked everyone for the messages, cards and flowers sent to her family on the passing of her dad. She also mentioned that the zoom link in the meeting reminder wasn't working - John will work on it.

Jill announced that Gi has made it home to Brazil, after a 14 hour flight and 6 hour drive. She is back to school this week, unhappy with the cold weather and finding it a bit tough to think and speak in Portuguese again! She misses Naples but mostly the people here.

 

Marty was our speaker, giving the history of Pickleball and our new courts. Jill acted as Vanna, passing out the rackets and balls for everyone to check out. Pickleball was first devised in 1965 by a Washington state man, wanting to entertain his children. He used an old paved badminton court and net, whiffle balls and ping pong paddles. He lowered the net to 36" and took some of the rules from ping pong and tennis. Good Morning America first reported on the game in 2008 and today it's the fastest growing sport in the US. 

When Jill and Marty visited Florida in 2021, they were introduced to the game at The Villages where there are hundreds of courts. He also found there were many things named as Rotary projects, thinking we could or should do likewise.

In July, 2021, Marty presented a proposal to the Naples Rotary Board after surveying other local Pickleball facilities with his drone. Ron Burke offered support and Tony Deusenbery volunteered to help. In August 2022, Tony had staked the area at the  Community Park and was ready to excavate. Because the area was in a flood plan, much site prep was necessary. The Town Board and Community Park Board were also involved in the planning. Rotary board passed a proposal for $10K toward fencing. Paving for six courts happened in June, 2023, which needed to cure for several months. Fence posts were installed early in 2024, courts were painted in wine colors: green, purple and red! Final fencing happened in May and the courts were opened on May 21st. Signage indicates the courts were provided by Naples Rotary with support from the Town and Village. All are welcome on a first come basis. No bicycles, skateboards or scooters are allowed on the courts.

Marty has been monitoring the usage finding the courts to be the most popular part of the Community Park. Users come from Naples and many surrounding towns. On Saturday and Sunday more than 40 people are there between dawn and dusk.

Future plans include naming rights for each court ($250 per year) and memorial plaques ($500). An Eagle Scout project has been proposed which will create benches and paddle racks. Marty will chair a Rotary Pickleball Committee, with Jack and any others willing to join. Future tournaments would be great fundraisers.

Marty answered questions about court maintenance needs (every 7 years) to be paid by the Town, need for a First Aid Kit (maybe AED), etiquette for awaiting court time, and how the game is played. Jill commented that most people are very courteous and thankful for Rotary's efforts in bringing Pickleball to Naples!

 

Jack had a Rotary Moment today. He almost had a hole-in-one! When he and John were at the 5th hole tee at Reservoir Creek, Jack had a little "talk" with recently departed Bill Cooper. Coop helped the other golfers to shoot wide out of bounds but he and John made great shots!

 

Ace of Hearts was $45, Brenda had ticket 022893 but pulled the King of Hearts. 

 

Happy Bills went to Marty (and Jill) for their efforts to bring Pickleball in Naples and for the presentation. Thanks go to Tony too. Brenda enjoyed her hot visit to DC. Raoul has been visiting the Groves this week and plans to come back again! Carrie and Bill chaperoned RYLA (Grady went) and Carrie is now Chair of RYLA for District 7120. It's 82 days until the Grape Fest! The District Golf Tourney is 9/6 at Res Creek. Cindy thanked Frank for greeting and for taking on the role of greeter coordinator. The Smith's met and played with a couple from Germany on the Pickleball court! Rose's Ezra turned 1 over the weekend and is fine after having a run to the hospital with hives.

 

Liz will host Rotary Lite at her home Wednesday evening 7/10 at 6pm. Bring a snack to share and your favorite beverage!

 

Karen led the Four Way Test and adjourned the gathering at 7 pm. Stay cool everyone!