27 Lowe's Items To Give Your Backyard A Makeover
A privacy screen so you can relax without worrying about the neighbors spying on you. Plus, these can be linked with additional sets to section off your yard as needed.
Each screen is 72 x 73.5 inches.Promising review: "I put up the fence for privacy, it was really easy to put up and looks great and modern. We will see if it holds up after the winter here in Chicago." —Cynthia R.Price: $130.98
A resin planter pot that looks so much like real stone your friends will think you snatched it from a fancy estate sale.
Promising review: "This resin planter has a nice finish that doesn't look cheap or plastic. But it's lightweight, which makes it easier to move around. Its size is nice and big. I wanted my rosemary plant to grow into a bush so it will eventually be the perfect size. It would look and function great with outdoor flowers or indoor houseplants. Mine is outdoor on the west-facing deck, which gets extremely hot, and it hasn't weathered at all in the past couple of months." —ChristyFixitPrice: $42.98 (available in four colors)
String lights to turn your backyard into an ambient wonderland for less than $20.
Promising review: "I like that they're not too bright. I bought one box of 25 lights. I think they're perfect for our patio. Just the ambiance of sitting outside and relaxing under them is nice." —Happy customerPrice: $19.98
A folding picnic table because even though it's made of resin, it's got the look of real wood and can be easily stored in the off-season. Go ahead and invite your friends over for a picnic!
Promising review: "We purchased this for a family reunion at our house. We had six people on this picnic table at the same time. It was sturdy as sturdy could be. No bend, no bulge, no nothing. We are very happy with this table. And to store it, we hung it on the wall in the garage. Highly suggest this table to anybody." —AnneMPrice: $174.98
An indoor/outdoor area rug, so you can add a huge splash of color to your patio without a huge price tag.
Promising review: "After I unwrapped my rug and spread it out on my patio, I was immediately impressed with the obvious quality and beautiful colors that made this rug stand out. When I looked closer, I could see that there was thoughtful detail put into each pattern on the rug. The flowers on the rug are woven higher than the rug and seem to pop out as an extension of the pattern. I have received many compliments on the beauty of my new rug. I use the lowest setting on my cordless vacuum to clean it and remove outdoor debris." —amlambPrice: $32.99+ (available in 22 sizes and a variety of colors)
A floral outdoor pillow to throw on your patio furniture and make it look new again. Go ahead and toss out those dingy, mildewed pillows that are cramping your style.
Price: $26.98 (available in two patterns)
A stackable Adirondack chair, because it's a classic piece you'll use for years. It's lightweight enough to move around, so you can always make place for more seats at the bonfire and easily store them away when not in use.
Promising review: "Extremely comfortable chairs! Nice selection of colors and very reasonable price!" —JeffJPrice: $24.98 (available in five colors)
Or an upright Adirondack chair that's a little higher off the ground for anybody who wants more lumbar support. Plus, it's got retractable phone and cup holders, so you'll never have to sit without your essentials.
I bought two of these chairs after falling in love with them at my aunt's house. Everyone who comes over comments on how comfortable and roomy they are. Getting up is a breeze, even for older people or those with mobility issues. I've had mine sitting outside in the direct sunlight for nearly a year, and they look as good as the day I bought them.Promising review: "It's a very comfortable and durable chair. I bought one for myself, and my wife liked it so much that I had to go back and purchase one for her. The extra feature of a cup and phone holder is very useful and convenient. I heartily recommend this chair!!" —sprinl1Price: $37.98
A decorative bird house because it looks like a miniature version of your home and might just turn you into a birdwatcher. While it's super cute, it's also functional and has a clean-out door on the back for easy upkeep.
Promising review: "I love this birdhouse. It is the perfect size and it looks adorable. The price was perfect and the quality is great." —Jeane101Price: $19.98
A solar-powered LED outdoor post cap light so you can light up your patio without having to figure out an electric source. I have a version of these leading down my patio stairs and they're a lifesaver when my dog needs to go out at midnight. They look nice, too!
Promising review: "I like these solar lights for a couple of reasons. 1) They come with two different wattage settings for bright or brighter. They last longer, of course, on the lower setting. 2) The plastic prisms cast a nice light pattern on the deck and elsewhere." —BeatlePaulPrice: $12.58 (available in two colors)
Plus, some solar gutter hanger lights that'll light up your house like a castle. Simply attach these to your gutters, signs, fences, doorways, and any flat surface to brighten things up.
