Welcome to Bay Pong

Hello pong lovers!

So, what is Bay Pong? It's a work in progress. We have two big goals: more public tables, more people playing. Realizing I don't know a whole lot about public infrastructure or advocating for it, I did a little research and found a book: Tactical Urbanism. So far, I've learned that I have a lot to learn, but also that there are LOTS of people creating fun public spaces around the world. And there are lots of organizations willing to help people succeed in urban improvement projects. Check out the book, let me know what you think.

In case you didn't know, today is International Table Tennis Day. I have the best pong match for you to watch. Earlier this month, Hana Goda, an 18-year-old from Egypt, became the first African woman to reach the quarterfinals in a World Cup. There she faced the Chinese world number one, Sun Yingsha, and had two chances at match point. Hana lost in a heartbreaking game seven, but proved to the world she's a top contender. Here are the match highlights; skip to 7:15 for the last game.

This month's big win: I fixed two tables at my local senior center. Instead of three tables, we now have five. Fun was had by all when we tried them out for the first time yesterday.

The month's big surprise: A new table appeared at 12th and Broadway in Oakland! I played a dozen or so games with passersby. Laughter ensued.

The month's big effort: I rebuilt the entire website using next.js, so it doesn't track anything. See updated privacy policy.

This month's potential pong location: Helen MacGregor Plaza. This location has two perfect areas for pong - shaded and low-wind. It's my current top pick for a new table in Oakland. Check it out on the site.

Coming soon: more tables? our first pong event? a better newsletter format?!

Feel free to email me any thoughts, tips, links, at ethan@baypong.org or use the anonymous form on baypong.org/ideas.

Ethan