HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/2/2021 Item 11, Blonski
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Mae Blonski <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Keep Mitchell Park pickle free!
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, 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,
Mae Blonski
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