San Gabriel has put its pickleball contract on hold, so the removal of green park space and trees won't start.....right away,

This important new development to pause the contract is because the Gabrieleno Indian bands  defended Smith Park's Native American heritage and design of the park's western section. Although the City Council had voted Aug. 15 to press ahead with the $100K contract for additonal pickleball courts, the tribes did not back down. They held meetings, and firmly recounted the history of this park parcel - how the land was acquired in the early 1990s and intended as a tribute to Gabrieleno history and designed  for passive recreation. 

But what happens next with the pickleball contract? Is this the best use of city funds when Smith Park's pool, bathrooms, handball courts and other features  desperately need critical renovation and repairs? (The pool's paper sign this summer listed just 4.5 weekly summer swim hours.). 

Does the city want to build the 4 extra pickleball courts in another part of Smith Park, or another park, taking away rare park space? By relocating the project, will this noisy sport disrupt other neighborhoods? 

Your input is critical.  Send your comments and ideas to the City Council before the city completes a new proposal in October.  

Tell the council your thoughts on fiscal responsibility, protecting our limited parkland, using $ for the best purposes that serve all residents. (There is already a converted tennis court with 4 pickleball courts.) Send comments to all 5 council members:

echan@sgch.org

tding@sgch.org

tding@sgch.org

jharrington@sgch.org

dmenchaca@sgch.org