Why I Support Outdoor Pickleball Courts at the Williamsburg Rec Center

Pickleball is gaining rapid popularity in Iowa County, spreading like a California wildfire. My family has firsthand experience with the speed of wildfires; we narrowly escaped with our lives, while sadly, our next-door neighbor lost her home. The firefighters who saved our house explained that Peggy's home acted as a chimney, diverting the flames away from our cedar house and buying them time to defend it. That's what being a good neighbor is all about, and that spirit extends to pickleball too. Members of the Iowa County Pickleball Club emphasize the importance of community, coming together both on and off the courts.

Tomorrow evening at 5:30 PM, my friends will gather at City Hall to advocate for pickleball facilities at the recreation center. Interestingly, the rec center is conveniently located next to our home, where we've lived for twelve years. The support from the community has been incredible, and I've grown to love the place even more since qualifying for the senior discount on our annual membership, allowing my wife and me to play indoor pickleball year-round.

Some community members who don't play pickleball might have their own suggestions for outdoor court locations. One idea raised was converting the high school courts, which has some merit and might be revisited in discussions with the city council. However, I worry it might detract from the rec center, which I believe is the ideal location for pickleball expansion and would not be in line with being good neighbors to the rec center management.

Pickleball players advocate for unity, socialization, and even support amenities like benches for the hiking trails near the rec center. Ideally, players will make use of these benches before, after, and during their pickleball sessions. If you're curious about the pickleball excitement in Iowa County, join us at City Hall on May 1 and meet some wonderful people. They remind me of Peggy, who I believe is looking down from Heaven, cheering for my neighbor to the south. Have a great day!