Tennis advocates push back against pickleball encroachment

During a recent government meeting, a passionate advocate for tennis voiced concerns over the increasing trend of incorporating pickleball lines and nets on tennis courts. The speaker emphasized their long-standing dedication to tennis, arguing that such modifications undermine the integrity of the sport. They likened the situation to baseball players being asked to share their field for makeshift tennis courts, highlighting the potential discontent among athletes when facilities are repurposed for different sports.

The advocate shared personal experiences regarding the usage of local tennis courts, noting that while reservations are available, many recreational players often arrive without prior bookings, leading to overcrowding. They pointed out that even when courts appear available online, they are frequently occupied by players who do not reserve in advance, indicating a strong demand for tennis facilities.

Additionally, the speaker expressed frustration with the online reservation system, particularly for prime time slots on Sunday mornings, which are highly sought after. They revealed that securing a reservation often requires staying up past midnight to access the system, a challenge faced by many tennis enthusiasts.

The discussion underscored the need for dedicated tennis facilities and highlighted the ongoing debate about the allocation of public sports spaces, reflecting broader trends in recreational sports usage.