Promising review: "Just what was needed to complete a new backyard privacy fence. Have a different model on corners of house, and they've held up for years and love them, too." —DeanPrice: $10.98 for two
A patio chair cushion because who among us hasn't been burned by sitting down in a hot chair on a summer's day?
Price: $17.98 (available in five colors)
A dining table with an umbrella hole to put on your patio and transform it into the hottest new restaurant in town. Just think of all the al fresco meals you can enjoy here.
Price: $178
And stackable chairs for less than $30 to go with it. They have a rust-resistant frame and can be easily cleaned with dish soap if they get yucky from the elements or, more likely, you drop ketchup or mustard on them.
Promising review: "I got these chairs for my porch. They are solid and sturdy. They will be sitting on the porch year-round, as I have that ability where I live. The chairs do not hold onto water after a rain and dry quickly. The chair is sturdy and is able to support large individuals." —DAWVPrice: $29.98
Plus, an umbrella to put with your table. This one tilts with the push of a button and is weather resistant. You're about to be spending a lot more time outside under this beauty.
Don't forget to snag an umbrella stand to go with it.Promising review: "Absolutely love this for our patio table! Easy to put up and take down, and I really like the angled turn." —BrandiTPrice: $49 (available in six colors)
An electric pressure washer that's so darn efficient at tackling heavy-duty cleaning like windows, patio furniture, and sidewalks, you'll be tempted to send videos of it in action to everyone you know.
Promising review: "Very nice pressure washer. It has enough power to get the job done, but not so powerful as to remove paint, etc. It is a cleaning machine, but not a stripping machine. If you want to clean something thoroughly without tearing it apart, this will do a good job for you. I used this on my pool deck and it cleaned all the dirt and grime, but left the paint." —HoltsysPrice: $99
A firepit so you can make s'mores anytime you want. Don't let its small size fool you, this firepit has a built-in system to create bigger fires for you and your friends to enjoy.
It comes with a poker, water-resistant cover, and mesh cover. Promising review: "So far so good. This fire pit is above average size, which I love, and it was exceptionally easy to build. The vents throughout the side of the unit are very helpful when it comes to airflow to keep your fire going. The whole thing appears sturdy, and here's to hoping that it lasts the rainy season. The instructions were well written and easy to follow, and the screen top, fire poker, and cover were nice extras. In my situation, I added natural stone from my yard around the base and the walls to give it more of a campground feel. I do recommend this fire pit." —CMD10Price: $119
Box planters to put on your patio railing and make it feel like you're in France every time you step outside.
It comes with a rail kit, a coco liner, chains, and a hook for installation.Promising review: "Elegant looking and long-lasting window box for plants. Has a European look. Lots of compliments from passing neighbors." —HomeGadgetPrice: $17.98
A patio conversation set because it comes with two rocking chairs for you and your bestie to sit in and a side table to hold a pitcher of whatever beverage strikes your fancy.
It also comes with water-resistant cushions. Promising review: "Sturdy wicker set that looks great! Love that they are rockers. Great addition to our front porch." —DonnaPrice: $209.99 (originally $279.99)
A raised garden bed so you can grow your own flowers or produce. Go ahead and invest in a new vase and some produce storage while you're at it.
Promising review: "Easy to put together and looks great. Good structure." —JB692480Price: $55.98
Or an elevated raised garden bed that'll also double as decor once your beauties are in bloom.
Promising review: "These raised garden boxes were perfect for our deck. They were simple to set up and large enough for our small garden." —MaddenFFXPrice: $120
A hose hanger to neatly store your hose instead of just throwing it in a pile... guilty as charged.
Promising review: "It was easy to hang and it looks great on my house." —MissyPrice: $24.36
A portable charcoal grill that'll also double as a smoker if you want to have a proper Texas barbecue. Go ahead and transform your backyard into the hottest new restaurant in town. And when it's time to go tailgating or camping, simply pick it up and take it with you.
It comes with one grill grate lifter, two cast-iron cooking grates, an embossed lid, grill legs, and side handles. Promising review: "Super easy to use and always even heat. For a little guy, it packs a lot of punch!" —wunzunzerosPrice: $79.98
A deck storage box so you can store your grilling equipment, tools, pool toys, and other backyard necessities out of sight but not out of mind.
