Last year the pickleball controversy went on and on with absolutely no effort by the city of Peru to reach an equitable compromise and even toward the end of the season they hired someone to bring in a porta potty for those unable to play without facilities nearby.
Last fall the YMCA set up a pickleball court and the players were able to keep up as much as they wanted with their sport. Ald. Potthoff the Y directory actually showed me the invoice for purchasing the nets etc. OK it is now warm weather we now find out that not only do these people have access to the former tennis court at the 28 th Street Park at will and the courts do sit empty for many days of the week. Maybe in use at the most 50% of the time.
Today I received information that in the latest Y brochure, a listing for pickleball remains with days and times listed as shown below.
The Recreation Board insisted on a 3 year trial and were able to convince Mayor Harl and most of the alderman to go along with their whims. My point is that this small group of people have been able to accomplish in less than one year what most people would only dream about. Now they can play indoors or outdoors without interference by the general public and the neighborhood has had their tennis courts destroyed by this small group of people. I have never heard one good reason "why". And to top it off the Porta Potty has returned with threats of enclosures and landscaping. We have 10,300 people in Peru who ask for no special treatment, favors or even a thank you. But a few for reasons unknown to many of us get special treatment and the rest get an in your face treatment.
Just thought that those of you who took an interest in this last year might appreciate an update.
74 comments:
Is the Ambassador still in control of the city-funded equipment ? How does one get access to the paddles and balls that were given to the Grabowski Park contingent ? Do they also control the supplies for the outhouse ? Why does this outhouse not come with a hand-washing station ?
Since the pickle ballers have been so successful at their cause maybe they could be persuaded to help with the pool and some landscaping!! Maybe even form a political PAC for you Lois!!!!
Anon 8:01 Both the pool group and those who are donating their time for landscapping have a open and thankful attitude towards anyone who wishes to help with their goals. Do you presently know anyone who is interested in pickle ball and also helps with the landscapping group and the the pool volunteers?
I don't understand why you would think that Lois has a need or want of anyone to form a political pac for her as she is very capable of expressing her own ideas herself and capable of standing on her own two feet. I am sure that the pickle ball participants would agree to this.
Since you are the one to suggest a political pac it appears that you are the who wants and has a need of such a organization. If your intentions are to tangle with the "League of Women" by messing with one of its charter members you will need more than a political pac. For starters you will need fast wheels, running shoes and alot more brains!
How can the city allow a small group to take over a city neighborhood park for their own personal interests? This court (that had been previously used daily) now sits idle until the "club" decides they want to play. Now this "club" has apparently invaded the YMCA and the city has allowed a portable restroom to be permanently placed right smack dab in the middle of a city park (as per club request). How does one get such control over our administration?
It appears that this administration is being held hostage by some self serving individuals who have the ability to turn this city into cliques of special interests. i don't really believe they are held hostage but believe everything that they do it because they want to and whether it is for individual or group benefit, I don't know. How big are their egos anyway?
Correct me if I am wrong, but the word porta as in porta-pottie means portable. Why would the city want these eyesores all over town? I can understand them being used when you would need extra restrooms for an event, but leaving them set up all year at parks is just uncalled for. The residents at 28th st. and also the people who live around Baker Lake should be screaming about these outhouses in the parks. On the east side of the lake there is one located right next to the property line of someones home. City officials use these johns as they were meant to be,PORTABLE, and when you are done have them picked up . Common sense needs to come in to play on this issue.
6:29 Do not give the ambassador any ideas because that is what will show up next....a hand washing station!
Why is the city so obsessed with these porta potties? there has to be a reason.
Where do the first ward aldermen stand on this outhouse issue? Are they even aware of the problem?
As has been mentioned before there is someone or more than one in this pickleball group who has some knowledge of inproper practices of a major city official who does not want made public.
Lois, in your quote from former President Bush, he states that the purpose of public office is not to fulfill personal ambition. I personally feel that the rec board is doing exactly the opposite, they are fulfilling personal ambitions.
Anon 10:29 I 2d that motion, Lois bring it to a vote.
Is Michelinni supplying the porta potties? If so, then there is the answer -- another union buddy getting more money from the city.
The intelligent person upon being elected to a public office would define the responsibilities of that office and donate 100% of his time to these responsibilities. Fireworks, concerts, pickleball, bike paths, baseball fields, new parks, port a potties etc. are not to be the huge time consuming issues that they have been in Peru politics.
Issues mentioned above have been revisited repeatedly and important government issues have been avoided or glanced over.
