In May of 2019, I wrote about the development of the Legacy Sports Arena in N. Phoenix, Arizona. While the construction of such a facility would be welcome in any area in America, what really caught my interest was the inclusion of pickleball.
The recent health emergency has slowed some progress, but quite a bit of the complex has been completed. Driving by the area on rt. 17, the structure is clearly visible.
Instead of early fall, 2020 it is more likely that the Legacy Sports Arena will open in late fall or early winter.
Here are some recent pictures for comparison…
A panorama of the area!
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All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.comare appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.
This is an archived version of a previously issued pickleball newsletter. The most current N. Phoenix Newsletter is available by clicking HERE!
Latest N. Phoenix Pickleball News – December 6, 2019
Hello North Phoenix Pickleball Players:
City of Phoenix Community Centers
********** Gyms Closing for December **********
As I stated in my previous post, December is an “awkward” month for indoor pickleball in the Valley because of holiday events, maintenance schedules and other location-based activities.
The Community Centers often have staff events, meetings, etc. during this time of the year. In addition special events are often provided for students that have a winter recess from their schools.
Paradise Valley Community Center
Monday, December 9th – THERE WILL BE PICKLEBALL as usual. The center has a special event in the evening; sorry for any confusion.
Closed for Pickleball as Follows:
Wednesday, December 11th – NE Division Holiday Party
December 23, 2019 through January 3, 2020
NOTE: We can probably surmise that this will be similar for all City of Phoenix Community Centers, however…
My best advice is to check with your preferred indoor venue during the upcoming weeks to avoid disappointment. This may be an opportunity for outside play for those of use who generally play at our indoor courts!
You can check “More Places to Play” for some aoutdoor courts in and around North Phoenix!
Family Life Center 2019-2020 Holiday Hours
********** Gym Closing for December **********
NOTE – I was told that there WILL BE PICKLEBALL on Tuesday, December 24th, but the hours will be shortened to accommodate the schedule above.
G.R. Herberger Park
********** Open for Pickleball **********
Pickleball Courts at G.R. Herberger Park
5802 E. Indian School, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Picture Courtesy of Mary Travis – The court on the right-hand side is a tennis court.
From the USAPA Paces to Play Website:
“The City of Phoenix opened 4 permanent outdoor pickleball courts at this location on 11/27/19. The park is open 5:30am – 10pm, 365 days a year and is free to the public. Two tennis courts were converted to 4 fully painted pickleball courts with permanent nets and lights. There are restrooms in the park as well as 2 remaining lighted tennis courts, lighted sand volleyball, and a play field. The park is located on the north side of Indian School Rd. next to the canal and multi-use bicycle path. The viewpoint for The Arizona Falls is accessed from the west end of the parking lot.”
For Those Who Have Read This Far
PRO Mixed Doubles GOLD Medal Match
********** 2019 Franklin Pickleball Masters **********
If the weather and holidays are keeping you from pickleball, why not try the next best thing? Watch pickleball tournament videos!
The match below is between the team of Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova and Ben Johns and Simone Jardim. These are four of the perennial finalists in professional pickleball and are among the “stars” in today’s pickleball world. I think you will find the match entertaining and a wonderful showcase for our sport.
BTW – The name of the facility hosting this match is called Chicken ‘N Pickle in Wichita, KS. Pickleball is becoming so popular that even restaurants are now hosting courts. You can check out their website – Chicken ‘N Pickle – Wichita, KS
********** Archived Versions of Previous Newsletters **********
Previous newsletters that may have pickleball hints, videos, rules changes, etc. are now archived at the following link. You can check out previous newsletters there. Archived N. Phoenix PB Previous Newsletters
*** Support your Sport – Join the USAPA $20 for 1 Year ****
Picture Courtesy of Pickleball Magazine and the USAPA
********** That’s All for Now **********
I hope to see you on the courts!
Regards,
Jeff Ross
Archived versions of North Phoenix Pickleball news and information about a variety of topics related to pickleball, tipes, local schedule changes, etc.
