NEWBERG, Ore. — Changes are coming to Chehalem’s pickleball committee.
The Chehalem Park and Recreation District board discussed updates to the Pickleball Citizens Advisory Committee at its regular meeting Thursday, Dec. 4.
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Members unanimously agreed to adopt the committee’s recommendation that the board approve a motion to dissolve the Pickleball CAC and transition the group into a volunteer focus group working directly with staff.
“The group that we’ve had have just been exceptional people. They really had so much information to give staff that really moved this project along, and everybody came every month whenever we decided to have a meeting, and their input was very valuable,” said Julie Petersen, recreation supervisor with CPRD. “There were some things that we didn’t know, that we didn’t think about, that would be important, and they really did a great job of communicating that to us. This doesn’t mean that they can’t come in and talk to us — we really value their opinion, so we would encourage them to do that, just in a less formal way.”
The board also agreed to recognize the committee members and their significant contributions to CPRD. Members served terms from 2021 to 2025.
CPRD Board Vice President Nick Konen said the Pickleball CAC met in October and decided to dissolve as a formal advisory committee and transition into a focus group of volunteer experts in the field. It is the district’s responsibility to accept the resignation of the committee and dissolve it, Konen said.
“It takes away some of those clunky requirements associated with things — when they’re advising the board, the committee is required to follow those public meeting laws — when they’re really just working with staff, they’re volunteers,” said CPRD Superintendent Clay Downing. “We want to make sure it’s not harder than it needs to be to have good outcomes working with the community. I think the pickleball committee has been great, and we want to really honor the work they’ve done so far by making it easier for them to do good work in the future.”
The pickleball committee was established in 2021 to provide guidance, support, and community insight for the development, planning, and promotion of pickleball within the CPRD district.
In 2025, six new pickleball courts were added to Jaquith Park in an expansion that also included resurfacing four existing tennis courts. A potential second phase could include a structure and lighting.
According to the district’s resolution, the Pickleball Citizens Advisory Committee created meaningful opportunities for multigenerational players to gather, playing a vital role in supporting the ongoing development and enjoyment of the sport for local residents while strengthening community connection through recreation.
The 2021–24 Pickleball Citizens Advisory Committee members were Hunter Wylie, Nick Konen, Mike Kringlen, Linda Sandberg, Sheryl Greiner, and Lance Trantham.
The 2024–26 members were Konen, Greiner, Bob Oleson, Sandberg, Trantham, and Laurie Rauch.
These groups conducted regular meetings to provide recommendations, contribute to community engagement, plan future facilities, and discuss design, amenities and maintenance. They also assisted CPRD staff in gathering community feedback and shaping strategies for long-term pickleball development.
“I just want to personally thank the board for listening to us, for making this happen. The Jaquith courts complex is going to be a great asset to the community,” Greiner said. “Our plan is to continue to support looking into ways to fundraise to help.”
A phase two addition could include a structure, but Greiner said no design plans or cost estimates have been decided.
“There were a lot of bumps in the road with this committee over the last four years, and people worked everything out and went in the right direction, and I’m excited to see this completed,” said Board President Jim McMaster.
The board recognized the time, effort and dedication of all committee members for their contributions to the growth of pickleball within the district, along with the support provided by Staff Liaison Julie Petersen and Administrative Liaison Kat Ricker.
“I think the work that this group did was incredible. I really enjoyed working with everyone, and to see the opinions and thoughts and ideas that each individual member brought was awesome and a great practice in volunteerism,” Konen said. “So great job to the pickleball advisory committee.”