Never forget that if this was happening to anybody else, it would not be allowed. But because its Linda and Jill, and the mayor doesn't like them criticizing him, he's allowing this to happen without stepping in. If it was in my backyard, the court would be unusable every day. IMO, Linda and Jill are being too patient and accommodating.
10:25 Can you elaborate on your statement? Is what you say "FACT" or "HEARSY"? I despise when people implicate something or someone and refuse to substantiate their statement with facts.
When government keeps you busy with non essential matters that affect some people directly and many indirectly, it is probably because they have matters going on in the city they don't want you to know about and certainly don't want you to entertain any discussion about. A good leader knows how to handle both.
Remember the Venture Drive intersection. Boom it was done and they did not want to hear any comments or disagreements and there was no leadership involved.
Don't forgot the mayors golf tournament is next month also.
Important city matters to take care of. Busy times here in Peru.
Instead of spending taxpayer money on permanently converting a tennis court to a pickleball court on a trial program, why didn't they "try" it out at the YMCA first and see how popular it was and then make the decision to spend money to change the court? That's putting the horse before the cart!
I also want to know when the pickleball lessons will be offered at 28th St. Park by the ambassador. Wasn't that supposed to be part of the deal, or did we just pay so the ambassador could have his own private court??
Everybody should boycott the golf outing.
Anon 1:03 I also remember when a person was asking finance questions at city council meetings and incomplete answers were given to him and he would be asked to meet and discuss the topics after the meeting instead of in front of the entire group. After that this person disappeared and has only reappeared on the above mentioned revamped tennis court.
Since this most likely will become a legal issue in court you will have to remain despised.
Can anyone confirm who is the supplier of the johns?
Louie, are you going to the Mayors golf tournament? Never took you for a duffer, always thought you were a Harely Davidson gal from the Dakotas or a NASCAR GRANNY from Tenny hauling moonshine!
12:49 What would you suggest we do that won't get us put in jail? Remember, the mayor and the alderman support the "club" and not the residents of the park. Also, remember that the "club" members do not live around this park.
Hallelujah the porta-potty is no more. At least for now the eyesore that continued to plague 28th street park has been removed. Now if we could just give the ex=tennis court back to all the citizens of Peru (not just the pickleball club) 28th street park might once again belong to one and all.
Deafening Loud rap music (since there is no ordinance for noise in a park) and large wind fans pointing right at the courts. I would make damn sure 28th St park was windier than Veterans Park!
Have the neighbors contacted Ald Mueller and asked her to come over and take a listen to that noise? She is not only a first ward alderman, but also on the public property committee. Her opinion should be made public so we all know where she stands on this issue. And if she refuses to visit the neighbors' back yards, then we should know that too. Is she a Harl follower or can she think and make decisions on her own?
The topic is old. How can anybody be upset with a porta-potty in a park. It still is a park for public use. And people can use the park for recreation, thats why it a public park. Most people that live by parks enjoy the fun that is created by having a park close by. There are no residents that live in the park as stated by 2:30. Pickleball has special interest, as does baseball, basketball. tennis, frisbee. Some of those against the activity have found it beneficial to label those who play. A group of kids use the playground next to a school, the kids make noise during recess, they make noise from August until the cold weather, they are on the playground during the daylight and never after dark when I sleep. Sometimes 20 kids or more are using this playground. Lets compare those kids to the 4 people playing pickleball at a local park. Would I be justified by asking the school to close the playground that is located on school property? No. Nobody would take you seriously.
When exactly is the golf outing. How much does it cost? Can anyone go?
Who cares about a political golf fundraiser. Anybody can go and pay the fee that applies. You can also give a political donation. Its legal!
The sign on all porta pots around town are plain as day that they belong to Michelini.
11:54 so what? Porta pots are needed. The alternative for a park porta potty is a building with restrooms. Or the neighbors bushes.
You have to admit that sitting in the clubhouse would be a day of entertainment observing whose rubbing noses with who, especially after after the last hole.
anon 12:50---If sitting in a clubhouse observing a political fundraiser gets you excited, you have to get some help. Pay the fee, play the course and have some fun. There is still time to register for the event.
28th street park really never needed them before the court became a pickleball court. So why now? 12:06, i don't live in that area surrounding the park, I wouldn't want to look out my backdoor or windows and see a port a toliet. This park is not very big what so ever. The city and all people should have some respect for these neighbors, not for the select few of pickleball players. As far as parents are concerned with their children having to go to the bathroom, as a parent myself I avoid having my children or myself using these types of facilities. I'd drive home or to a friends, or to Mickey D's before I'd use these smelly, filthy things. Um sure the city doesn't clean these things on a daily basic. Although it would give all the summer help something to do. Glad to hear this outhouse is gone.
