Committee discusses pickleball drop-in model, punch cards and volunteer staffing

Staff and committee members described the current pickleball drop-in arrangement (Tuesdays, 5 to 8 p.m., $3) and said reduced staffing this season has led to conversations about a self-service check-in, a drop box for fees and coordination with the organized pickleball group for volunteer coverage. One committee member said some players used punch cards purchased last year and staff will search a binder to reconcile remaining passes.

Staff asked to meet with the pickleball group to agree on logistics — who opens and closes the gym, where punch cards should be stored and whether a group can assume routine opening/closing duties. Members said they prefer keeping programs affordable while identifying volunteer or partner organizations to staff drop-in programs when city budget cannot. The committee suggested arranging a meeting with the pickleball group to finalize details and asked staff to locate the binder with previously purchased passes.