Sept. 22 Daily Briefing: Changes for pickleball courts and city pool, Filipino fest is back, Oscar’s news, and more

Happy Monday, folks. Proving that the grass isn’t always greener, you may have noticed some local golf courses going brown lately. It’s called overseeding, and is entirely on purpose. Starting today, the city is getting into the act as well, kicking off its annual overseeding schedule, where it swaps out the warm-season Bermuda grass (which naturally goes dormant and brown in winter) for ryegrass that thrives in cooler temperatures. The switch means the courses and parks will stay vibrant and green throughout the winter months. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Movies” by Weyes Blood

LEADING OFF

Changes coming to Palm Springs outdoor recreation starting today

Palm Springs will implement changes to two key recreational facilities today, temporarily closing Demuth Park’s pickleball courts for expansion while extending hours at the city’s swim center. 

Driving the news: Starting today, the city will close existing pickleball courts at Demuth Park to begin an eight-month construction project that will create 22 new courts, while the Palm Springs Swim Center expands its operating hours.

First things first: The Demuth Park project will transform the current facility into a premier pickleball destination featuring enhanced lighting, new sidewalks, shade structures, and tree plantings.

• The city has partnered with College of the Desert to provide 12 temporary courts at the college’s satellite campus on South Hermosa Drive near East Baristo Road during construction.

Next up: Also starting today, Palm Springs Swim Center will operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

• The expanded schedule supports lap swimming, aquatic fitness classes, and open swim times.

What they’re saying: “We’re excited to offer more flexibility for our residents and visitors to enjoy the Swim Center,” said Nick Gonzalez, Parks and Recreation Director. “Whether you’re an early riser looking to swim before work or a family wanting more weekend recreation, these new hours are designed to better serve our community.”

What’s next: The pickleball facility is expected to reopen in spring 2026, while the swim center’s new hours take effect immediately.

For more information: Contact the Palm Springs Parks & Recreation Department at (760) 323-8272 or visit their website.

BRIEFLY

🍽️ Oscar’s seeks new restaurant and bar operator

• The owner of Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs is seeking an experienced restaurateur or chef-manager to take over food and beverage operations at the entertainment venue through a sublease arrangement, according to a listing on an online business sales website.
  
• The 15,000-square-foot facility accommodates 250 guests with 150 outdoor patio seats and 100 indoor seats across private rooms and an indoor courtyard. Located on a corner site along East Tahquitz Canyon Way, the venue has operated since 2013 and features weekend brunch alongside entertainment programming that attracts celebrities.
  
• Details: In the listing, owner Dan Gore said he hopes to continue booking entertainment acts while the new operator revamps the menu, décor, furnishings and marketing for the restaurant portion. The lease extends through 2032 with a 10-year option, and Gore described this as a potential partnership opportunity for the right candidate.

🏈 PSHS football keeps streak alive, improves to 5-0

• Palm Springs held Yucaipa scoreless in the second half on Sept. 18 to extend its winning streak to five games to start the high school football season.
  
• After falling behind 14-0 in the second quarter, the Indians came back to lead 15-14 at the half. They finished with 22 unanswered points in the 22-14 non-league victory.
  
• Next up: Palm Springs (5-0) takes the field next when they travel to La Quinta for a Desert Empire game on Oct. 3.

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Water Aerobics
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Swim Center
Get some low-impact exercise at the swim center every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with instructor Donna Newton! ($5)

Mahjong Monday
1 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Come play the American version of Mahjong with others. Play Lounge has two mats and sets, but feel free to bring your own

California Community of Men’s Monday Coffee
4:30 p.m. | Social Café & Play Lounge
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.

Monday Night Dance Party with Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m. | V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar
Join Leanna and Miguel for a night of dancing to jazz, Latin, pop, disco, and more. ($5)

Adult Tap Dance Class
6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio
Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m., and “absolute beginners” adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. (“Two left feet are optional.”) ($20)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• 18th Annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Weekend at Crystal Fantasy this Friday through Sunday
  
• WALLSPACE October Modernism Exhibition at Janssen Artspace starting Oct. 3
  
• Free shredding event at the convention center on Oct. 4
  
• One Night Out Paris benefitting The Foundation for PSUSD on Oct. 4 
  
• Junior Ranger Expo at Indian Canyons on Oct. 11
  
• Spooktacular 5K/10K Run at Ruth Hardy Park on Oct. 11
  
• Pride on the Page on Nov. 1

Submit your event here

---

AND FINALLY …

If you’ve been craving authentic Filipino cuisine and wondering where to experience traditional cultural performances without booking a flight to Manila, we’ve got some good news.

Driving the news: The Coachella Valley Filipino Festival returns Saturday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., relocating to Downtown Park in Palm Springs right next to the Forever Marilyn statue after a successful debut in 2023.

Here’s why: The festival took a year off to regroup and expand, promising more food vendors, musical acts, and cultural programming than its inaugural event.

What to expect: Visitors can enjoy Filipino food vendors, live music performances, traditional dance demonstrations, and martial arts showcases, all designed to celebrate and share Filipino culture with the broader community.

Need to know: Everyone is welcome at this free, family-friendly event, whether you’re reconnecting with Filipino heritage, exploring the cuisine for the first time, or simply looking for weekend entertainment in downtown Palm Springs.

Get involved: Vendor applications are now open for artisan businesses that highlight Filipino culture, apply on their website here.