In 2022, three (3) pickleball courts were included in the new Niceville, FL Senior Center Recreation Area that was dedicated  by the city to deliver on the community’s desire to create an outdoor activity space for senior adults. These courts represented a wonderful opportunity for seniors in our community to stay active, socialize, and enjoy the game of pickleball in a dedicated space. However, recent changes have removed the designated members-only playing hours specifically set aside for seniors, impacting our senior community's ability to utilize these courts fully.

Senior hours were instituted to provide a safe and accommodating environment for older adults who may feel uncomfortable or challenged competing for playing time at open play periods. Removing these hours has not only disrupted our community's routine, but has also discouraged seniors from using the facilities due to safety concerns and overcrowding.  Seniors need dedicated time to play safely with peers of similar skill levels, rather than against competitive public players. The dedicated hours were a way to promote physical health, social interaction, and overall well-being among senior citizens, which is of paramount importance.

Statistics show that regular physical activity can significantly improve the health and quality of life of older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. Pickleball, being a low-impact sport, is particularly beneficial as it decreases the risk of injury while promoting cardiovascular health and muscular strength. It is essential to provide seniors with specific times where they can fully utilize these benefits without unnecessary pressures.

To address this issue, we propose a solution of restoring the dedicated, senior-only playing hours on these three (3) pickleball courts. These hours should be reinstated during mornings and early afternoons on weekdays, the same as previously allocated, to ensure consistency and availability for senior players, and to honor the purpose of these courts upon their construction in 2022.  

We also understand that demands on current mixed-use courts are high and that reinstating dedicated senior hours limits access for other demographics. However, seniors make up a large, highly active demographic in our community. Having consistent, daytime play is vital for the health, safety, and social connection of our seniors.  If court time cannot be designated for seniors, the best long-term solution to alleviate congestion and accommodate all groups is to build new dedicated senior-only pickleball courts.  We are asking the city to officially request or allocate funding to make this new infrastructure happen if senior-only playing hours cannot be restored.

We urge the city of Niceville, FL to stand by their commitment to the health and wellness of our senior citizens. Let us team up to ensure our seniors can enjoy the benefits pickleball has to offer. Sign this petition to bring back designated playing hours on the three (3) courts, or if that is not possible, to ask the city of Niceville to allocate funding  to build senior-only pickleball courts.