We wholeheartedly thank Torrance city officials for funding and developing dual-use pickleball courts at Sur La Brea Park. These courts are actively used and consistently overwhelmed with seasoned and new players, including families and Torrance youth, joining open, drop-in play. We strongly support further developing permanent pickleball courts and offering parks and recreation-driven pickleball activities across Torrance neighborhoods. Sur La Brea serves the community by providing access to and enjoyment of America's fastest-growing sport.

Recognizing the immense physical health and mental wellness benefits and promoting community engagement for individuals of all ages, physical abilities, and athletic levels, we appeal to the City to seek alternatives to the closure of these courts. Given the city's investment in Soundproof barriers, pickleball nets, and now security cameras, closing the courts at Sur La Brea Park makes absolutely no sense. These measures have effectively reduced noise concerns and have halted malicious activities.

The growing need for lighted pickleball courts separate from tennis or basketball is obvious in the city of Torrance. Soon to be an Olympic sport, the sport's expanding growth and inclusion in the TUSD curriculum warrant facilities that accommodate the current and increasing demand without impacting other sports played or taught in neighborhood parks. We urge Torrance to address this demand and strive to ensure accessible opportunities for all to participate in parks throughout the city. Cities across America are expanding Pickleball opportunities and embracing renewed interest and participation in their parks. Torrance needs to continue to move forward, not backward! Save Sur La Brea pickleball!