Promising review: "This product is well-made; it took only about 10 minutes to put together. I bought two and they're very sturdy. Very happy with this purchase and would highly recommend." —MainahPrice: $45.55+ (available in four colors)
Concrete stone pavers because they can create trails and walkways, giving your backyard the high-end look you've been dreaming of.
Price: $12.98 per paver
A pickleball kit for anybody who's having to wait a long time for a court to free up. Pop this up in your backyard and you'll have your own court to use whenever you want.
It includes one net system, a carry bag, four pickleballs, and four paddles. Price: $79.99
And a Cutter yard spray that'll keep mosquitoes and other creepy-crawlies at bay for 12 weeks. Simply wet your lawn, attach this spray to a garden hose, spray your yard down again, and leave it to dry. Say goodbye to bug bites and hello to enjoying the beauty that is now your backyard.
Promising review: "So far so good. Didn't know if this would work, but I've been pleasantly surprised. My backyard runs alongside a creek, and after spraying, I haven't had any issues with mosquitoes." —Kruiz12Price: $5 (originally $11.98)
What you'll be humming after your backyard transformation:
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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A $12.4 Million Home Perched Above the Ocean Hits the Market in Martha's Vineyard
The summer season is starting to heat up, but that doesn't mean it's too late for you to snap up your own beachside retreat. A low-key Martha's Vineyard estate with horizon views over the Atlantic has just hit the market for $12.4 million. Designed by the architect Mark Hutker and built by J.G. Early in 2017, the eight-bedroom, nine-bath Colonial-style respite sits on a high bluff at the end of a private road. The seller, Paul Massey, once ran for mayor of New York City against Bill de Blasio before dropping out prior to the election. Moira Lown and Melissa Dailey at Coldwell Banker Realty hold the listing. More from Robb Report A 2,000-Acre Montana Ranch With 20 Private Ski Runs Lists for $24 Million Bill Koch's World-Class Wine Collection Just Sold for a Record $28.8 Million at Auction Inside a Luxe New Resort and Spa That Just Opened on the Greek Island of Crete After the property was acquired by Massey from longtime owners, he rebuilt the home while retaining some of the original elements, like the farmhouse sink in the baby-blue kitchen, and dubbed it Big Bluff. The great room's open layout also includes a breakfast nook with a small built-in banquette and a living room anchored by a river-rock fireplace. A wet bar to the side makes for easy entertaining, with gatherings spilling from the living room into the attached screened-in porch. A similar fireplace warms the primary bedroom, which also has a serene bathroom where separate vanities line the walls and a soaking tub is slightly elevated to take advantage of the ocean views. A private balcony and an outdoor shower complete the suite. There are seven other bedrooms that provide ample space for family or guests. The lower level is set up with a gym and a game room, while Adirondack chairs on the porches look out over a plush lawn and the ocean. There's no pool, but the members-only East Chop Beach Club is just down the street. Martha's Vineyard has long been a favored summertime getaway popular with entertainment industry types, including Larry David, Spike Lee, Carly Simon, and Don Cheadle. A couple of years back, the journalist Diane Sawyer sold her 20-acre compound for a smidge under $24 million, and just last month, a 30-acre estate that formerly hosted Barack and Michelle Obama hit the market for $39 million. The home's owner, acclaimed British architect Norman Foster, bought the place in 2011 for $22.4 million and subsequently renovated it to stand out among the island's more traditional beach of Robb Report The 10 Priciest Neighborhoods in America (And How They Got to Be That Way) In Pictures: Most Expensive Properties Click here to read the full article.
