To: Clearwater Parks & Recreation Department, City Council, and Mayor

Pickleball is exploding in popularity across Florida — and McKay Park has become one of Clearwater’s most loved recreational spaces. But the current light cutoff leaves many residents with little to no chance to play after work or school.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the City of Clearwater extend court lighting hours at McKay Park until 11:00 PM every night.

Why This Matters:
• Equity for Working Families: Late-night hours are the only option for many residents.
• Health & Safety: Evening exercise improves well-being and reduces risk of injuries caused by playing in low visibility.
• Community Building: McKay Park has become a hub of connection, diversity, and local spirit. Let’s nurture that.
• Cost-Effective Expansion: Extending lights is far cheaper than building more courts and makes better use of existing infrastructure.
• Supports Clearwater’s Image as a health-focused, community-first city.

We’re not asking for new facilities or major funding — just the extension of existing lighting operations by a few hours.

Let’s keep McKay lit, safe, and playable — for everyone.

Keep the lights on ‘til 11!