I am a resident of North Bergen, NJ and a passionate pickleball player. Like many others in our community who love this sport, I find it challenging to access the courts after work due to the current reservation system. The courts are often booked by small groups, leaving many of us unable to play.

The current system allows for only 12 players at a time on the courts. However, if we switch to an open play format from 5-9 pm with games until 11 points followed by rotation (the following four paddles come in), we can accommodate over 50 players during these peak hours.

Pickleball is not just a game; it's an opportunity for community members to engage with each other and stay active. According to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), there has been an astonishing growth rate of pickleball participants – up by 650% over six years (2013-2019). This demonstrates how much people enjoy this sport and how important it is that everyone gets their fair chance at playing.

We urge our local authorities in North Bergen, NJ, to consider changing the reservation system for pickleball courts into open play from 5-9 pm so that more residents can participate and enjoy this wonderful game after work hours.

Please sign this petition if you believe everyone should have equal access to our community's pickleball courts.