Buzz Feed
11-06-2025
- Buzz Feed
27 Lowe's Items To Give Your Backyard A Makeover
A privacy screen so you can relax without worrying about the neighbors spying on you. Plus, these can be linked with additional sets to section off your yard as needed. Each screen is 72 x 73.5 review: "I put up the fence for privacy, it was really easy to put up and looks great and modern. We will see if it holds up after the winter here in Chicago." —Cynthia $130.98 A resin planter pot that looks so much like real stone your friends will think you snatched it from a fancy estate sale. Promising review: "This resin planter has a nice finish that doesn't look cheap or plastic. But it's lightweight, which makes it easier to move around. Its size is nice and big. I wanted my rosemary plant to grow into a bush so it will eventually be the perfect size. It would look and function great with outdoor flowers or indoor houseplants. Mine is outdoor on the west-facing deck, which gets extremely hot, and it hasn't weathered at all in the past couple of months." —ChristyFixitPrice: $42.98 (available in four colors) String lights to turn your backyard into an ambient wonderland for less than $20. Promising review: "I like that they're not too bright. I bought one box of 25 lights. I think they're perfect for our patio. Just the ambiance of sitting outside and relaxing under them is nice." —Happy customerPrice: $19.98 A folding picnic table because even though it's made of resin, it's got the look of real wood and can be easily stored in the off-season. Go ahead and invite your friends over for a picnic! Promising review: "We purchased this for a family reunion at our house. We had six people on this picnic table at the same time. It was sturdy as sturdy could be. No bend, no bulge, no nothing. We are very happy with this table. And to store it, we hung it on the wall in the garage. Highly suggest this table to anybody." —AnneMPrice: $174.98 An indoor/outdoor area rug, so you can add a huge splash of color to your patio without a huge price tag. Promising review: "After I unwrapped my rug and spread it out on my patio, I was immediately impressed with the obvious quality and beautiful colors that made this rug stand out. When I looked closer, I could see that there was thoughtful detail put into each pattern on the rug. The flowers on the rug are woven higher than the rug and seem to pop out as an extension of the pattern. I have received many compliments on the beauty of my new rug. I use the lowest setting on my cordless vacuum to clean it and remove outdoor debris." —amlambPrice: $32.99+ (available in 22 sizes and a variety of colors) A floral outdoor pillow to throw on your patio furniture and make it look new again. Go ahead and toss out those dingy, mildewed pillows that are cramping your style. Price: $26.98 (available in two patterns) A stackable Adirondack chair, because it's a classic piece you'll use for years. It's lightweight enough to move around, so you can always make place for more seats at the bonfire and easily store them away when not in use. Promising review: "Extremely comfortable chairs! Nice selection of colors and very reasonable price!" —JeffJPrice: $24.98 (available in five colors) Or an upright Adirondack chair that's a little higher off the ground for anybody who wants more lumbar support. Plus, it's got retractable phone and cup holders, so you'll never have to sit without your essentials. I bought two of these chairs after falling in love with them at my aunt's house. Everyone who comes over comments on how comfortable and roomy they are. Getting up is a breeze, even for older people or those with mobility issues. I've had mine sitting outside in the direct sunlight for nearly a year, and they look as good as the day I bought review: "It's a very comfortable and durable chair. I bought one for myself, and my wife liked it so much that I had to go back and purchase one for her. The extra feature of a cup and phone holder is very useful and convenient. I heartily recommend this chair!!" —sprinl1Price: $37.98 A decorative bird house because it looks like a miniature version of your home and might just turn you into a birdwatcher. While it's super cute, it's also functional and has a clean-out door on the back for easy upkeep. Promising review: "I love this birdhouse. It is the perfect size and it looks adorable. The price was perfect and the quality is great." —Jeane101Price: $19.98 A solar-powered LED outdoor post cap light so you can light up your patio without having to figure out an electric source. I have a version of these leading down my patio stairs and they're a lifesaver when my dog needs to go out at midnight. They look nice, too! Promising review: "I like these solar lights for a couple of reasons. 1) They come with two different wattage settings for bright or brighter. They last longer, of course, on the lower setting. 