Honestly, it seems like a bunch of ignorant old people making whim decisions with the citizens money.
If pickle ball is sweeping the nation how come the only time I have ever seen or heard of this game was in 2001 at LP high school?
Don't get me wrong, it was a fun game, but it seems like Mr. Grabowski made a overzealous presentation convincing these councilmen and women to give the thumbs up without any serious consideration.
Now, I don't know what type of logic courses were offered in school back then, but this is simple logic. You experiment using the least amount of money possible. You then survey the results. If then it succeeds, you start to implement a permanent solution that MAKES EVERYONE HAPPY.
That's what politicians are supposed to try their best to do right? "make everyone happy?"
There should be people out there right now surveying the 28th street park tennis court to see how much tennis is really played. Is there? I highly doubt it.
And I also read that it was brought up that tennis is a "dying sport." Whoever said this obviously does not keep up with any type of sport. I just attended a school of over 40,000 students and I can assure you that tennis is very strong if not stronger then ever. So you can void that comment.
And I commend Jill Bernal and those few others that attended the council meeting. It really shows that there are still people out there that know how to really be a citizen of america by observing a situation and physically practicing their right to show up at a town meeting to voice their opinion.
What Peru politics really needs is some fresh and most importantly "educated" minds to show these old fashioned people how the world works now. Stupid decisions just wont go unnoticed anymore, and this conclusion to replace a tennis court with a permanent pickle ball court in a park that has ONLY ONE TENNIS COURT is in fact a stupid decision.
I might just have to go to 28th street tennis court and play a few games before it gets taken down to a sport that I guarantee you wont last long. Anyone up for a game tomorrow? It will be in honor of the Peru Rec Board, which keep in mind the wife of the so called "ambassador of pickle ball" is on the board.
Lastly, I would take "the ambassador" down any day in a game of pickle ball, and I have not played this game for 5 years. Why havent I? Because no one plays it.
82 comments:
Recall two years ago the $15,000.00tennis fence at Washington Park to be raised by the Grabowskis'? Now it appears tennis is a dying sport? Spend, spend, spend
Well I think I would fit the status as "another generation" as well. I for one welcome Pickleball coming to the area, although if what was said about it is true, it definitely could have been implemented without all the misleading information. It is nice to have a variety in this area, especially at our parks, where basketball and tennis reign supreme. Was 28th St. park the best park to establish it? From what I hear, probably not. Sunset Park (the park south of House of Hunan) may have been a better candidate, since the tennis courts do not get used very much, this I know, as I have lived across from it for the past 5+ years. This type of game appeals to a wider range of age groups, from children to senior citizens, for the fact that the ball moves at about 1/3 the speed as a tennis ball. I agree 100% that a minimal investment should be made for the implementation of a new sport, but I am unaware of what a minimal investment is for this particular sport. Once again, I welcome change and variety, but question the location and what appears to be the use of biased information to implement this sport.
College Student, wish that those involved in making the tennis - pickle ball decision were as knowledgeable about the subjects being discussed and had your good judgement. Thank you for your outstanding comments and wish you a well rounded college experience and a very successful career.
Once again thank you for your mature expressions but most of all for expressing them.
As a special favor someday when you have extra time on your hands would you address the blog as to what you think would entice young people such as yourself to return to the Peru Community upon completion of their education.
7:32 I completely forgot about that fence at Washington Park. Are you sure it was the Grabowski's that were instrumental in erecting that fence, and was it that much? Sure seems they love to spend they cities money if that is true.
Instead of wasting all this energy on up and coming sports, fireworks, and airport concerts; maybe Mayor Harl and the Peru Council should concentrate on actual government functions and figure out how to get this college student to come back to Peru after graduating. I was in Cedar Rapids Iowa yesterday. Whatever they are doing is working because that city is a boomtown.
Justin: Sunset park was suggested for the very reason you and alderman Potthoff stated (tennis courts not used often). We were told by another alderman that you have to much vandalism in that part of town. As far as introducing Pickleball to the area no one has a problem with that. The problem is with Mr. Grabowski and the rec commission wanting to turn a frequently used tennis court into 4 permanent pickleball courts. All citizens have asked is to temporarily establish courts (as nets ARE portable) until we see if the concept takes off. Also, when you go to tennis lessons do they supply your racket? When you go to baseball practice or T-ball do they supply your glove? The answer is no yet the citizens of Peru purchased 5 nets, 40 paddles, and dozens of pickleballs. And, it appears that we will only get to use them during clinics.