There is a pungent smell in the air this spring in our Sonoran garden and surrounding neighborhoods. It isn’t really a bad smell, but it cannot be described as a totally pleasant one either. When we first discovered this fragrance several weeks ago, we couldn’t figure out the source, but over the ensuing time period we discovered its origin.
You can see the culprit in the picture below…
and here it is again.
This yellow plant is called Globe chamomile (Oncosiphon piluliferum). While seeds can be bought for Globe chamomile, I am sure most gardeners consider it a weed.
Because of the frequent and substantial winter rains, these yellow weeds are pervasive throughout open areas in the Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona corridor.
You can see how thick it grows. It can be pulled out by the handful.
Globe chamomile is a South African native and it has found its way to various regions of the United States and other countries.
It has been in bloom for weeks, but the drier and warmer spring weather is now causing some die off. Notice the brownish stems (below). The flowers are still quite vibrant and fragrant, but they are definitely on the wane.
It has been blamed by many in the area for their severe outbreak of allergy symptoms. Melanie Dunlap, a Naturopathic practicioner, writes about here experience in this article titled Goddess of Allergies
All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.comare appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.
Those of us who live in the Phoenix area get kick out of watching our northern friends deal with freezing temperatures and large snowfalls. Of course many of them flock to the desert for the winter months and we are glad to have them as our seasonal friends.
In the spirit of good humor and a bit of kidding, I am passing along the following humorous video. Of course, humor is a very personal thing!
All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.comare appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.
There is no doubt about it, gardening in the Sonoran Desert during the summer is a challenge. It is similar to other areas of the country which have on season, mainly winter, that is not too hospitable to a wide assortment of plants that would be otherwise easy to grow in spring, summer and into the fall.
Unlike those areas where winter prevents almost all outside gardening, there are some plants and varieties that can tolerate our summers given the appropriate environment; and therein lies the rub!
As I travel the highways and byways of the desert regions of the southwest, I notice that there is one variety of wild sunflower that seems to survive the summer most years and even thrive when there are ample showers. Keeping that in mind, and not being able to nail down the exact variety (my bad), I decided to try a package of mixed sunflower seeds to see what it would yield in my desert garden. This was to be my gardening experiment for the summer of 2018.
I always check the back of the package to see the “Packed for” date. Obviously the fresher the seeds, the better so I always make sure they are the current year’s seeds. I also like the fact that these seeds are organic and are not treated with chemicals. Our bees are struggling enough as it is.
An inexpensive turkey baster is used in this process to control the flow of water. It is good for delicate seedlings and at times when I need to wet a plant with a controlled, low flow of water.
To keep everything corraled on the counter, I work inside a container lid. The lip of the lid keeps the water and other debris under control.
Of course we could plant the seeds directly in the ground, but I considered several factors:
We have numerous desert critters that would love to take a bite out of a luscious sprout.
There is no guarantee that every seed in a package will be viable.
I have limited time and space so I want to make sure any seed has the best start possible.
Considering the above, I decided to pre-sprout the seeds. Here are the three seeds I selected. [NOTE: One cannot tell from the seeds which sunflower will be “born” from any specific seed. This is a mix so it is a random choice.]
My process for pre-sprouting the seeds is to wet a piece of paper towel to the point where it is uniformally wet, but not soaked.
Once the towel has been wet, the seeds are then placed at intervals on the sheet leaving ample space between, but not too much. I like to make a compact packet.
After the seeds have been carefully placed, the towel is folded over them so they are enveloped in the moist towel. This will be a good environment for sprouting.
The towel is folded into an envelope-type form to provide the best chance of staying moist.
I always make a label just in case I want to keep track of sprouting times, time from sprout to flower, etc., but I didn’t use that information for tracking in this instance.
Once this process is complete, probably less than thirty minutes, the seeds are placed inside a plastic bag, label and all and set aside. I check them every day to …
– make sure the seeds remain uniformally damp, but not soaking
– see if they have sprouted (because at that point further action is needed)
All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.comare appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.