2) The plastic prisms cast a nice light pattern on the deck and elsewhere." —BeatlePaulPrice: $12.58 (available in two colors) Plus, some solar gutter hanger lights that'll light up your house like a castle. Simply attach these to your gutters, signs, fences, doorways, and any flat surface to brighten things up. Promising review: "Just what was needed to complete a new backyard privacy fence. Have a different model on corners of house, and they've held up for years and love them, too." —DeanPrice: $10.98 for two A patio chair cushion because who among us hasn't been burned by sitting down in a hot chair on a summer's day? Price: $17.98 (available in five colors) A dining table with an umbrella hole to put on your patio and transform it into the hottest new restaurant in town. Just think of all the al fresco meals you can enjoy here. Price: $178 And stackable chairs for less than $30 to go with it. They have a rust-resistant frame and can be easily cleaned with dish soap if they get yucky from the elements or, more likely, you drop ketchup or mustard on them. Promising review: "I got these chairs for my porch. They are solid and sturdy. They will be sitting on the porch year-round, as I have that ability where I live. The chairs do not hold onto water after a rain and dry quickly. The chair is sturdy and is able to support large individuals." —DAWVPrice: $29.98 Plus, an umbrella to put with your table. This one tilts with the push of a button and is weather resistant. You're about to be spending a lot more time outside under this beauty. Don't forget to snag an umbrella stand to go with review: "Absolutely love this for our patio table! Easy to put up and take down, and I really like the angled turn." —BrandiTPrice: $49 (available in six colors) An electric pressure washer that's so darn efficient at tackling heavy-duty cleaning like windows, patio furniture, and sidewalks, you'll be tempted to send videos of it in action to everyone you know. Promising review: "Very nice pressure washer. It has enough power to get the job done, but not so powerful as to remove paint, etc. It is a cleaning machine, but not a stripping machine. If you want to clean something thoroughly without tearing it apart, this will do a good job for you. I used this on my pool deck and it cleaned all the dirt and grime, but left the paint." —HoltsysPrice: $99 A firepit so you can make s'mores anytime you want. Don't let its small size fool you, this firepit has a built-in system to create bigger fires for you and your friends to enjoy. It comes with a poker, water-resistant cover, and mesh cover. Promising review: "So far so good. This fire pit is above average size, which I love, and it was exceptionally easy to build. The vents throughout the side of the unit are very helpful when it comes to airflow to keep your fire going. The whole thing appears sturdy, and here's to hoping that it lasts the rainy season. The instructions were well written and easy to follow, and the screen top, fire poker, and cover were nice extras. In my situation, I added natural stone from my yard around the base and the walls to give it more of a campground feel. I do recommend this fire pit." —CMD10Price: $119 Box planters to put on your patio railing and make it feel like you're in France every time you step outside. It comes with a rail kit, a coco liner, chains, and a hook for review: "Elegant looking and long-lasting window box for plants. Has a European look. Lots of compliments from passing neighbors." —HomeGadgetPrice: $17.98 A patio conversation set because it comes with two rocking chairs for you and your bestie to sit in and a side table to hold a pitcher of whatever beverage strikes your fancy. It also comes with water-resistant cushions. Promising review: "Sturdy wicker set that looks great! Love that they are rockers. Great addition to our front porch." —DonnaPrice: $209.99 (originally $279.99) A raised garden bed so you can grow your own flowers or produce. Go ahead and invest in a new vase and some produce storage while you're at it. Promising review: "Easy to put together and looks great. Good structure." —JB692480Price: $55.98 Or an elevated raised garden bed that'll also double as decor once your beauties are in bloom. Promising review: "These raised garden boxes were perfect for our deck. They were simple to set up and large enough for our small garden." —MaddenFFXPrice: $120 A hose hanger to neatly store your hose instead of just throwing it in a pile... guilty as charged. Promising review: "It was easy to hang and it looks great on my house." —MissyPrice: $24.36 A portable charcoal grill that'll also double as a smoker if you want to have a proper Texas barbecue. Go ahead and transform your backyard into the hottest new restaurant in town. And when it's time to go tailgating or camping, simply pick it up and take it with you. It comes with one grill grate lifter, two cast-iron cooking grates, an embossed lid, grill legs, and side handles. Promising review: "Super easy to use and always even heat. For a little guy, it packs a lot of punch!" —wunzunzerosPrice: $79.98 A deck storage box so you can store your grilling equipment, tools, pool toys, and other backyard necessities out of sight but not out of mind. Promising review: "This product is well-made; it took only about 10 minutes to put together. I bought two and they're very sturdy. Very happy with this purchase and would highly recommend." —MainahPrice: $45.55+ (available in four colors) Concrete stone pavers because they can create trails and walkways, giving your backyard the high-end look you've been dreaming of. Price: $12.98 per paver A pickleball kit for anybody who's having to wait a long time for a court to free up. Pop this up in your backyard and you'll have your own court to use whenever you want. It includes one net system, a carry bag, four pickleballs, and four paddles. Price: $79.99 And a Cutter yard spray that'll keep mosquitoes and other creepy-crawlies at bay for 12 weeks. Simply wet your lawn, attach this spray to a garden hose, spray your yard down again, and leave it to dry. Say goodbye to bug bites and hello to enjoying the beauty that is now your backyard. Promising review: "So far so good. Didn't know if this would work, but I've been pleasantly surprised. My backyard runs alongside a creek, and after spraying, I haven't had any issues with mosquitoes." —Kruiz12Price: $5 (originally $11.98) What you'll be humming after your backyard transformation: The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