I think its plain stupid to change a tennis court into a pickle ball court, just because Mr. Grabowski, wants to, plus its conflict of interest on his wifes part. I have 3 children scattered around the state, they have never heard of pickle ball. One of them is an avid tennis player, in a large city, with no pickle ball courts. I think this should tell you, no one wants it but the Grabowskis. If we are catering to one person, this is sick.
It appears to be a trend within government at all levels-no compromise!!
New ideas whether in technology, economic development or even recreation are all aspects of community development and must be explored in order to grow and change with the needs of the community.
I may not agree with the process and disbursements; new ideas and programs are necessary. If pickle ball is being targeted to the over 50 age group because of the low impact on joints etc. isn't 28th Street Park the best park to utilize with Liberty Village and Senior Housing within walking distance? Perhaps a new generation of individuals will become more active-perhaps?
With a perhaps, three years seems to be an unnecessary time to determine success of a recreation
program. Who determined three years was necessary? Why not 2 years, why not 1 year?
Also nobody mentioned if the program was successful,
Mr. Grabowski mentioned permanently taking over the
basketball court in the undetermined future. Would the council have to approve that or does the recreation committee have the authority?
Kristy
Kristy, I easily fit into the over 50 group and most of my friends of the same age, live miles from that park and would have to drive there. Parking is not good unless they wish to turn the north half of that park into a parking lot.
If there are 5 nets, designate several of them to Sunset Park and a number of paddles and balls also. And then either using city hall, the police or fire station as a storage depot and some manner of checking them out at the INDIVIDUALS PREFERRED DAY AND TIME OF DAY.
Kristy: The program hasn't gotten off the ground yet so there is no way to determine if it will be successful or not. That's why citizens would like to leave the equipment portable as it is intended to be and see if the program catches on. Then we could look into more permanent set-ups.
Check the Park Board demographics. You have old and young representation. Its not a bunch of old guys hanging around making idiot decisions. Your process of experimentation makes a good point and the Park Board has already stated that will be the case. Do you need to knock the ambassador and his wife? They are just trying to put a little life up on 28th street. Maybe even a pulse rate.
No, they are not experimenting! They are permanently turning a tennis court into a pickleball court without even knowing if it will catch on. Are you saying that the children and adults who utilize this park frequently have no pulse rate? Shame on you!
KUDOS to COLLEGE STUDENT!! College student, someday when your higher education is completed, maybe you will return to Peru and be on the ballot for mayor or even an alderman. Your blog was wonderful to read. Especially being from a younger generation of peru's population.
I assure you, there is a pulse rate at 28th street park.
How many of these elected officials actually graduated from college? Those making the important pickle ball desicions.
The pulse rate is very high at 28th street park as of 1:00 today. Tennis is being played by father and children.
1:19 perfect example of support of a tennis program at 28th street Park.
College student. In your statement that references those making the decision on picklebll courts as old and ignorant is not factual. You may have missed the creative writing class that is a must for a 1st year college student. For your information the rec. committee consists of many both young and new members. Yes, with age ranges. To call the group stupid makes you sound like somebody that needs a refresher course in English 101. The group is made up of many professional people with real jobs that work hard for their family and community. Your reference to how the real world works is a bit overboard coming from a college student that has limited real life experience. Everbody has a right to voice their opinion and we all respect your right. Just for practical purposes and a bit of advice for a upcoming occupy movement or the next NATO summit, don't waste your time on getting personal by name calling. Just state the case and the facts.
You missed the part where I said it "seems" like a bunch of ignorant old people making whim decisions. Hipocrasy is a word that gets thrown around alot in Peru, but aren't you doing the exact same thing you told me not to do by your comments? By attacking? Sometimes being harsh is the only way to make people see straight. Also, for your information, creative writing is not a must for first year college students.
Seems like this college student hit a few nerves with his or her post. Don't worry about the angry comments bud, they're just mad that you're right. All the money spent on this new court and equipment was a decision made way too fast. With the way the economy is, citizens money just can't be spent like this. Our generation obviously didn't get something right, hope yours can fix it.
