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Pickleball players urge county to fund permanent courts; speakers say courts provide community and economic benefits
Summary
More than a dozen residents urged the commission to fund permanent pickleball courts, arguing the sport supports community health, intergenerational connections and visitor demand; speakers asked the county to prioritize courts in the upcoming budget.
Multiple local residents and a group representing more than 80 interested players addressed the commission during the citizens to be heard period on June 17 to request that the county keep dedicated pickleball courts on the budget. Speakers said the recreation serves broad age ranges, supports mental and physical health, and can generate tourism through tournaments.
Mike Tolaneli, who said he represents the local pickleball community, told the commission that players have waited six years for dedicated courts and that the group is not seeking ‘‘luxury’’ facilities but permanent, well‑constructed courts. ‘‘Pickleball isn't just sport. It's a community,’’ Tolaneli said, describing the game as a social network for retirees, teenagers and young adults.
Other speakers echoed those themes and noted tournament potential and spring/fall seasons that would attract out‑of‑town visitors. A representative of a community organizers group said their nonprofit organizes local players and maintains a contact list of over 80 people; several speakers encouraged the county to view dedicated courts as not only a recreation amenity but also a possible revenue generator for the hospitality sector.
Why it matters: Advocates argued courts would provide year‑round recreation, intergenerational social ties and an additional tourism draw outside peak summer months. Commissioners acknowledged the requests and said pickleball would be a subject for the upcoming budget discussions.
What’s next: Multiple speakers asked the commission to keep a court project in the capital/budget planning for FY26; one commissioner said he would bring the RFP and grant acceptance language back to the board after the budget workshop.