We have arrived at our spring planting season in the Phoenix, Arizona area even when other areas of the nation continue to be cold and perhaps stormy. I had an opportunity to visit the demonstration garden at the Maricopa County Extension Center which is maintained primarily by the Master Gardeners.
There were some interesting plants in full bloom and I wanted to share two of them with you. When I select a plant to grow, it is generally one that has impressive flowers. This can be small, numerous flowers or large, showy flower that are less in number.
I also like to have the flower-to-leaf ratio to be appropriate. I don’t want the leaves to overpower the flowers. The one exception to this would be a plant that has pretty or show leaves. One plant that comes to mind in this category is Milk Thistle. We have lots of critters in our neighborhood and they like many of the plants we enjoy so I need to be very selective.
Then there are some plants that people in our region select because they are unique.
One quite “different” plant at the demonstration garden is Lion’s Tail or Wild Dagga (Leonotis leonurus) – One look and it will be obvious how this flower received its name.
Here is a close up of the flower…
Lion’s Tail is reportedly a fast growing, drought tolerant plant!
You can read more about this unique plant in The San Francisco Gate article HERE. — scroll down.
Another unique and interesting plant is the Hyacinth Bean (Dolichos lablab or Lablab purpurea). This plant is grown as much for its purple seed pod as the plentiful light and dark pink flowers. If you have a place in your garden for a vine, this might be a very good choice.
Naturally if this is grown in our area, it must be heat tolerant, but the amazing thing is how well the vine tends to do even with the hight temperatures as long as it is given ample water.
You can find more information about Hyacinth Bean HERE and HERE.
All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.comare appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.
You may recall that on July 11, 2017, I posted a story about new courts being constructed at the Paseo Highlands Park in North Phoenix. I am happy to report that they started construction and because of the relatively mild winter, it seems to me that they are making excellent progress.
I am not an engineer and I know very little about construction so any comments made here are from my unitiated point of view.
As you will note, there is a lot of heavy construction equipment at the construction site.
There was an opening in the fence so I could get a clear shot of the land that has been cleared and is awaiting some material for underlayment/grading.
This is taken from the same general area looking toward the north.
(Below) On two of the courts substrata of crushed stone was placed on top of the dirt and it was being leveled. Rebar and levels were being carefully employed.
This is another shot of the preparation on that same set of courts.
I was at the site about 8:20 AM so there were trucks and workers coming and going as the work day was getting into full swing. Half the parking lot was roped off for use by the construction crew.
The following two photos were taken from the rear door of Beuf Community Center. The red arrow marks the area where the new pickleball courts are located so readers can gain a perspective. Upon careful inspection, you can see some of the workers.
I still think there is a good chance these courts will be ready for play sooner than expected!
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All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.comare appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.
We are in the weather sweet spot in the North Phoenix area and multitudes of people flock to the desert to find relief from the cooler, colder and drearier environs of the northlands. With this influx of “snowbirds,” a number of our friends and relatives arrive on an annual basis and many of them are repeat visitors.
We often face the challenge of providing interesting adventures for them. One of the places we look to is the Phoenix Art Museum. Compared to other major metropolitan areas, I think Phoenix is somewhat small, but the culture offerings are significant.
Our most recent guest is an artist and art student so naturally we gravitated toward the museum. During this visit, we focused on contemporary artists.
One installation I found particularly interesting was created by Mexican artist, Bestsabé Romero and was titled Columna interminable (Endless Column), 2015. The piece was constructed from rubber tires and gold leaf.
The work focuses on the theme of migration which connects well with the idea of tires. There are a total of seventeen tires with various designs representing cultures from “pre-conquest North, Central, and South America…”
The snake in the topmost tire in the photo above is from the Aztec/Mixtec societies of Mexico while the oval shaped symbols just below are from the Hohokam of Arizona.
In the picture below, the dancing figures with headdress were drawn from the Wari or Moche of Peru with the abstract design below representing the Mimbres from New Mexico.
I was intrigued by the use of materials and the beauty they created using an item that has historically populated landfills worldwide. The ingenuity and creativity of Bestsabé Romero is to be admired.
