PICKLEBALL IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE❗ If you build it, people will come❗ 

The purpose of this petition is to advocate for the addition of Pickleball as a recreational activity provided by the City of Garden Grove, Department of Parks and Recreation.  

Pickleball — a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong — has surged in popularity in recent years and is America’s fastest-growing sport, for 2 years in a row with an incredible 39.3% growth in the last two years since the COVID-19 with 4.8 million players in the U.S. The sport was founded in the summer of 1965 by Joel Pritchard, congressman from Washington State, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Pickleball is accessible by persons of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Because of Pickleball’s inclusivity and accessibility, it is an excellent social activity that helps enhance social bonds and build a stronger, healthier, and happier community. Pickleball is also an inclusive sport. By directing funding to the development of Pickleball courts and programs, the city of Garden Grove will join the rising wave of other cities in Orange County and the nation to have added Pickleball to its parks and recreation programming, reflecting the city's futuristic thinking and the commitment to serving the people. 

We request that the city invests in the installing of Pickleball courts through the city and legislative funding. Pickleball recreation programs will be beneficial to the physical and mental well-being of the community. As you know, the lack of sufficient outdoor space for activities contributes to co-morbidity health issues. Pickleball is clearly part of the solution when its citizens have access to dedicated Pickleball courts day and night. Garden Grove and Orange County’s taxpayers deserve this outdoor recreation opportunity. 

Pickleball courts are an excellent use of community resources and should be prioritized as the sport is easier for our older citizens (compared to tennis or racquetball) and exciting enough for the young adults, allowing lots of fun exercise for both. We have active players ranging in age from 8 through 80 plus in our community. Pickleball courts are an efficient use of space that requires little maintenance. Sixteen people can play on four Pickleball courts in the same amount of space required for one tennis court, which is often used by only two people, sometimes four.

Tourists from all over the world are seeking to play Pickleball when they vacation and are shocked that Garden Grove does not have designated courts to play. Chapman Sports Complex in Garden Grove has sufficient acreage to become a spectacular GARDEN GROVE SPORTS COMPLEX that could potentially bring in millions in revenue annually to the city from visiting Pickleball enthusiasts and tournament players. This will be a welcome boost to local businesses during these troubling times.

We urgently request the leadership of the City of Garden Grove to consider two Pickleball locations: MAGNOLIA PARK and CHAPMAN SPORTS COMPLEX.

A significant need exists, working together, we can make this happen. WE MUST ACT NOW❗ We request an opportunity to meet with the Mayor of Garden Grove, Steve Jones, and his Commissioners subsequent to receiving this petition. Thank you!

#TeamStrongerGardenGrove

#GardenGroveDiversity&Inclusion

#GardenGroveInclusiveSport

#GardenGrovePickle4All

#GardenGroveNeedsPickleballCourts

#ThePickleballMovement