2:39 PM
I would like to correct your statement regarding age. At present your average age is 51.3 years of age and that is only because about 2 months ago your longest serving member retired after 25 years on the board. But I want to also say she was a very good board member and actively took an interest in all recreation in the city.
Because of her retirement, a younger member was appointed.
But to a college student, I'm sorry someone of 20 looks at a 45 year old as old.
If board members can bring themselves to retire after a 5 year term as they are supposed to, you will have younger members who will look at your recreational choices in a different way and I just bet this pickle ball mistake would not have happened.
Regarding occupy movement and NATO summit, I applaud those younger generations of persons who participated in the events. They are entitled to their opinions and beliefs such as the college student blogger. We who read and comment on these blogs have that right by the constitution of the United States of America. These blog writings are not like writing a term paper that is to be graded. So, give praise to the college student instead of degrading him. Also, I have two children in their 20's who are college graduates and have full time jobs, graduated high school from L-P. I asked them about tennis vs. Piickleball. Neither one has played pickleball, but have played tennis on numerous occasions. Both my college graduated children agree with the college students blog on this topic. Let me clarify that one of my children works in chicago in business/accounting and the other works with our veterans. This younger generation of college graduates should be commended not critized.
EXCELLENT blog college student! Wish you well in your college years. I agree 100% with your blog. Do you read sporting magazines? I do (sports illustrated), every month and I have never seen an article on pickleball. Maybe I overlooked one if there were one. I also would like to commend you for reading these blogs. Now, this blog is going to be "blown up," like college students say, "blowing up my phone.". Hope you get a chuckle out of that. Be safe, no texting while driving.
Anon 2:39 PM Please do not embarrass older adults to the next age group which will be making our future county's decisions.
College student those of us with a little dust on our shoulders realize that you were addressing a City of Peru issue not a upcoming occupy movement or the next NATO Summit nor does your comment make you a potential participant.
For those who have to attack in defense rather than understand with a open mind hope to see you in the future at Sunset Park - playing pickle ball.
Anon 4:17 How correct you are. A couple of American traditions have been to leave America as a better country than when you entered it and although you don't have to leave others with anything do not leave them with your debt.
With the manner our government - national, state and local has spent money the next generation is going to have to fix a large debt which we are leaving them. Sadly not a excuse just fact.
Where have you all been for the last 25 years? Why weren't you volunteering to be on any of these boards? Until you have volunteered you services for FREE to help the citizens of Peru you should keep quiet. You need to take a look at all of the volunteers and not all have ulterior motives. Actions speak louder than words, get off your duff and volunteer instead of constantly criticizing. Someone has had to be on these boards and if no one came forward to volunteer than the same people stayed on. Show your support by volunteering!
2:39 If you read carefully, the college student does not call anyone stupid, he calls the decision stupid. Which I would have to agree with 100%. Do it on a trial basis, then if it sweeps Peru as it supposedly has the nation then give it a permanent home.
6:32 PM
I will guarantee you that I spend more time per month volunteering my time to run this block, to attend meetings and foia information than anyone on any committee in this city.
I have a feeling your comment was aimed at me and that is my answer.
I have also volunteered a lot of my time for many years towards youth activities. I realize that I receive the greatest payment in the world when a man walks up to me to say Thanks Coach or has come over to introduce his son or daughter to me. Anon 6:32 those that campaign for recognition are always the worst. Have you ever heard of the Bucket of Water Theory? Fill a bucket with water, put hand in it, the water overflows the bucket, take your hand out, the bucket is no longer full, the next person comes along puts their hand in it and the bucket is full again. If someone leaves someone else will replace them!
For example I understand that a long term volunteer resigned from the Recreation Board and three individuals volunteered to be a replacement. If people are made aware that every year there will be openings of 20% or 30% of a board and that it is a board that interests them they will volunteer. This creates a healthy committee.
Presently Peru has a mayor who believes and has expressed at city council meetings that the length of tenure on a board is determined by the desires of the individual and he will not replace them until they want off of the board. There is no change of board membership or rotation of boards until the desire of the member is expressed. This at times creates a unhealthy situation and limitation of new ideas.
