Attending the meeting held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the Camano Center were 49 members and one guest. Besides the director elections, the membership meeting consisted of presentations on several important topics. For official meeting minutes as well as a copy of the slides presented, please see the website here.
★ Membership
The membership has grown tremendously over the past year, going from 198 to 342 members, an increase of 73%. Sign-ups through the SUG system totaled 5,533 for 2022.
★ 501(3)(c) Status Finalized
CSPA has now been incorporated under the statutes of the state of Washington and has also achieved 501(c)(3) status. This establishes the club as a non-profit charitable entity and will allow CSPA to apply for a variety of grants and donations can be tax deductible.
★ Finances
A review of past year (2022) revenues and expenses together with the projected 2023 budget was presented. Revenues totaled $41,870, primarily from tournaments and membership fees. Expenses totaled $33,183 of which the capital reserve ($10,410) and events ($8,158) were the largest portions followed by facilities and equipment ($6,853).
★ New Equipment
The feedback on the mobile net at the Camano court has been positive so the CSPA is moving forward with the purchase of 4 nets. These will be chained to the fence when not in use. The nets will be maintained by the Facilities and Equipment Committee.
Also being purchased - a ball machine for use by members. Details are still to be worked out but expect training sessions on the use and storage of the equipment before being able to use it.
★ DUPR and Playtime Scheduler (Goodbye, SUG!)
As highlighted in previous newsletters, CSPA has now moved away from Sign-Up Genius to Playtime Scheduler which is more commonly used, including at Blackburn Pavilion and other Skagit Valley sites where CSPA members have played during the winter months. Many thanks to Kathy Bisnett who diligently managed the labor intensive SUG schedule. See this link for more info about Playtime Scheduler.
In addition, the old rating system has transitioned to the broadly used DUPR system. Please see this link for more info. Use of DUPR (ratings) is completely voluntary but recommended for those interested in tournament participation. Come out to Saturday morning round robins and get started on yours now!
★ Update on Existing Courts/Progress on Stanwood Courts
Unfortunately, some discouraging news was presented at the meeting regarding the possibility of court expansion at the current Camano location. This impacts the baseball groups which were also seeking to expand. Island County has informed CSPA that due to the siting of a well structure as well as drain field and a helicopter landing pad, it is not possible to build on top of any of the currently empty field areas around the current courts.
The good news is that the City of Stanwood, encouraged by the support from CSPA members, is nearing completion of the first two dedicated pickleball courts with permanent nets at Heritage Park. A basketball court at Church Creek Park will be marked for pickleball also. CSPA is providing supplies and equipment for these new courts – paddle racks, balls,benches, windscreens wrapping the entire court and storage.
More information on the opening of the courts and how to arrange play will be coming soon! Members will be invited to the opening ceremony.
