The Bloomington Pickleball Club (BPC) has had an incredible year of growth, community engagement, and strategic planning. As we close out the year, let’s take a look back at the key events, accomplishments, and decisions that have shaped the club’s success, as well as what lies ahead.
Key Events and Milestones
January – April 2024
- Renewed the club’s general liability insurance policy.
- Began the transition from Wild Apricot to CourtReserve for membership and event management.
- Initiated discussions to revise the club’s bylaws to reflect the needs of its growing membership.
May 2024
- Signed an agreement with Bloomington Parks & Recreation and installed yard signs at RCA Park.
- Secured sponsorships from Shine, Simtra, and gift cards from Pizza X, Soma, & Village Deli.
- Launched ladder events at RCA Park.
- Dave Martin, Chair of the Board, became AED and CPR certified.
June 2024
- Transitioned fully to CourtReserve for membership and event coordination.
- Financial reserves increased to $10,300, supporting key initiatives like court improvements and the Doug Kenfield memorial bench.
Summer 2024
- Ladder events averaged 21 participants, with revenue close to surpassing the prior year’s total.
- Addressed challenges with walk-up players attempting to join events without prior registration.
September 2024
- Added new board members: Susan Cooper, Jodee Smith, Matt Slatkin, Brent Litzer, and Bob Costello.
- Ended the partnership with The Crimson Pickle and began running events independently through CourtReserve.
- Membership grew to 100 Premium, 18 Student, and 90 Community (Free) members.
November – December 2024
- Established a Finance Committee chaired by Kyle Parker to enhance financial oversight.
- Approved continued ladder events through winter at The Crimson Pickle with increased fees to ensure financial sustainability.
- Dave Martin announced his intention to step down as Chair of the Board at the end of 2024.
Key Accomplishments in 2024
- Membership Growth:
- Membership increased across all tiers, reaching 100 premium members.
- Financial Health:
- Despite challenges, the club maintained a strong financial position, with sponsorships and strategic event planning boosting revenue.
- Community Engagement:
- Participated in local events like the 50+ Expo and Get Outdoors Day, strengthening ties with the community.
- Event Success:
- Successfully organized ladder events, community gatherings, and social mixers to foster camaraderie and grow the sport.
- Partnerships:
- Built strong relationships with Bloomington Parks & Recreation, Monroe County Parks & Rec, and local businesses like One World Enterprises.
- Infrastructure Improvements:
- Advocated for better court conditions and installed a memorial bench honoring Doug Kenfield.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Future Plans
As the Bloomington Pickleball Club gears up for 2025, several action items and opportunities lie ahead:
- Strategic Planning:
- A strategic planning session is scheduled for January 22, 2025, at the Monroe County Public Library. Members are encouraged to share their input through a pre-meeting survey.
- Membership Structure:
- The board is exploring new membership tiers and benefits, including family plans, automated renewals, and exclusive events.
- Financial Sustainability:
- Efforts are underway to resolve financial losses from ladder events, with plans to introduce prepaid passes and adjust event fees.
- Volunteer Development:
- Clear guidelines for volunteers will be developed to ensure smooth event operations.
- Facility Enhancements:
- The club remains committed to improving court conditions and advocating for additional pickleball facilities in Bloomington.
Thank You for an Amazing Year!
The Bloomington Pickleball Club’s success wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our members, volunteers, and partners. Thank you for making 2024 a year to remember!
As we plan for the future, your involvement is more important than ever. Join us at the upcoming strategic planning session or share your ideas to help shape the next chapter of our journey.
Let’s continue to grow the sport of pickleball and strengthen our community together in 2025!