Petition to the Town of Hempstead, NY

We, the undersigned residents and regular users of Senator Speno Memorial Park, respectfully request the Town of Hempstead to consider the following proposal regarding the allocation of court spaces in Speno and Veterans parks.

Request:
Convert the tennis and pickleball courts at Speno Park exclusively for pickleball use, and convert the courts at Veterans Memorial Park exclusively for tennis.

Reasons for the Request:

1. High Demand for Pickleball Courts at Speno Park:
   Speno Park has become a popular location for pickleball enthusiasts, with hundreds of players frequenting the courts daily from dawn to dusk. Due to the limited availability of pickleball courts, players often have to wait for extended periods, especially when the courts are occupied by 2 to 4 tennis players who are currently given priority and the right to displace waiting pickleball players. This situation leads to unnecessary delays and frustration for the majority of park users who come specifically to play pickleball.
2. Underutilization of Tennis Courts:
   While tennis remains a cherished sport, the courts at Speno Park are often occupied by 2 or 3 tennis players, while 20 to 40 pickleball players are often left waiting. This imbalance in usage suggests that the current allocation of courts does not efficiently serve the community's needs.
3. Optimized Use of Veterans Memorial Park:
   By converting the courts at the nearby Veterans Memorial Park exclusively for tennis, tennis players will have a dedicated space without interference from pickleball activities. This change will ensure that both tennis and pickleball players have sufficient and exclusive spaces to enjoy their respective sports without conflict or delay.
4. Enhanced Community Experience:
   The proposed changes will enhance the recreational experience for both pickleball and tennis players by reducing wait times and optimizing court usage. This will foster a more harmonious environment in both parks, catering to the needs of the local community.

Conclusion:
We believe that this proposal is in the best interest of the local community, ensuring fair and efficient use of public resources. We kindly urge the Town of Hempstead to consider and implement these changes, benefiting both pickleball and tennis players alike.

Thank you for your attention and consideration.