Many have expressed interest in when the Centennial Park 3-wall courts will be completed in Columbia. So far, the painting of the courts is finished and two main projects remain. The company responsible for the concrete needs to work on one of the courts and then surface the area behind the courts. This process has been delayed somewhat by weather, as well as some problems with the work they did pouring one of the courts earlier in the year. Once that is finished, the fencing people will come in and do the ceiling and area behind the courts. The estimated time of completion, as reported by the HCRP, is for the first week in May. This date depends on our getting a week of dry weather.
Once the courts are opened, we’re hoping for a great summer of play. The back courts are to be extended, which means more room for those deep shots. If this year is like previous years, Saturday morning will be the most attended day, followed by Sunday morning, Tuesday and Thursday after 3:30p, and some people showing up on Wednesdays as well.
The No Frills has been scheduled for 6/9/07 and the Eastern Regional for 8/17/07 – 8/19/07. There will also be the classic Golf/Handball Outing in July that is yet to be scheduled.
Player Development work has continued with Dan Ho and Gary Cruz having talked to the Howard County Public School Gym Instructors on 3/23/07. Dan Ho has also scheduled several Handball Clinics through HCRP to take place this summer at the 3-wall courts. We continue to make efforts in pursuing options for gaining access to groups of youth for an instructional.
This winter the Supreme Club offered Challenge Courts for players to drop-in. I want to thank the players who made travel plans to come in and help fill the courts, including the Andersons, Zimets, and particularly Bob Bardwell. The Challenge Courts were a great opportunity for players to match up with new partners and challenge new teams, adding variety in these
days where we experience fewer and fewer player options. The last day of the Challenge Courts will be the first day the 3-wall courts open. I hope to continue these Challenge Days next year.
I want to apologize for the Maryland Handball website, which has been under construction for the past month. We are hoping to have it up and running with improvements in the next week thanks to the technical assistance of Josh Ho.
Having been injured over the past few months my play has been quite limited, so I have not been able to spend as much time talking to and playing ball with you all. I hope to see each of you this summer. If you have need of equipment (e.g., balls, gloves, goggles) please know that I have a stock of items for sale.
See you soon, and pray for sun and reasonable temperatures!