As an avid pickleball player and a coach residing in the Woodland Hills/West Hills area, the lack of accessibility to public pickleball courts is evident and distressing. The Knapp Ranch Park, a space frequented by the community, possesses only tennis courts, thus alienating a large number of pickleball enthusiasts, including many I coach.

Many cities, embracing the emergence of pickleball—one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S., have successfully conceived dual-purpose courts, catering to both tennis and pickleball players, or have remodelled two tennis courts into eight pickleball courts. Such a restructure, besides accommodating the needs of both sports, could potentially enable 32 players to indulge in pickleball, as compared to 8 players on two tennis courts.

This appalling disparity in West Hills, and neighbouring Woodland Hills, poses a hindrance to an inclusive sports environment and disregards the interests of a significant part of the community.

All cities nearby West Hills and Woodland Hills (Chatsworth, Northridge, Thousand Oaks,Agoura, Newbury Park)that have public pickleball courts, are all packed and crowded with long wait times. 

We request the appropriate authorities to urgently consider this plea and line the tennis courts at Knapp Ranch Park to be used as dual-purpose courts.(Tennis and Pickleball). This way, we can not only ensure fairness but also promote a sense of united community where every sport and player has equality in access.  There is very minimal expense to the city to just add a few lines on the existing tennis courts.We implore all community members to support this cause, reinforcing our belief in adequate representation and shared space. Tennis and pickleball can co exist. Please sign this petition to stand for community equality and sport inclusivity.