There should be a publication of all committees and boards of the city with a list of each member along with their starting date and the date in their term will end so that people are aware of when they can submit their names to the mayor or their alderman for the committees they are interested in. I also believe that a individual should serve on only one committee at a time.
6:32 You can't volunteer to be on a board unless someone steps down and obviously they are not. Get your facts and information right by attending meetings, reading committee meeting minutes, reading the news tribune, and foiaing information.
Is there not a way they could make them "multi-use" courts? Simply paint the dashed or different color lines for pickleball use on the existing tennis courts, and anchor the nets to the fence posts with chain so they can be moved out of the way when playing tennis. Would this not be an equitable solution? I have seen things similar to this in other areas or in indoor facilities.
9:42 PM and 10 PM
You are both so right and we do have a lack of community in this town because committees are tied up for years and years with the same. it becomes almost like a marriage - until death do you part. Sad but true and our mayor does not understand.
This town has so much to learn and it is an extremely slow process, perhaps we can learn by looking at several towns to the east and the same to the west.
But then maybe we should also look to the Peru township board.
If you look to the township board you will be looking at what we should not do. It is more of the same with many of the same players.
If Pickleball is "sweeping the Nation" then how is it at a national championship game for this sport is there about 50 spectators??? I've seen more spectators at a REC league game at the YMCA ... See for yourself on this video ----
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNFS0uhU93A
Get rid of Peru township and keep all that money they receive in Peru. They waste more than the city on payroll with their ghost employees.
Business Sense: I have already made suggestions similar to yours and they have fallen on deaf ears. Our full city council, our rec commission board, our public property board, and the pickleball ambassador and the guests from Hoffman Estates have all been approached and asked how the general public gets access to the paddles and balls our tax dollar paid for. Not one individual has stepped up to the plate and given us an answer. People are constantly saying they are making a mistake by jumping on the pickleball band wagon and eliminating permanently a much used tennis court but once again "deaf ears". How many people do you see around town playing pickleball and then how many do you see playing tennis?
The many responses to the college students post has been overwhelming. The majority of them seem to agree with his perspective on the topic - which
is to do it on a trial basis.
How do we reach our aldermen and make them aware of how the general public feels regarding this issue. They need to read this blog if for no other reason than to understand what their constituents are asking them to do.
Instead of listening to an individual they need to listen to their citizens who elected them and are expressing their feelings and concerns on this topic. I sincerely think it's time our aldermen listen to the majority and not the minority.
9:05 AM
Sounds very much like we have unresponsive elected officials and non elected volunteers. Have we become a town run by dictators who do not respond to the public any longer?
If pickle ball requires as small a court as I believe, it could actually be set up on someones large driveway or large patio or a seldom used parking lot. No need to take down an entire tennis court for someones "I want".
With this much discussion by a large number of people and no official response by the leaders of our city, also says something. Minutes have now been posted regarding the meeting where the recreation commission made their appeal, if you would like to read them, go the city website and on the right side is a list of recent downloads and this will be the minutes of 5/16/12
I find it interesting that the decision to make pickle ball permanent was made one week ago, and it remains the hottest topic on the blog and on people's minds. Mayor, aldermen, and public property committee, please rethink your decision, it appears the public is not happy!
It sounds like Lois you should get out of the back seat and get up front and drive,run for office, volunteer for board positions, or you could like most of the people do on this blog do get back in the back seat and complain about the bumps in the road like you always have.
I've read the minutes of the council meeting of 5/16 where the pickleball topic was discussed and some of the information posted is inaccurate. It states that Mr. Grabowski says that neither the nets nor the courts would be permanent. Yet, the rec. commission's 4/10 minutes indicated that president Hartman states, and I quote, " that the nets would remain up permanently and be welded or fastened with cables to the existing fences. After 3 years the court could be converted back to a tennis court." I wonder at whose expense!!!
11:26 AM
And you are a coward criticizing me without enough backbone to sign your name.
So 11:31, who do you believe?
Re: 11:26 a.m.'s blog! I'm blogging annonoumous to you because I'm a wife of a department head in Peru. In my opinion Lois is doing a fantastic job and puts alot of time into these blogs. Even she has trouble getting true facts in peru's political arena regarding topics of interests of taxpayers! You blogger seem to be disgruntled that some of these blogs have let issues come to light in the city of peru's political club. I give a standing ovation to Lois, and to all the bloggers. And to answer your question before you ask me whose wife I am, I will not disclose that. So you know blogger I could really ruffle some feathers. And my husband would not be happy with me blogging here. Lois, keep up the great work. By the way Lois, I have never met you.
