Several of us have been working with Chris and his supervisor, Barb Wade, over that last half year. A draft proposal was finally defined last week. In summary, weekend table tennis would become free like it is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Funds would be raised through player donations, grants, and corporate gift matching. This would be similar to our 2019 fundraiser, however we would also accept cash donations every evening of play.

 

It is unlikely that we could raise the full amount of about $2000/month. Barb suggested that we could apply for a "service contract". A service contract allows one to make a case for the 'public benefit' your group provides, in exchange for a reduced rental cost. The draft proposal requests that we pay only the $30/hour charge for the city employee, not the $48/hour gym fee. In exchange, we would keep doing what we have always done, and maybe a little more.

 

I've been communicating with the Seattle Parks Foundation regarding them being our fiscal sponsor. This would allow us to accept tax-deductible donations, grants, and corporate matching. I'm waiting to hear back about next steps. The city is not likely to accept the proposal for us to pay only the $30/hour employee cost and will respond with a higher figure. We may need to negotiate, if that is possible.

 

For us as players, this new arrangement will mean that we will need to organize ourselves, perhaps with a membership, officers, and a board. At a minimum, we will need a small group of players to get things rolling. Please call, email, or text me if I can count on you to be part of the initial planning. 

 

 

Please share this and talk it over with others at table tennis on Tuesdays and Fridays. In other news, our new Joola tables and barriers (paid for by your donations) should be coming some time after Labor Day!

 

Kim Goldov

kgoldov@PROTECTED

(206) 979-9752 (mobile)

 

 Draft Proposal for Saturday/Sunday Table Tennis at Green Lake Community Center

• The GLTTC (Green Lake Table Tennis Center) will pay for table tennis on Saturdays from 5 pm to 9 pm, and Sundays from 4 pm to 9 pm. We will pay the $30/hour cost of the recreation attendant during those hours and during the required time before and after. Table tennis will be free to the public just as it is during regular community center hours. We intend to bring in funds through player donations, grants, and corporate matching.

• As outlined above, the City will be providing the gym at cost. In exchange, the GLTTC will perform the following.

  • Provide table tennis for free to the public on weekends.

  • Set up and break down tables, nets, barriers, and equipment before and after play times. This will happen both during regular center hours and on weekends.

  • Purchase new tables and barriers (money already available from 2019 fundraiser).

  • Maintain and repair tables and equipment as needed.

  • Promote table tennis at GLCC and other SPR community centers through our website (glttc.org), our email distribution list, and social media.

  • Provide free coaching to kids and adults.

  • Continue our para program for persons with disabilities.

  • Conduct special activities such as our unique drop-in kanban league and occasional tournaments.

  • We will be available to help in other ways that the City might identify in the future.

• Table tennis will be suspended occasionally on some weekend days if the GLCC has a rental from another organization. This will eliminate any opportunity cost for the program. The City will notify the GLTTC in advance so we can adjust the upcoming rental amount and notify players.