HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/4/2020 Item 4, Turner
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Mark Turner <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:PRC Communication
I am writing because of my concern regarding the recent staff recommendations for restricting use of
the French Park Lower Court to pickleball players. I was surprised to see the recommendation, because I
had thought there was support for the large and growing population of pickleball players in SLO. Before
the new courts were built (thank you immensely) the SLO Pickleball Club had access to 4 courts most
days of the week (using the tennis court), and that was not sufficient to meet community demand. In
response, the upper courts were built, expanding access to 7 courts at French Park. But the staff
recommendation represents a step BACKWARDS by limiting pickleball use in most mornings to 3 courts.
This does not seem to make any sense.
With the rapid growth in the sport, even 7 courts are now insufficient to meet demand on some
mornings, especially Friday. But at least the wait time to play is reasonable. This will not be true with
only 3 courts. The tennis court is rarely used in the mornings when reserved for tennis use. Why have
the lower court sit empty when there are dozens of people who would like to make use of it on a regular
basis? Perhaps reserve the lower court for afternoons and at most one or two mornings (like
Wednesday and Saturday).
I have been playing pickleball now for 2 years, and it is one of my primary means for exercise and
socialization. Before the expansion to 7 courts, I would have to play in other communities because the 4
courts were just to crowded with long wait times. It has been a real pleasure to be able to play now in
my own city. I am proud that SLO has acknowledged the sport of pickleball with the new dedicated
courts. SLO should also be proud of the pickleball program at French Park as well. Its tremendous
success is evident by the growing number of players every morning. Rather than turning your back on
this program, SLO should continue to proudly support this large community of players, and be
considering plans to EXPAND the number of dedicated courts. SLO is a model community for health and
fitness in so many ways. It should strive to be a model community for this growing sport as well.
Regards,
Mark Turner
SLO Resident
2220 Exposition Dr.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8.
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