The letter was sent to over 1,300 Saddlebrooke residents between September 22nd and September 29th 2020.

PETITION RE: CONVERSION OF

TENNIS COURTS TO pickleball COURTS

Some Insight Into the Issues:

In the last week we became aware that the Saddlebrooke Pickleball Association (SPA) has requested the HOA2 Board of Directors approve a plan to permanently convert two tennis courts at The Preserve into eight pickleball courts.  We do not object to new pickleball courts and most homeowners supported the addition of courts at Ridgeview.  What we do find concerning is the process that has been employed to address this request.

• The Board has maintained that the pickleball courts at The Preserve would be “temporary.”
• The September “For the Record” which states – “There is no plan at this time to add pickleball courts to The Preserve.”  Yet a Board meeting was scheduled for Sept 24^th to hear from the SPA, the Tennis Club, and homeowners on a proposal by SPA to permanently convert two tennis courts to pickleball.
• The Board decided they will select the person to make the presentation on behalf of the homeowners in The Preserve.  We find this unacceptable.  As homeowners we should select our own spokesperson who represents our views.
• The SPA proposal has been under development for some time.  They have obtained cost estimates and have already selected a contractor for the work.  Is the Board just a rubber stamp for the SPA and no sincere desire on the part of the Board to provide all parties with the same information and time to prepare a presentation.
• We believe one Board member should have recused himself from discussions and voting on this proposal since his spouse is on the BOD of the SPA.  At a minimum this situation creates the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• The time period for the Tennis Club and homeowners to review the proposal and other documents is not adequate.  As such, the Board is not fulfilling its fiduciary responsibility to provide fairness and transparency to the homeowners.
• Despite written requests to the Board, homeowners have not been provided a copy of the SPA proposal.
• We have requested specific documents but have not received anything at this time. 
• We have been told that the Board refuses to have a new sound study performed. Despite the fact the original study was done some time ago and involved fewer courts than are being proposed now.  The previous noise study may be obsolete.
• Many homeowners have in their Purchase Agreements with Robson an amendment stating that the pickleball courts at The Preserve are “temporary.”  There is no mention of any future option to make them permanent.
• We support additional pickleball courts and regret that bureaucratic delays have impacted the Ridgeview project, but that is not a justification to permanently expand the number of pickleball courts and reduce the number of tennis courts.  We object to the court usage calculations used for tennis versus pickleball and believe “Original SB amenities were created by the developer and guaranteed in various documents”. (From For the Record).
• We believe the issue of additional amenities should be considered in the Strategic Planning process and not done in a two-week period as is now happening.
• We seek fair representation and opportunity to participate in this process as impacted homeowners.  We are hopeful that this proposal is tabled and a process outlined through Strategic Planning is undertaken to make a long-term decision on this subject.  Failing to achieve a fair and equitable resolution, may force the concerned homeowners to pursue other remedies.
• Part of the monies paid to Robson for HOA2 assets included an unstated amount for the land for the construction of pickleball courts at Ridgeview. This purchase was to provide a facility which would avoid conflicts with homeowners due to the noise generated.
• Other Preserve amenities including the restaurant, clubhouse, pool and golf course will be adversely impacted by pickleball due to the excessive noise created by as many as 32 players. The noise from pickleball should be contained in the Ridgeview area. 
• All HOA2 residents should have a vote for any significant elimination or change in use of a common area amenity. Changes such as this should only be considered after completion of an analysis of the reciprocal agreement for the amenity and completion of the facilities and strategic planning process. Since Both HOAs are in middle of deciding to modify or renew the reciprocal agreement for use of each other’s facilities. It does not make sense for HOA2 to absorb extra costs and impact HOA2 homeowners use of property and severely impact home values while trying to accommodate users outside of HOA2. New facilities and cost should be shared proportionately.
• The Board and SPA are creating unnecessary potential legal exposure for HOA2 residents.  The burden for potential legal exposure rests on all HOA2 homeowners for an amenity utilized by both HOAs.

If you have sent any comments to the Board or have copies of documents that might help shed light on the current situation, please email them to Preservehelp@gmail.com