A backseat driver often sees the dangers ahead. Lois, well stated blog you made to blogger who commented to you.
Lois and 12:48 my point was why don't you run for mayor or alderman get on a board and then you would have access to these true facts that everyone in office in peru is supose to be keeping from you and then you could tell us from the horses mouth so to speak rather then the horses ---, maybe if you walked a mile in their shoes you wouldn't think they were so corrupt and just trying to do the best they can. It seems everyone on here thinks that the mayor alderman and board members are doing this because somethings in it for them and 99.9 percent of the time that's not the case. That is why I said you should run let's see how long you would take being called a crook with every idea you come up with talk is easy doing is hard.
Joe Witczak
Joe Witczak,
Yea because this decision for pickle ball was so hard. Spitting out the citizens money sounds like an easy job to me. You can say how hard all of the aldermen are working, but how much are they changing? STOP AND THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A SECOND.
11:48 a.m.
Really??? An "anonymous" individual posts a blog about tennis courts and that automatically makes them fit for alderman/mayor???? Gimme a break. This entire town has lost its mind.
3:41 I am still waiting to see how the residents of Peru are going to have access to the paddles and balls when they want to play, not when there are clinics. You are exactly right on when you state that it is easy to spend the citizens money.. what is hard about that!
HOW MUCH ROAD DOES PERU TWP. HAVE TO LOOSE BEFORE IT IS DISSOLVED? IF THAT WERE TO HAPPEN, WHO WOULD CLAIM THE REMAINDER--CITY OR COUNTY?
The Township Road District is an independent taxing body. I believe is consists of the most expensive 7.6 miles of road in the county; located mostly in the unincorporated subdivision near the South Bluff Country Club. If I remember the numbers correctly, the district would be dissolved if the road miles dropped below 5 miles. Two interesting stretches of road that are in the district are Pulaski Street north of Shooting Park Road and Shooting Park Road west of Sycamore Lakes. Two reasons why the road district would be difficult to do away with are: The Township Road Commissioner is elected in a partisan election. The position is usually controlled by the Democrats. The pay for this position is north of $50 K per year. The people that own houses in the sub-division near the country club have a bit of political power.
Brian: Are we sure the township owns Pulaski north of Shooting Park? That's what I was always told but then when the discussion comes up about fixing that road no one seems to want to fix it or claim it. Government at its' finest!
Just to inform the rec commission and aldermen, the tennis court at 28th St. Park has been occupied by tennis players since 9 this morning, and it is now 11:45. Please rethink your decision. jb
Am still trying to justify turning 28th street tennis court into a pickleball court. Today is May 25th and prior to 12:00 noon 6 different (and varying aged) individuals have utilized this court in the manner in which it was designed.
If tennis is indeed a dying sport why are so many people still playing it and why has the rec commission hired 4 tennis instructors for their summer program?
Upon reviewing the minutes of a recreation meeting we ran across some interesting and disturbing information. Apparently the rec commission is looking into eliminating the basketball court at McKinley park because of its' deteriorating condition. However, prior to replacing it president Hartman stated that the board would discuss its usage and perhaps canvas the area. Why was this same consideration not afforded the 28th street park and its surrounding citizens?
To date, we have witnessed only two people playing pickleball. Apparently the clinics (which were originally slated to start in April) are still on hold. And, apparently the rec commission still has not come up with a viable solution to getting the equipment to the general public. This is what happens when all avenues are not explored prior to making a decision.
Council, please put your decision to permanently change this court on hold and give pickleball a try. Should it catch on then discuss a permanent set up for it at a later date.ld & jb
p.s. As I'm blogging 2 more tennis players have arrived.
9:33 - I'm not sure how far north on Pulaski, but the bit starting a the intersection is part of the Township Road District. If you remember - at one time all those new houses used to be a corn field. So maybe the township portion ends where it curves around to Marquette St.?
Where does one find the financial statements for the Peru Township? I am curious as to the cost of their meals and entertainment line item for annual parties.