Thank you 3:31 all the 28th st neighbors appreciate your well thought out comment.
Well said 10:04. Its the same whiny ridiculous stuff for the same people on here every day. A porta potty at a park. Let's be glad we don't have real problems like other cities do.
3:11 Is this golf outing a fundraiser for the next mayoral election? Was last years? Would anybody care to blog the answer? Curious? The above blogger has a point, it would be comical to watch.
It would be kinda fun 311. Kinda like spending the day at the zoo, state fair, airport, nothings more entertaining then going to a carnival. More exciting so to speak then sitting at your computer all day playing "are you smarter than a fifth grader." hope this humors you 3:11.
@5:11. LOL(laugh out loud)
The truth hurts sometimes four-forty-nine. Don't see all issues brought to the forefront as people whining, big or small. Isn't that part of transparency???????
5:11. It is most definitely a fundraiser for the next mayoral election. You'll be sure to see anybody that has business ties to the city to be there, so they keep their connection to Harl. Check out who played last year and who was re-appointed and who has strong business with the city. Gotta keep the mayor happy so they keep their positions. I wonder if Harl realizes they'd be kissing somebody else's golf clubs if he had lost in April.
Why would Harl have another fund raiser? He said to his first supporters (of which there are none -- well maybe 1) that he would only want to be in for 2 terms.
Just started a few months ago reading this forum. Please be more specific 6:31? Names? Reappointments? Also. I find this blogsite to be interesting and informative. Where do I find information as to who donated to the mayors campaign fund?
Until the neighbors show they will take legal action, no one will be able to stand by them or help them. It is that simple.
No one will fight these battles for them.
Someone needs to sue this town and put these clowns in their place!
9:37
All you have to do is see who gave money for the golf outing last year and see who got reappointed this year or who doesn't have to bid projects because they know they will get the job.
7;18 And how will you or anyone else support them when they take legal action? If you, or anyone else thinks they're in the right you should back and support them 100% in any way, shape, or form that you can.
All they have asked for is compromise and consideration and all they got was grief and criticism.
I gave to the golf outing and NEVER AGAIN!
One of the problems that pickle ball made evident is much deeper than pickle ball? It is who does the Peru City Government represent?
The same question can be applied to the fireworks, the concert, adolescent summer recreation and many more subjects.
It would be interesting to know how successful and secure each local citizen feels about their local, county, state and national government.
Personally I believe they waste more money than they spend wisely, and some of the biggest waste is on themselves. Taxes are continuously going up and the national debt is rising. Interest rates along with unemployment are also on the rise. The fat are getting fatter and the skinnier are getting skinnier
It's 9:00 on a Sunday morning and the residents of 28th street park are greeted with a "loud" group of pickleball players. Not only do they have to listen to the irritating "ping" of the ball meeting the paddle but they also have to listen to the hoots and howls that come from the players themselves. You would think adults would have more respect for those whose backyards they are invading.
Anon 10:09 To grant respect to your neighbors you first have to learn respect. The pickle ball group and its leader (the Ambassador) therefore are incapable.
To others who realize that this is Sunday, a day of worship and a family day, Thank You for your prayers and repect granted from one another to one another.
1:26 PM
If the players had your feelings and appreciation of what Sunday should be, they would not have been at the park for 3 hours on a Sunday morning.
This is an act of defiant retribution for (1)the removal of the porta potty. (2)the continued opposition to the game by the residents of the park.
I believe the phrase used is shoving it up your nose or some other part of the anatomy.
Maybe a bit of the bully mentality in them is showing through.
A black mark upon this city because of their inability to handle a small problem as solving a neighborhood issue in a fair and equitable manner.
The support given should the neighbors decide to file suit would likely be...
Full news coverage and press release outside the city for possible real news coverage, not solely the NEWS "as we see it and does not offend our advertisers" TRIBUNE
Legal Aid
Forensic data
Money
Support from others opposed to this sport next to homes
Time
Protests
People in Peru talk a lot and try to go it alone, or go to politicians that have been bought and paid for long ago.
No Pacs formed, No lawsuits, no Bad Press.
No change.
Just Blogs.
10:09. Who specifically was playing at 9:00 on a Sunday morning? Name names. Let the community know the people who are being disrespectful. I have heard that some people who were playing last year have decided not to play this year. Can you confirm this is true?
