I am a Board Member and an Officer of the San Diego Badminton Club.

On Sept. 5, 2024, an Union Tribune article describes that the City Council President, Sean Elo-Rivera, casually suggested for Balboa Park Activity Center (BPAC) to house the homeless permanently.  To say the least, it shows a politician's disconnect with our community's needs and exhibits a cavalier attitude toward the importance of physical and mental health of San Diegans.

Balboa Park Activity Center should not be used as a shelter for the homeless.

San Diego Badminton Club (SDBC), a nonprofit club, has a Special Use Permit from the City to use one third (1/3) of the BPAC for badminton.   Since 1937, SDBC has welcomed players of all ages and skill levels to recreational and competitive badminton in Balboa Park, previously in the Federal Building but moved to BPAC when it opened in 1999.  The availability of a top badminton facility helped in the development of past national and international champions. SDBC has about 600 members, about half are kids under the age of 18.  In addition to open play, SDBC provides badminton instruction, demonstrations, umpiring clinics, and is host to a variety of local, state, national and international tournaments. One third of BPAC is used for open badminton play.  BPAC is the only dedicated public badminton facility in the City.  SDBC members and the general public fill the 10 badminton courts whenever the Center is open.  Table Tennis Club uses the other 1/3 of the Center and is always full.  Volleyball and pickle ball clubs also share the use of the facility.  The Center has been invaluable for us, for kids, for seniors and for low income people who can't easily afford a private club membership, or to drive far to enjoy sports. 

We urge our council members to listen to the members of their community and to work on comprehensive plans to address homelessness without compromising this sport facility.  The City should and can find places that are more suitable as residence for the homeless.  

BPAC must remain a highly valuable sports facility. Please sign this petition to show your support for our cause. 

We plan to take the signed petition to the City Council at their next meeting to discuss homeless housing, likely on September 24, 2024.