I am a dedicated pickleball player at Alexandra Park, where I have found my second family. Playing pickleball not only helps us build a compassionate community but also enables us to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. This sport, known for its low entry barriers, promotes physical fitness among older and middle-aged individuals, providing an enjoyable pastime for retired folks.

However, we face multiple issues in our pursuit of health and community spirit due to the lack of adequate facilities. Placing barriers around the court is essential for player safety, as balls often go out into the street, presenting a risk to both drivers and players. Installing lights will also extend our ability to play after dusk, allowing us more flexibility. A reasonable time, like 11 pm, can be set to turn these lights off.

Furthermore, the integration of pickleball lines in the hockey rink will help accommodate a substantial number of individuals who are keen on playing after 5 pm. More court spaces will promote equal play and prevent overcrowding of the existing court.

Based on the 2021 Pickleball Central Survey, the sport is growing in popularity among all age groups, especially the elderly. Alexandra Park residents and many others in our city are part of this statistic and deserve a well-equipped space to keep the pickleball community thrives.

By petitioning the city officials, we can guarantee healthier, safer, and more enjoyable pickleball games for everyone in our community. Please take a moment to sign this petition, and together let's make Alexandra Park a safer place to play pickleball.