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Race organizer warns volunteer shortfall could scale back Ellisville event; board discusses pickleball net and court repairs
Summary
At the May meeting, Ricky, who organizes the town race, said he needs 10–12 volunteers and may scale back the event; he secured chip timing and reported about $2,000 in residual race funds. Board members discussed storage, court cleaning, and whether to leave a pickleball net up year-round.
Ricky, who leads the town race effort, told the board he may need to scale back the event because he cannot recruit the roughly "10 or 12" volunteers he had planned for. "I sort of owe people an apology," Ricky said, adding he had lined up chip timing this year and expects the technology to increase participation.
Ricky told the board that last-year proceeds left about $2,000 in a race account earmarked for Ellisville sports activities. He said he keeps detailed records of race finances and that any leftover funds are intended to support local sports programming. He also noted the race was identified by the Mag Seven Series board as a "secret gem" race, which could attract additional runners.
The meeting included a practical discussion about logistics: potential parking at People's State Bank, returning a printer removed from the old fire department office to police department storage, and where race signage and mileage markers should be kept. Board members agreed to look for secure storage and to return the printer to the station.
The board also debated whether to leave a pickleball net installed at a town park year-round. Concerns included who would be responsible for the net, liability during rentals and concerts, and that courts become muddy after rain and need power washing and repainting. Katie, Emily and Ronnie each offered to help clean and prepare the court; Katie said she could power-wash and scrub the surface herself.
Ricky asked members for suggestions on recruiting volunteers and for help finding volunteers through local committees. He said he would consider smaller events that require fewer volunteers if necessary. The board did not adopt any formal policy on nets or court maintenance; members pledged volunteer support and staff follow-up.
The board adjourned after routine closing business.