San Francisco Chronicle
04-06-2025
- San Francisco Chronicle
Berkeley's latest downtown drama: Pickleball on the top of a parking garage
The trend of converting little-used parking garage rooftops to pickleball courts could be coming to downtown Berkeley, although, like most things involving the booming sport, there is opposition brewing. Neighborhood Pickleball LLC, started by Orinda resident Jim Jenkins, is proposing to put three courts on the 6th floor of the parking garage at 2061 Allston Way, a structure that lies to the east of the Berkeley YMCA and across the street from the Mangalam Research Center and Berkeley City College. The proposal comes as remote work has left once-full garages largely vacant. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is exploring the possibility of putting pickleball on two of its under-utilized garages — Sutter-Stockton and 5th and Mission– as use has fallen by 61% since 2018. Other garage rooftops-to-pickleball conversions are in the works in New York, New Hampshire, Maryland and Texas. Jenkins said that he started looking at parking garages after visiting a friend's pickleball club in Austin, Texas, which features five courts atop a car park. He said he liked the low-key community vibe, which reminded him of the early days of the pandemic when the racquet sport was just taking off — before the courts became overcrowded and in some cases hours were cut back because of noise complaints from neighbors or conflict with tennis players. 'It feels like a neighborhood park, it doesn't feel like a big pickleball facility,' he said. 'It's optimized for community and social interaction over sheer number of pickleball courts.' When Jenkins expressed his admiration to Jay Lerner, the Austin Club owner, 'He was like 'Go back to the Bay Area and find a garage.'' 'I looked at every garage from Berkeley to Oakland to San Francisco all the way down to San Jose,' Jenkins said. 'What I learned is that there is nobody parking on top of a single garage in the Bay Area. They are all dead. And many of them have closed the top several floors.' Several of the garages don't work for pickleball because the surface is not level, but the Allston Way property is perfect and he said the owners are enthusiastic. Jenkins says the Berkeley club would be low-key with a small membership and some corporate events. There will be an astroturf area with picnic tables, umbrellas and Adirondack chairs for socializing. The three courts would take up about one-third of the rooftop. 'I'm not doing this to be rich,' he said. 'It would be a place for folks to come and learn and grow and laugh and have a good time.' Opposition to the high-pitched popping of pickleball paddle on plastic ball has made the sport a pariah in some neighborhoods. A campaign to eliminate pickleball from courts at San Francisco's Presidio Wall — an initiative launched by a homeowner who had her own private pickleball court — prompted the city to cut public hours of play. In Piedmont the City Council cut hours of pickleball play from 84 to 55. Meanwhile, Jenkins said that, like many pickleball players, he finds himself driving all over the Bay Area in search of courts where dozens of people are not waiting to play. Overcrowded public courts have 'scattered communities,' with many players joining private clubs like the Bay Club, which has 125 courts across the West Coast, including some at the Bay Club Gateway on the Embarcadero, where abutting condo owners are suing over noise. In downtown Berkeley, where the city council has to approve the use permit, there may already be some opposition forming. Jack Petranker, director of the Mangalam Research Center for Buddhist Languages which sits across from the garage at 2018 Allston Way, said he saw the notices posted on the property indicating that Neighborhood Pickleball LLC had filed for a use permit to put courts on the roof. He said he had been unfamiliar with the sport but was not thrilled with what he read about it. 'I saw reports that it sounded like gunshots — plastic on plastic,' he said. 'It would be pretty disruptive.' Mangalam Research Center, which publishes books and holds conferences and lectures, said the courts would be directly across from the managing editor's office as well as from a residential unit where several full-time volunteers are housed. He reached out to Berkeley City Councilmember Igor Tregub, who said he couldn't take a position because the proposed use permit would come before the council. 'Right now it's early days in the process and I'm looking forward to hearing from the community,' he said. 'My commitment is to be able to have recreational opportunities in the downtown and ensure that the quality of life of the neighbors is also preserved.' Jenkins said when he started playing four years ago he assumed Bay Area cities would rush to accommodate the burgeoning sport. If that had been the case, he wouldn't feel the need to open his own club. 'It turned out that I was totally wrong,' he said. 'Every city said, 'This is a big pain in the butt. The complaints are a nightmare so we are going to let the private folks come in and build the courts.''