1:52 PM
Sounds like it is time to have an "occupy tennis courts" movement for the 28th street park.
It is quite evident that the people promoting the pickle ball movement have no shame at all. And they have been able to co opt the Recreation Commission to do exactly what they want.
Definitely time to limit their powers and to get some new and younger people on the commission who will speak for the city not for their friends. How about some folks with some humility while we are at it?
Lois, I like that occupy 28th St. tennis court idea. Might just be the right weekend for a protest!
Does anyone know if Wenzel Road is Peru Twp.?
If you mean is it a township road I don't believe so. I think it's part Peru and part La Salle.
It is apparent that the problem is not that the Recreation Commission has purchased equipment for the largest group of freeloaders in Peru. It is that they are being allowed to take the one tennis court in the north of the city because a so called Ambassador of pickle ball lives within walking distance. In addition this park has no washroom facilities. The proper location and only intelligent decision is to start pickle ball at Sunset Park for a three year trial. This park has two courts seldom used which would disrupt no who wants to play tennis and it has washroom facilities. The 28th street park which has one tennis court and often used will have to be shut down to allow pickle ball to take over, and if you personally know these people take over is the correct terminology..
Presently I only hope that the next mayor takes steps toward the 2009 Time for Change that this mayor promised. Three years in backwards is a long time in the wrong direction, with the fourth year being a yes year.
Please 3:04 and all others who have commented against pickle ball at 28th St., please call your aldermen, mayor , rec commission, or anyone else you can think of and voice your opinion on this matter. It is only a matter of days before this court will be turned over permanently to pickle ball. Time is running out!
GREAT POINT 4:40. IF YOU DON'T SPEAK UP NOW AND PICKLEBALL TAKES OVER YOU WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO PLAY TENNIS AND YOU WILL HAVE TO GO BUY YOUR OWN PICKLEBALL EQUIPMENT IF YOU WANT TO PLAY. THAT TENNIS COURT COULD SIT IDLE EXCEPT ON DAYS WHEN THE AMBASSADOR HOLDS HIS CLINICS.
MANY HAVE COMMENTED THAT SUNSET TENNIS COURTS ARE THE IDEAL LOCATION BECAUSE THEY ARE SELDOM USED AND THERE IS MORE THAN ONE COURT (THIS WAS STATED BY AN ALDERMAN AND A COMMITTEE MEMBER WHO LIVE AROUND SUNSET PARK AND WITNESS IT ON A DAILY BASIS).
I went and looked at both Sunset Park and 28th Street Park again. There is one tennis court and one basketball court at Sunset Park. There is one tennis court and 2 basketball courts at 28th Street Park. Seems logical to me to change one of the basketball courts at 28th Street Park to a Pickle ball court instead of taking away the tennis court. Then people have a choice of playing tennis, pickle ball or basketball. A fence could be put up around the whole area (what is now the 2 basketball courts) or just around the pickle ball area. If there is not enough money in the Rec Commission budget for a fence, then they can raise funds or wait until next year to add the fence. The council was not asked to vote on this as the Recreation Commission has the authority to make these decisions.
Alderwoman Mayszak I believe that the basketball court was brought up as an option by a citizen but no one backed the suggestion.
ALDERMEN: The "positive in peru" website informs high school and college students that know how to play pickleball that they can
E-mail and schedule a time to borrow paddles and balls. What about all the rest of the citizens in Peru who would like to use the equipment that their tax dollar paid for. Come on, someone give an answer!
I believe we could "repurpose" the fence from the swimming pool to the pickle ball court this fall after the pool is demolished.
@8:37 p.m. Maybe some council members don't know there are 2 full size basketball courts at 28th St. Park. I don't see why it would be a problem to change one to a pickle ball court.
At sunset park, the basketball and tennis courts are side by side with a fence between them, and it seems to work okay.
Actually I believe the basketball court was the original location and it escalated to the tennis court with future plans on TAKING OVER the basketball court also.
If the basketball court was converted instead of the tennis court; could the fence around the swimming pool be recycled and used? Again compromise is needed to determine if the program will even be successful before City resources can be allocated properly.
Kristy
Kristy (7:55): You are exactly right. The basketball court was indeed the original location and compromise is what we were trying to get from the rec commission. No one even knows for sure whether or not this game will take off but we do know for a fact that the 28th st. park tennis court is used regularly. It's encouraging to hear an alderman respond in a positive way that could satisfy all involved. Is it too late or will these options be pursued?
