📍 Located in Clarendon Hills, Illinois.

Our volleyball athletes confront challenges that they never knew were possible, and our proof shows that the conditions are only going to get worse. As our athletes constantly push themselves to their limits, juggle lifestyle and health, and attempt to reach excellence in nearly all sectors of life, five primary issues stand out:

Weather:

The Illinois Natural Resources Department has shown how climate change and frequent severe weather events have caused precipitation, natural disasters, and pollution to increase at an undesired rate. As the community knows, the public beaches and pools spread joy in the summer, the orange leaves and spooky terrors make you jump for fall, the snowman and Christmas hot chocolate celebrations warm you in the winter, and the birds and safety help you into autumn. This weather diversity renders it unbelievably hard for athletes to practice, transitioning from incredibly hot, to cold, to humid, and all at the same time.

Cost:

Within Clarendon Hills, there are no community free indoor volleyball courts that can help resolve our issues. On top of athletes paying for safety equipment, clubs, accessories,  school volleyball, competitions, travel, and their daily life, they are forced to buy pricey court subscriptions that do not hold as much quality or security as they expected. When our nearby private facilities are for-profit, it makes it harder for athletes to practice on what counts.

Availability:

A lot of paid courts that are nearby the Clarendon Hills district often do not include proper accessibility requirements and use inflexible schedules that force volleyball athletes to rearrange, unsubscribe, or attempt to endure in 98 Fahrenheit weather. In some instances, these privately sponsored facilities fail with building a comfortable environment that counts to their customers.

Need more proof?  Check out the schedules of Downers Grove Park District.

Injury:

The lack of flat and safe terrain in outdoor environments can increase the likelihood of injury for athletes who run, jump, pant, and repeat at a rapid pace. When injured, likely near the legs and arms, further physical and mental health concerns may increase that could cause athletes to quit their sport or struggle in everyday life.  It becomes even harder for victims with respiratory problems, like asthma.

Safety:

Athletes often spend long and exhausting hours practicing and mentally preparing for tournaments, games, and practice sessions, extending into the evening when necessary. The lighting, general staff, and supportive community that arrives with the facility will help volleyball athletes recover their safety and gain confidence that could change their lives.

 

Safety, inclusion, and success should not be a price tag. It is time to build what weather, cost, low availability, injury, and neglectful safety destroy: confidence and skill.

• But in a democracy, building change depends on you.

 

HOW TO DEMAND:

• POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
• ATTEND PUBLIC TOWN MEETINGS.
• PRINT AND SPREAD THESE POSTERS.
• SIGN AND COMMENT.
• REACH OUT AND EMAIL TO THE DECISION MAKERS