To: Decatur City Commission & Decatur Parks and Recreation From: Residents of Decatur, Georgia In response to the recent decision to remove six outdoor pickleball courts from the Oakhurst Recreation Center Master Plan, we would like to express disappointment at the lost opportunity to address the current lack of any dedicated pickleball courts among Decatur’s facilities.  If the most recent Oakhurst plan remains unchanged, the city will own a new sandpit volleyball court before it has a single court dedicated to the nation’s fastest growing sport for the past five years.  We urge the city to reconsider the Oakhurst master plan and to invest in dedicated pickleball courts elsewhere in Decatur in order to meet the growing community demand and support healthy, intergenerational recreation. Decatur is home to nearly 25,000 residents across all age groups, and our parks are a vital part of what makes the city such a desirable place to live. Pickleball—the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.—is especially well-suited to Decatur’s values of inclusivity, active living, and community connection. Why Pickleball Matters for Decatur Intergenerational Play: Pickleball allows seniors, adults, teens, and even children to play together—something few sports can offer. It strengthens community ties and reduces social isolation, especially among older adults. Public Health Benefits: As a low-impact but active sport, pickleball supports cardiovascular health, balance, and mental well-being. This aligns with Decatur’s commitment to healthy lifestyles and walkable, active neighborhoods. Efficient Use of Space: Pickleball courts are cost-effective, require less space than tennis courts, and can often be added to or adapted from existing facilities. Growing Local Demand: Metro Atlanta has seen rapid growth in pickleball participation, and Decatur residents increasingly travel outside the city to find available courts—indicating unmet local demand.
Our Request We respectfully ask the City of Decatur to: Add dedicated pickleball courts in current or future park projects Convert underutilized courts where feasible Include pickleball expansion in Decatur’s parks and recreation planning By expanding pickleball access, Decatur can continue to lead as a city that values health, connection, and intergenerational community life. Please sign and share this petition to show your support for more pickleball courts in Decatur—help us build more inclusive parks that provide opportunities for healthy intergenerational recreation.