Trustees weigh pickleball fundraising request as neighbors and maintenance loom

Representatives of the Pickle Ball Association asked the Sebastopol Union School District Board of Trustees on April 10 for permission to begin fundraising to convert the Brook Haven tennis courts into additional pickleball courts. Joelle Hoffman told the board the association's governing board has committed a $100,000 donation toward repairs and asked for the group's "green light" to start fundraising.

Board members acknowledged the group's interest but flagged open questions about long-term maintenance and neighborhood impacts. Superintendent Sara Gramm said the courts are jointly maintained with the City of Sebastopol and that the City has declined responsibility for ongoing maintenance; she added the district does not currently have funds to take on a major maintenance obligation. Trustee Jonna Thomas reported observing limited use of the existing three pickleball courts and said she has not received positive feedback from families about expanding to 10 courts.

David Leff, speaking for the association, said the group envisions fewer than 10 courts if needed and described the proposal as a potential benefit to the school's physical education program and the broader community. Trustee Olivia Leon raised concerns about increased traffic, noise and a donor-driven sense of ownership over school facilities. Board President Deborah Drehmel said district priorities historically favor facilities improvements that directly serve students and that any change would require careful due diligence.

The Board did not formally approve a conversion or fundraising authorization at the meeting; trustees indicated further conversation and study would be necessary before the district would take on additional maintenance or allow structural changes to the court area.