We, the undersigned residents and business owners in the neighborhood surrounding the South Street Courts, have become increasingly frustrated by the high-volume use of the courts for pickleball. This intense usage adversely affects our community in several significant ways:

• Equitable Access for Neighborhood Residents, Especially Youth 
  The extensive use of the courts for pickleball often precludes their use for other intended purposes, particularly basketball and tennis. This is especially troubling for local youth who have traditionally gathered and played basketball on these courts, especially during the afternoon/evening hours and in the summertime. The South Street Courts are the most accessible recreational space for many local youth, who often lack the mobility to readily utilize other public spaces. Furthermore, many pickleball participants come from outside our neighborhood, and even outside the city, thereby monopolizing a valuable community resource and denying its use by local residents.
  
  
• Noise Levels
  The sharp sound of paddles hitting balls reverberates through the area. It often starts early in the morning and extends until 10 pm. Many residents have become exasperated by this persistent noise that is often most prevalent when they are trying to relax, eat, or sleep.
  
  
• Parking Availability
  The influx of pickleball players from outside the neighborhood exacerbates the already limited public parking on South Street. This strain on parking adversely affects local business owners who rely on available parking for their customers. Nor do the pickleball players who are using the public parking spaces regularly patronize these businesses.

While we commend the success of the pickleball program, it has become a source of concern and frustration for many neighborhood residents. We urge the city of Boston, pickleball organizers, and players to recognize this growing issue. We propose a meeting with all concerned parties to discuss and reach an agreement for the shared and equitable use of the South Street Courts.