6:04.. What news outfits do you expect to cover this big-time "scandal"? I can't wait to tune into the Dateline NBC special.
The producers of the show called "cheaters" might be interested. All are encouraged to watch that show.
Are you serious about people playing pickleball at 9am is a problem? And somebody wants to post their names? Whats next? Should a sign be posted that PROHIBITS USE OF A PUBLIC PARK?
12:13 PM
Sunday is sometimes the only time that people get to relax and sleep in or to spend with their family and to have to wake up to the sounds of the game and its participants is a problem. It is a total lack of respect and evidently they are proud to be behaving that way. I do know who they are as do many of those who live in the area and word of mouth does travel. I would not print their names but I would tell my friends who just might tell their friends.
Should all public parks be closed till everyone wakes up on Sunday morning? Its a public park! Why try to keep people from playing a game in a park?
12:13 Unless you are one of the neighbors of that park and have experienced this game at any time of the day in you back yard don't criticize. And, unless you know all the facts and circumstances surrounding the birth of this game in it's present location don't criticize.
Parks have been known to post signs that say "no dogs allowed," and "alcohol prohibited," "park closes at dusk."- @12:13- it would be very respectful to post a sign, "PICKELBALL court opens at 10 a.m. On Sundays.". Back in 04-05 the city had NO PROBLEM posting a sign that said something like tennis only when a bunch of youngsters(they were doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG, occasionally a TENNIS BALL WENT INTO A NEIGHBORS YARD when playing stickball(with a stick and tennis ball) in that tennis court at the time. SO-EVIDENTLY SIGNS ARE NO PROBLEM FOR THE CITY TO PUT UP. Respect neighbors here PICKELBALL players. Maybe if someone was playing loud music at 9 a.m. On a Sunday morning where these pickleball playing were enjoying their morning coffee on their patio at their own home they might be calling the police for noise control.
The pickleball players do not know the meaning of respect. One even slaps his butt with his paddle as to say kiss my a_ _.
You want to know what I think is kind of ridiculous? When these adults arrive and play, they bring their own special equipment to repair the nets. They use bungee cords strapped to the fence to straighten out the nets. Then when they leave, they leave the nets unplayable for others. The nets are sagging to the ground and look like they are completely destroyed. These courts cannot be used unless the people who have the court reserved in the evening come and repair them. #irrational
Stefan Bernal
Stefan, chrnological age is not assurance of adulthood. To be a adult you have to be mature. Many who have reached the age of 50+ are not considered adults.
As a young adult yourself I am interested to what your vision of Peru is, and I hope it is not that it gets smaller and smaller in your rear view mirror as you leave town for a future somewhere else.
Stefan, there is an election in less than two years, think about putting yourself in a position to help this city get back on the right track. Ah, young minds, fresh ideas!
Stefan: It's nice to know that there are people out there who care about the entire community not just those who have had the audacity to take over a neighborhood court for themselves.
#irrational...the one word that describes this group of players. their common sense must be clouded by too many pings of the ball to their brains. normal caring human beings would not have this attitude.
It's like taking a lollipop from a child! Or taking the net from a basketball hoop when leaving a basketball court. Can I bring my ping pong table and set it on the court and play, then take it away when I'm done? Lol
6;00 pm . The word scandal gets used to try and trivialize whenever anybody points out things that are simply wrong, when the rich big fish in small pond idiots around here are just rude and stupid. The issue has gotten coverage nationwide already, and in some bigger papers because chronological age is no predictor of maturity. There are butt heads all over the country playing this loud obnoxious "sport" too close to where people live.
I'd like to offer boxing to some of the people playing out there as an alternative, and I would be first in the ring to spar with them.
6:28, the term "rich big fish" gets used by bitter and recusive bloggers that would rather sit by their windows and listen for the sound of pickleball raquets than get out and enjoy life like the pickleball players are doing. Seriously, this is such a foolish issue to spend so much time and energy complaining about. Move on.
Has the amount of time that the pickle ball courts are used diminished greatly from last year? It appears that the game is somehow eliminating iself for some reason. What and where will the AMBASSADOR strike with his next Flavor of the Season?
How about it if he takes up mud wrestling at the North Pole in a Santa Claus suit.
uh oh 7:50 those are fighting words you are using. 6:28 I feel a boxing match is appropriate at the court. Winner takes all!
7:50 Not sure what you mean by the word recusive, or did you mean recursive, which means the process of repeating in a self similar way? I get the bitter part, but am confused on the recusive. Just curious on where you found that word, and what it means.
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