HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/2/2021 Item 11, Andreano
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Paul Andreano <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Pickleball Courts in Mitchell park
Greetings SLO City Council
I am writing today to express my extreme disposition to the idea of citing pickleball courts in Mitchell Park.
Pickleball courts are like golf courses. They serve a disproportionately small fraction of the community for the amount of
area they consume. Fortunately for the rest of us, golf courses are generally placed at the outskirts of City limits due to
their expansive footprints. A pickleball court, however, could "fit" into the small area Mitchell Park provides. But that
"fit" will come at the expense of one of the nicest green places in SLO, and what has become the de-facto gathering site
for freedom of speech in SLO.
I can imagine several other larger parks in SLO that afford the space to add pickleball courts without jeopardizing the
overall feel of the park. Laguna Lake, Meadow Park and Sinsheimer Park all come to mind. There is plenty of space at
these parks, and a large paved area like a pickleball court wouldn't necessarily detract from the feel and setting of the
park. A pickleball court at Mitchell Park is a horrible idea and it will destroy the quaint, calm feel of the little downtown
gem.
Furthermore, and a pickleball court would drastically reduce the available space for gatherings, rallies, and free speech
events at Mitchell Park. Is it possible that the City is interested in curtailing these events by paving the park for a very
select few who would use the pickleball court?
There are several better locations for a pickleball court at SLO parks. Mitchell Park is not the right location. Please do not
ruin this beautiful, peaceful space.
Respectfully,
Paul Andreano
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