The benefits of pickleball social interaction and cooperative behavior have been described by many players. As a Piedmont resident, I would like to add my two cents. Open play, open courts, and strong guidelines create an atmosphere of welcome, community, and contentment.
Guidelines include: park far enough away not to bother the Linda Beach neighbors; walk three to eight minutes to the four pickleball courts; find the steps and the gate on Linda — and you’re in. These players use special quieter balls provided on site and bring paddles from an approved list to act like the good citizens they want to be. When newcomers arrive, some regulars will politely point out the city-provided quiet balls and explain the reason. I saw this happen three different times last Sunday afternoon. After a friendly explanation you could see the appreciation. It’s about communication and being willing to help others, giving back to the sport and the community.
We live in a city surrounded by a bigger city and times are uncertain. Often it feels unsafe for people to be out and about. One great counter balance is joining a group of nice people who happen to be athletic, accomplished, and accepting. They work hard on their games and work equally hard on their friendly decorum. It’s a panacea.
Our pickleball community is growing, adding many students and those that work full time. They need relief from daily screen time. They need the opportunity to play during daylight hours with equal access.
Please encourage the Piedmont Recreation Commissioners to make pickleball permanent at Linda Beach. They vote soon.
Many nearby residents to the Linda courts strongly believe that Pickleball play creates a noise nuisance.
For more information, visit:
https://sites.google.com/view/lindabeachstopthepop/home
Piedmont pickleball players already had access to the PMS courts and the pre-trial hours at Linda and Hampton. Permanent courts at Linda should have never been the solution due to the information the City had since 2019 of the noise problems due to the proximity to nearby homes and the topography of the park.
The actions of City Council and the Piedmont Pickleball Club have led the City into litigation with uncertain consequences for all.
There is no greater sound than that of people, especially children, laughing and having a good time. That is what I hear from pickleball courts. There’s no greater sight than a family playing a game outside together. That’s what I see on pickleball courts. I’ve personally experienced greatgrandma, grandpa, mama and son playing together. In what other sport would that happen? Fresh air, exercise, SOCIALIZING, many of the players head to Mulberry’s Market for a coffee or a sandwich before or after, I know I do. Pickleball in Piedmont will be and has been a huge boon for the city. A safe and fun way to meet folks and have some fun. I may be a Pickleball Evangelist, but it doesn’t make my words less true.
Very well presented!!
We invite all Piedmonters to come experience the tranformation of the undersized and previously underused Linda Beach tennis courts. For years the courts were little used and were never large enough for doubles play. Now through much of the day there will be 16 players having a great time with 4, 8 or 12 people rotating through. We welcome newbies, we supply balls and have loaner paddles. Come find out what all the buzz is about and why families and folks from 8 to 80 (and even 85) are joining in the fastest grown sport in the USA.