After well over 100 comments on this pickleball topic I would hope that our city council and our rec commission would rethink their plans and listen to those who they are supposed to represent. The majority of the comments are not against pickleball but are indeed against permanently eliminating a much used tennis court.
Here is some food for thought... could any other resident of Peru,(other than the pickle ball ambassador) approach the recreation commission with a suggestion and receive immediate approval? Not just an approval, but immediately given a budget! Seems highly unlikely to me.
Alderman Mayszak @ 3:35 comment stating that " the council was not asked to vote as the rec commission has the authority to make these decisions" -
As a citizen of Peru I find it hard to believe that elected officials cannot overrule an appointed committee's recommendations. Especially when their decision to satisfy an individual affects many and tax payer money is involved.
Alderman Mayszak, what has changed in the two weeks since the council meeting where this topic was discussed?
12:21 maybe she changed her mind again?
The Calendar
I have the obvious solution to the very controversial topic regarding a pickle ball court. I cannot believe that not one member of our council nor one member of our rec commission came up with this viable solution. Since tennis is a dying sport (according to the president of the tennis booster club) and since the park that accommodates the northern portion of Peru (28th St. park) has only 1 court - leave it alone. And, since the park that accommodates the southern portion of Peru (Sunset park) has only 1 court - leave it alone. Now, the centrally located park (Washington Park), where all the summer rec programs are held, boasts 4 tennis courts. Keeping these thoughts in mind - WHAT IS THE LOGICAL SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM?
Does anybody have a logical solution to ANY problem besides some radical unlikely resolution?
Anon 6:01 The logistical solution to the pickle ball fiasco would be to pick up the 28th st. park and set it in the backyard of the ambassador of pickle ball. In time when the ambassador tires of his new game and wants the park removed and the rec commission to pay for his next flavor of the month maybe, just maybe we will have representation that knows how to say NO.
Lets take 2 tennis courts from Washington Park and turn them into pickleball courts. After all you have 4 tennis courts. Since LaCrosse is the largest growing sport this week, lets take 2 baseball diamonds from Washington Park and change them into LaCrosse courts. Then lets go to Veterans Park and change 2 of the ball diamonds into soccer fields, after all soccer is the worlds largest sport. The point of this story is that different parts of the world or State or Country have different favorite sports. Pickleball is a reach for our area and lets not play the game of whats hot this week and don't buy into the individual who makes a big deal out of a hobby.
If any of you bloggers above are sincere (and I do believe the majority are) you'd better either call your alderman, the mayor, and or a rec member and voice your concerns because they have already started on resurfacing 28th st. parks courts. Just call and tell them you don't want the tennis court eliminated.
I do not live in the Peru area, but I am an avid pickleball player. I stumbled across this blog. I lot of valid points have been made. I would like to offer my thoughts.
1) The game of pickleball is loud. The commission members should have been made aware of that before they made the decision to allow the court to be installed where it is.
2) Pickleball is a fast growing sport, particularly among people over the age of 50. Many are former tennis players whose joints and stamina do not allow them to enjoy the game of tennis any longer. Pickleball is the perfect game for those people.
3) Cities all over the Midwest are using tennis courts for pickleball. Some are adding extra lines to the tennis court (with one pickleball court on each side of the current tennis net) and then using portable nets. Some are completing resurfacing and re-lining the courts to permanently make them pickleball courts.
4) They do make pickleball paddle "mufflers" that greatly reduce the sound. These fit over the paddles. Many communities are requiring players to use these during play after certain hours.
5) Cities should evaluate the use of each of its tennis facilities prior to choosing which one should be converted. Converting a tennis court is much more economical than building a new slab for pickleball.
6) I have not doubt that the game of pickleball will have an adequate number of players. The Villages in Florida has 108 pickleball courts and adds more each year. Of course, the population there is about 88,000 people and the majority of them are over 55 years of age. But many people move there for the golf or tennis, but end up loving pickleball.
7) If you google "CBS Morning Show Pickleball" you will find a 3 minute video on the history and the growing popularity of the game. It really is addictive. It's just too bad these courts were placed so close to residences.
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