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Players, seniors and residents urge Hemet to keep public shuffleboard courts open
Summary
Multiple speakers, including team leaders and senior players, asked Hemet council not to close the municipal shuffleboard courts, arguing the courts provide accessible recreation, social connection and modest economic activity; petition with 147 signatures was presented.
Several residents asked the council Jan. 13 to preserve Hemet’s public shuffleboard courts and to consult the shuffleboard community before making any final decision.
Amber Brown, president of District 7 Shuffleboard, told council that the courts are “accessible, affordable, low impact, and welcoming to older adults of all physical abilities,” and that closing them would remove an important health and social resource for seniors. She said she submitted a petition with “147 signatures to keep Shuffle Bear alive,” and urged staff and council to engage with court users before moving forward.
George Hayner and Mike Madrid, who represent local shuffleboard teams, described volunteer maintenance of Hemet Muni and said the facility supports players from multiple districts, including participants who play from wheelchairs. Both speakers asked the council to allow the shuffleboard community to present alternatives and to postpone any final action.
Mayor Kroupa clarified that a survey option that mentioned eliminating the shuffleboard building was only one potential option and that no final decision on closure had been made. Council members thanked commenters and indicated they would take the public input into account as staff continues park‑planning work.
Next steps: No vote occurred on shuffleboard facilities at the Jan. 13 meeting. Council said it will continue outreach and consider the input as part of park planning and any future staff recommendations.
