Pickleball is Coming to Nellie Gail Ranch!

Pickleball is a relatively new sport first played in 1965, which combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. The internet reflects all kinds of estimates as to how many millions upon millions of players now enjoy this sport in the US and worldwide. But what really caught our attention was a passionate group of Pickleball playing Nellie Gail Ranch homeowners who wanted a local place to play. 
 
The first feasibility discussion was at the June Board Meeting, which was followed by an August pickleball demonstration at which temporary courts were put in place, and demonstration games were played. After further discussion, a trial period was implemented on October 21st as we set up three courts and invited our homeowners and their guests to come play. Over the course of the trial period, we had many players enjoying the courts, and homeowner players organized several Pickleball Socials that drew a fun group to the Association Clubhouse. 
 
We want to be sure we continue to be good neighbors to those in proximity to the Recreation Center, so we carefully evaluated which courts would be best situated for play and which hours would be most appropriate for Pickleball play. At the November 19th meeting, the Board considered member comments and support and approved converting Tennis Courts 1 and 2 into 8 Pickleball courts. We are excited to be able to provide our homeowners with this new amenity. While the sport is often referenced as a favorite new sport for seniors, it has its origins as a family game, and we are seeing families and younger players enjoying it too. A Pickleball Membership may make a perfect gift for someone you love!! We invite you to consider signing up for a Pickleball membership at the Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis Center. Click the button to view the flyer with the hours and rates.

Holiday Hours

The Nellie Gail Ranch Owners Association office will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28th and 29th in observance of Thanksgiving Day.

The Tennis & Swim Club will be closed Thursday, November 28th, Thanksgiving Day.

The Club will be open on Friday, November 29th  normal business hours, from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Water Runoff & Sandbags

Now that we have had our first Winter rains, please take the opportunity to evaluate your slopes and clear your v-ditches, swales and catch basins. Drainage systems full of leaf debris or eroded soil can overflow and cause serious flooding or damage to property.

Additionally, in areas where you have had previous flooding, it will be more effective to order sandbags from your landscaper and place them proactively while it is dry rather than trying to place a few limited sandbags in a downpour. Please do not divert water to your neighbor’s property as each home is responsible for accepting its own share of runoff.

The Association has received its annual delivery of sand and sandbags for time-sensitive flooding or erosion control concerns that may arise over the Fall and Winter. They are located in the corner of the Association Clubhouse parking lot adjacent to the storage sheds. It is self-service and self-fill, please take no more than 10 for quick emergencies that may arise.

Ron Larson Memorial Bench

The Ron Larson Memorial Bench has been installed at Gallup Park. The family of the longtime Nellie Gail Ranch resident received donations for a memorial bench. Ron Larson passed away on August 5, 2019. Ron was a long-term tennis player and Club Member since 1982. He also enjoyed walking his dog and bird watching at Gallup Park.

Veteran’s Day

We appreciate all of our country’s veterans but we offer this special note of gratitude to those of you in the Nellie Gail Ranch community who have served.  May we all take a moment to express gratitude to those whom we personally know who have served our country.

The Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis & Swim Club and Association office will be open regular hours on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.

Save the Date – Winter Wonderland

Pickleball Trial Period at the Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis Center

We again invite you to come play pickleball on a trial basis at the Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis Center. We have three courts set up through November 23rd; there are no applicable membership fees during the trial period.  Pickleball play will continue to take place on tennis court #1 as moving to the higher courts #7 & #8 as we previously planned was determined to adversely impact current tennis league play.  No court reservations are needed. Just come out and play! Please check-in at the Nellie Gail Ranch Clubhouse Reception Desk prior to play.  Please send feedback to admin@nelliegailranch.org

Horse-O-Ween

Our Horse-O-Ween event was held last Saturday at the Equestrian Center.  We enjoyed our riders in costumes, rode through a fun obstacle course and played some fun games. Thank you to Lion’s Heart who provided us with some youth volunteers to set up and take down the decorations.  Thank you also to all who attended.  Lastly, we hope all of our Nellie Gail Ranch families enjoyed a safe and fun Halloween evening last night!

Street Lights

We recently conducted an inventory of street lights that were out and reported them to the City of Laguna Hills.  We confirmed this week that 32 lights that were reported are now operating again.  If you have a street light that is out, you may report it to jcomella@lagunahillsca.gov or submit an on-line request at the following link: https://www.lagunahillsca.gov/forms.aspx?fid=92.  Please provide them with the closest street address to the pole.  Copy us at admin@nelliegailranch.org and we will confirm they were repaired and follow up if necessary.

Horse-O-Ween – Saturday, October 26th at 9:00 a.m.

This is a reminder to join us at the Equestrian Center this Saturday, October 26th at 9:00 a.m. for our annual Horse-O-Ween event. The festivities will begin with a costume contest followed by fun Halloween activities. Please contact Charee Jones, Equestrian Center Manager, with any questions at 949-371-1595.