Dear City Council and Parks and Recreation Department,
After reading through the recommendation by Menlo Parks Parks & Recreation Dept to spend $85,000 on a study about pickleball, I cannot stand by and say nothing about this decision. Being an avid pickleball player in the community, I do not see the value in doing yet another survey and more research. There is more than enough evidence already collected and submitted. Countless surveys and usage studies have been done and submitted to Parks & Rec which provide substantial information.
All of this information points directly to a much more productive, substantive, judicious way to use the $85,000 appoinrted funds in service of the continually increasing number of pickleball sport players in Menlo Parks community.
Since it has become clear that no more tennis courts are being considered to convert to dual use pickleball/tennis courts, the funds can best be spent on making the current courts at Nealon Park more playable, usable, and more mindfully structured in consideration of close-by residents for at least the next several years. To that end, I totally support that the funds be best used to:
1. re-stripe the Nealon courts as permanent courts since they get the majority of usage
2. maintain and repair the pickleball nets
3. place sound barriers around the Nealon (where most activity occurs) and possibly the Kelly Park courts as well
4. repair the lighting at Nealon courts since it is both a safety and accessibility concern
5. since there are often many players who are waiting to play and have nowhere to sit or get out of the way of those who are playing, add a couple benches right outside of the Nealon courts. This will also greatly reduce the safety issues that exist now in such a cramped, very overcrowded space where a fast sport is being played.
6. With any funds that remain after these crucially needed improvements are made, they can be applied to more long-term plans for dedicated courts which the Parks and Recreation Dept is not willing to even consider in the nearterm few years as the pickleball community is growing exponentially.
Thank you for taking the time to become more aware from the perspective of the vital and fast-growing community of pickleball sports enthusiasts in Menlo Park. It is wishful thinking that this sport will fade. It is the best sport that has become available for all persons of any age to play. It brings families together. It brings a phenomenal means of exercise to people of all shapes, sizes. creeds, and colors. It fosters community. It is affordable to everyone. It is here to stay as a credible and enjoyable sport for all. What other sport can say all this and have this versatility in supporting a town’s community?
Sincerely,
Mara Thomas