I recommend a trip to the Phoenix Art Museum if you are visting the Valley of the Sun. They have paintings from nearly every genre of art including the masters. There are numerous galleries that are sure to satisfy almost all guests.
PS – They have one of the best art museum gift shops I have seen and I have seen quite a few!
NOTE – All photographs were taken with an iPhone 5 and represent works by the artists named in the stories. All work is copyrighted by their creator and is presented here strictly for educational and illustrative purposes.
All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.comare appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.
On the heels of good news that new pickleball courts are being planned for the Paseo Highlands Park, (see Pickleball Expanding in Phoenix we have been made aware that the Rose Mofford Sports Complex will have three pickleball courts available once the the park renovation is completed
Here are some pictures of the signs provided by a member of our pickleball community:
For those who may not know where the Rose Mofford Sports Complex is, here is a screen shot taken from Google Maps.
Rose Mofford Sports Complex
9833 N 25th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85021
The grapevine has it that construction was planned to start after July 5, 2017 although the sign indicates late spring.
As always, we would like to thank and acknowledge the City of Phoenix and the Parks and Recreation Department for their efforts on behalf of the Phoenix Area pickleball players.
Pickleball Videos
To See additional Pickleball Videos Covering Many Aspects of the Game Click Here (primarily for beginners and less experienced players)
All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.comare appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.
There is a follow up to this story. Click HERE to see it.
It is always exciting to anticipate new opportunities related to areas in which we have a vested interest. I would like to report about one such happening in the N. Phoenix area pickleball community.
PLEASE NOTE – This is a preliminary report and items presented here are in the planning stages. Given the uncertainties with municipal budgets, priorities, emergencies, etc. any of the following my be revised, changed, etc. Kindly keep this in mind as you read further.
Last week, I met with Jan Sherwood, Recreation Supervisor, Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, City of Phoenix Landscape Architect, Tom Byrne and several other area Pickleball Ambassadors to preview preliminary plans for new pickleball courts at Paseo Highlands Park.
** About the Park – Paseo Highlands Park (Geolet A.C. Beuf Community Center), 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., 35th Ave. and Pinnacle Peak Rd. (Located adjacent to Geolet A.C. Beuf Community Center)
Amenities: A 40-acre regional Park with two lighted softball fields, lighted soccer field, lighted basketball court, lighted volleyball court, playgrounds, restrooms and picnic areas, grills, ramadas, and the Geolet A.C. Beuf Community Center.
Some of our pickleball friends have noticed signs in the area which outlined the project.
The plan is to build six outdoor pickleball courts.
The photo below is NOT of any identified pickleball court, but is to show the colors of the courts as the preliminary design and plan currently details.
Here are some of the specifics as I understood them. Please remember, that these plans are still fluid and preliminary.
There will be fences/barriers separating all of the courts. This should cut down on ball chasing.
The circles represent trees to be planted as part of the development process.
There is an existing ramada that will remain; located north of the westmost court (rectangular structure).
The courts will be lit with timed fixtures that will go on automatically.
For the four courts to the east, entry gates are located in the middle of the quad.
The two westerly courts have gates at the northern corners.
Pictured below is the general location for the development.
Bathrooms are located relatively near the courts.
There is a parking lot located a bit east of the courts. It has eleven spaces plus one space for handicapped parking.
It was 100 degrees plus the day we met and I walked from the community center to the area shown on the plans and it was not a far walk.
This is a picture I took while standing near the parking lot looking back at the community center…
and here is a photo taken standing on the steps of the community center looking back at the area (with gravel/granite) where the new courts will be placed.
For those who want to see a wide view of the general area, this is the link to the larger image (panorama)
The question that might be on the minds of most readers is WHEN will these courts be finished or when can we begin playing on them? A “guesstimate”, keeping in mind that there are some “ifs” involved, is that we are looking at some time after the new year, 2018!
Until then, it is something nice to think about!
I would like to thank Jan Sherwood and the City of Phoenix for keeping our pickleball community in mind and for allowing us to learn of the projects as they begin unfold.
