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Lincoln Park Pickleball Complex dedicated

Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper made a great speech July 24 and cut a ribbon to dedicate the  newly-named Lincoln Park Pickleball Complex.  Twenty four players immediately filled all six courts.  It was a milestone day for Idaho Falls Pickleball.  Mayor Casper was joined by Parks & Recreation Division Supervisor Greg Weitzel, Parks Superintendent Brent Martin, Recreation Superintendent PJ Holm and Public Information Officer Kerry Hammon.

Island Park Pickleball

(Editor's Note:  As a  service to our Idaho Falls players, we are going to do a series of posts describing pickleball possibilities in neighboring communities.  These posts will probably be aggregated into a stand-alone blog.)

Yes, Island Park Pickleball is alive and well...and poised to get bigger and stronger than ever before.  In early July, Lorne Koch's crew put down permanent pickleball court lines onto the two tennis courts located at the private Island Park Village Resort Clubhouse.  Koch used the correct stripe color and line width and the shared use of the tennis courts works perfectly.

The court surface is in great shape and there's a great view in all directions.  Regular public drop-in pickleball takes place every Tuesday and Friday from 9 AM to Noon.  Even though the facility is private, the public is welcome for pickleball.  There is a $5 fee but that's very reasonable considering the facilities and the beautiful location in Island Park's northern area.

Marianne Reese is the contact person for Island Park Pickleball.  You can contact her at 208-558-0234.  We do not have her email address.

We met Marianne on July 14 and she and the other players were happy, gracious people.  They were all excited about having permanent stripes after a few years of "make-do" chalk, tape and other informal ways of marking courts.

Basically, Island Park Pickleball is located in the Northeast quadrant of the US 20 intersection with North Big Springs Loop Road.  Below are graphics showing the location of the courts.

 The above graphic is for general reference to West Yellowstone and other landmarks.

 The above graphic shows well known landmarks Big Springs and I P Bills Island for reference.

And, finally, here's the nitty gritty of getting to the courts of US 20.  Note that Sawtelle Peak Road is comprises the other leg of that major intersection with US 20.

Lincoln Park courts finished and curing

 The Lincoln Park courts were finished Friday, July 14.  However, they won't be available for play until at least July 24.  Why?  Well, the chemicals in the new coating had to "cure" for at least a week before the surface can be used.

In the meantime, the courts are locked up to keep them safe.  A tentative ribbon cutting has been planned for July 24.  Details will be posted  here and emailed to all those on the distribution list.

Full House at city indoor courts

With  the Lincoln Park courts unavailable because of the curing of the new surface, attention has turned to the two indoor courts  at 510 Memorial Drive.  On Monday, July 17, both courts were full and quite a few people were waiting.  The indoor use fee has been waived while the Lincoln Park courts are unavailable.

FUN @ SE Idaho Senior Games

The blog author (left) and his partner, Dick From Victor, earned a Bronze Medal at the 15th Annual South East Idaho Senior Games in Pocatello's Mountain View Event Center.  What made the day even more special was that Rena and Kathy from APPLE Athletic Club came all the way down from Idaho Falls it visit, observe, cheer and even play some spirited pickleball.  Thank You, Rena & Kathy!

City waives use fee for indoor courts

The City of Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation Division today graciously agreed to waive fees for usage of two indoor pickleball courts at 520 Memorial Drive beginning Monday, July 10 through Friday July 21.

Open drop-in pickleball play will be available at 520 Memorial Drive from 8:30-10:30, Monday through Friday for the next two weeks.  Both nets will be set up and loaner paddles and balls are available.

The lunch time basketball players start trickling 11 AM so there will be plenty of time to wrap up games-in-progress that may be underway at 10:30 AM.

This is a unique opportunity for people to utilize the city's two indoor courts for free during the next two weeks.  We hope that numerous local players take advantage of the kind offer by the city.

We will send out additional email(s) as we learn more about the actual refurb project once it gets underway this coming Monday or Tuesday.