As residents of Riverwalk, we are deeply concerned about the proposed construction of pickleball courts on our precious green space. Our community's Master Plan emphasizes the importance of maintaining a certain percentage of green space to protect the wildlife that calls our surrounding preserve home. The green space at the Town Hall fulfills that role and contributes to our well-being and is considered a valued amenity enjoyed and used by all residents.  Riverwalk stands out as unique among other neighborhoods because of its pristine lakes and green space in addition to our other amenities.  

The proposed pickleball courts would remove an amenity currently enjoyed by all residents and would negatively impact the well-being of residents as evidenced in the finding of WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Journal: Heatlh and Place, January 2024 "Our findings suggest that loss of our urban green and blue spaces due to rapid urbanization may not just have an environmental impact but could have a public health impact as well."  Our community should be working towards increasing its green spaces rather than reducing them. We need to honor and uphold the principles outlined in our Master Plan that emphasize preservation over development.

In addition to the disruption of natural habitat and loss of green space are several other impacts to our peaceful community and to our pockets.  Some of these impacts will be:

·       Parking for other amenities in the tennis/town hall area will be used up by any competing Pickleball teams coming in from outside developments, leaving residents without access to our own amenity parking.

·       Noise pollution especially when competitions are held with outside teams including guests in the bleachers.  No more peaceful walks by our green space.   Residents from subdivisions around the country who have pickleball courts have expressed stress from constant noise from early to late throughout the day removing peace and tranquility from their homes and lives.

·       Loss of lake and green space views for all residents walking on sidewalks in proposed area and loss of views from resident homes in the area.

·       Increase in amenity insurance costs, maintenance, attorney and legal fee costs will cause an increase in our HOA fees.  Homeowners insurance rates can be affected also.

The proposed pickleball courts are not only unnecessary - as we already have existing facilities for this sport - but they also represent an irresponsible use of funds. Instead, these funds could be better utilized for activities and amenities that benefit more residents. We need to prioritize preserving our natural environment and promoting activities that cater to all members in our community rather than satisfying the desires of just a few.

We welcome residents to join us in opposing this proposal.  Let us stand together against further erosion of our precious green spaces, an amenity enjoyed by all, and for fiscal responsibility.

Please sign this petition to halt the approval process for constructing pickleball courts on RiverWalk’s Green Space.