In the fall of 2021, pickleball at Bauler Park in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood began when the park's cement court was lined for pickleball. To help make pickleball play organized at Bauler, a TeamReach group was formed to coordinate open play days and times in coordination with when the Chicago Park District allowed pickleball play there. Since then, neighbors have harassed and bullied these TeamReach pickleball players, often preventing players from playing during allowed times, including yelling at players and obstructing the pickleball courts. These neighbors are also trying to permanently end pickleball at Bauler Park, thus taking away an activity many people in Chicago and in the Lincoln Park area love not only for the competition but also for the camaraderie and friendships, which are so important to mental health.

Additionally, the three pickleball courts at Bauler represent just a small portion of the park's total space and should be available for pickleball throughout the day and evening. Right now, a vocal minority of local neighbors and parents have managed to push through restrictions so that pickleball is only permitted on the pickleball courts during 20% of Bauler Park's hours of operation. Bauler Park is the only park in Chicago with such restrictions. 

Bauler Park should serve the whole community not just one user group.

The Chicago Park District has acknowledged there are not enough pickleball courts in the city.  Restricting use of pickleball courts that do exist in Chicago is counterproductive to the city's commitment to a healthy Chicago for all ages, races and genders.

Those who signed this petition support pickleball at Bauler Park and ask that pickleball remain an activity there and that the Chicago Park District consider increasing allowed days and times for pickleball play at Bauler Park or at the very least reinstating the previous play times: 12 - 2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

It also should be mentioned that parents who want to get rid of Pickleball at Bauler have lied about players harassing them and their children. There is zero evidence of this and has never happened. These parents can only justify and fuel their argument against Pickleball with lies.