This petition respectfully requests that the Town of East Lyme establish dedicated Pickleball courts for the use of our residents and invited guests. 

Pickleball is unique among sports in that the rules serve to "equalize the playing field" such that those without great athletic ability can still compete against natural athletes. Young and old can also compete equally.

In addition, the small court size and short game duration increases the social aspects of the game. Unlike tennis, the most popular form of the game is mixed doubles!

Pickleball is exploding in popularity across the country and is the fastest growing sport in the USA. While the many tennis and basketball courts in town are empty most of the time, Pickleball players have no dedicated permanent indoor or outdoor courts available in town. We have to make do with the dimly lit multipurpose room in the Community Center (and its overhead obstructions), or use the Pickleball lines on the basketball courts at Peretz Park at Bridebrook (where nets are now provided, but no fencing exists to contain the balls and break the wind).

It's time for East Lyme to catch up with Groton, New London, Stonington, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Cheshire, Madison, Guilford, Millford, Branford, Durham and many other Connecticut towns that have recognized that Pickleball is here to stay and will only continue to grow in popularity.

https://columbiabasinherald.com/news/2022/mar/31/inslee-designates-pickleball-official-state-sport/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neuro-behavioral-betterment/202112/physical-and-mental-benefits-pickleball-fun-besides%3famp

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2022/02/18/style/pickleball-sports.amp.html

We the undersigned residents of East Lyme and surrounding communities request that the Town form a committee to recommend the best way forward to establish a dedicated outdoor Pickleball facility for our residents and invited guests.