I‘m not against pickleball, but I am against anything intruding on Polson Park that may possibly change the character of the park as I see it, and pickleball seems to me to be exactly that.
Despite the siren noise produced by ambulances, fire trucks and police cars, and the roar of engines from the steady stream of traffic at this really busy and sometimes congested area, Polson Park is an island of repose for individuals and families, and a peaceful area for practice of a multitude of activities that make the park alive and vital to the well being of the community.
The existing activities seem to fit so well: skateboarders, cyclists, scooter riders, walkers, runners, slack-rope walkers, workouts, bands, solo musicians, martial arts groups, picnickers, chess players, readers, sunbathers, bowlers, tennis players, training activities, playground kids, reunion groups, and many more.
And now and then, we have musical presentations, celebrations, fairs, and fundraising events. They all pulsate in their areas to make the park a living entity.
They fit the park, with the magnificent flowerbeds and marvellous pond and wildlife.
Pickleball, I fear, would be an intrusion. I feel this because the reputation pickleball has acquired, justly or not, is one that has made it unwelcome in some areas it has penetrated in its frenzied growth. Noisy, intruding, etc., incessantly.
With so many pickleball players (200), I suspect the noise would be non-stop (even the odd djembe drum player stops after a while and comes back a few days later), and the vehicles bringing those players would add to the car problem the park already has.
I repeat, I am only interested in protecting the park’s character, not bad-mouthing the game. In that light, and since a group spokesperson has already stated in this newspaper that the group is willing to wait for the right placement, I have a suggestion.
Urge the city to hurry up and settle the Kin Race Track situation and find a place in that development.
You want a showplace location? That’s it.
John Clarke
Vernon
