Loren Thompson Park — Attraction in Baxter

Large pickleball groups take over all the courts. Accd. to this particular park's description on the Baxter recreation the park's permitting page states, in bold print, NON-reservable (open to the public). My suggestion would be to install paddle ladders, which could also suggest skill levels with some signage, and encourage groups to play 4 on/4 off when very busy and 2 on/2 off when less busy. It's great that large groups of 12-15 folks want to play at a set time, but that can and will be problematic if one large group follows another, which follows another. with each having a pre-determined schedule of matches for the time-frame they are there. Access is denied to all other community members at prime times of the day for playing outdoors. This suggestion is coming from a non-resident who is visiting and minimally impacted by what occurs, so please take that for what it's worth. Being from elsewhere I see how things like one-hour time limits, etc.can also be utilized with signage to help manage use of high interest/limited facilities via self-regulation by the public. That alone would not prevent the large group after large group issue if that does happen to be the case, however. I know new pickleball facilities are being planned but it can be difficult, and costly, to keep up with demand in high-interest growing sports when other projects for children and others need to also be...

Great park with restrooms, a drinking fountain, shaded seating, & other amenities.

The only downside is that the playground itself can get really hot, so kiddos playing will tire quickly without breaks on warmer...

Great park. Only reason I give it 4/5 is because there were too many people there at the time I was trying to breastfeed my baby away from everyone but it was hard to find privacy. Otherwise my kids and...