Residents urge Town of Cheektowaga to reorient new pickleball courts, citing sun and slope safety concerns

Players and residents told the Town Board of the Town of Cheektowaga on Feb. 11 that newly opened pickleball courts should be reoriented to run north–south and that other fixes are needed to address glare and slope issues.

The speakers said the east–west orientation makes play difficult in the morning and late afternoon because of sun glare, and that a slope across some courts creates a competitive and safety imbalance. Marlene Dubsinski, a resident who said she and others played on the courts when they opened, told the board, "The courts are running east and west instead of north and south. And that presents a lot of problems with the sun. The sun is blinding." George Erkert, who runs a senior pickleball program in Lancaster, added, "The most difficult times are in the morning and afternoon when you're facing the sun."

Why it matters: Players and league organizers told the board that the orientation affects playability, safety and future investments such as lighting. Several said courts reoriented now would avoid a more expensive retrofit later. Residents also suggested adding courts (up to eight rather than the current six) to increase usage and revenue for tournaments, and discussed the possibility of canopies or lights as long-term options.

Board response and next steps: Supervisor Brian Nowak and the board said parks staff will review whether the work can be done within this year's budget or scheduled in a future work plan. "First stage is for us to work internally to see what we have in the budget, see what we have planned as far as work for the summer and all that, and what we can do to work something like this in," a town official told residents. The board identified Mark Mez as the current director of parks and facilities who will be the point of contact as the town explores options.

Details from speakers and commenters: Players also raised concerns about court pitch and surface. Cheryl Bernese said playing against the fence felt "like I was in a hole or at the bottom of a hill," describing how serving uphill or downhill altered play. Residents reported cracked courts at other parks (Stegelmeyer Park and Como Park) where lines were temporarily chalked to allow play, and urged the town to consider repairs at those locations as part of a broader parks plan.

No formal vote or policy was made at the work session; the town indicated staff would review the issue and report back. Residents left materials with the clerk and were told town staff may follow up about potential costs and scheduling.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the discussion; no final commitment to a schedule or cost estimate was made at the Feb. 11 meeting.