Lake Forest Council discusses community engagement through proposed pickleball tournaments

In the heart of Lake Forest, city council members gathered under the bright lights of city hall to discuss an exciting new initiative that could bring the community together: potential pickleball tournaments. The idea, championed by Council Member Doug Servos, aims to harness the growing popularity of pickleball to foster community engagement and friendly competition among residents.

Servos, an avid pickleball player himself, shared that the concept emerged from conversations with fellow residents eager to create a sense of camaraderie through this fun sport. He proposed organizing tournaments that could involve local homeowners associations (HOAs) or simply interested residents, suggesting that these events could be held regularly—perhaps quarterly or semi-annually—at the city’s five public courts.

The discussion quickly evolved, with council members weighing the logistics of such tournaments. Concerns were raised about the limited number of courts available for a large-scale event and the need for a structured approach to accommodate various skill levels. Some members suggested exploring partnerships with private facilities, like the upcoming Pickleball Haven, which is set to feature multiple courts.

While enthusiasm for the initiative was palpable, some council members expressed caution. Mayor Pro Tem voiced concerns about the city sponsoring pickleball tournaments, suggesting that such events might be better organized by private entities to avoid setting a precedent for funding other sports leagues. This sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, as members debated the balance between community service and fiscal responsibility.

The council also discussed the importance of inclusivity, with suggestions to open the tournaments to all residents, not just those in HOAs. This would ensure that everyone in Lake Forest has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their housing situation.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council agreed on the need for further research and community feedback. They encouraged residents to share their thoughts through the city’s feedback system, emphasizing that this initiative is still in its early stages. The vision is clear: to create a vibrant community event that celebrates the joy of pickleball while fostering connections among residents.

With the seed of this idea planted, Lake Forest looks forward to seeing how it will grow, potentially transforming the local sports landscape and bringing neighbors together in the spirit of friendly competition.