Tyrone Council’s Pickleball Support: In a proactive effort to enhance community involvement, the Tyrone Borough Council has decided to eliminate fees for the Tyrone Pickleball Club for the rest of the year. This decision follows a recent mix-up regarding access to the borough’s pickleball facilities, highlighting the council’s dedication to providing recreational opportunities for all.
Addressing Access Issues
At present, pickleball takes place on a roller hockey rink at Reservoir Park, an arrangement that has caused some confusion among players. A sign posted at the rink outlines specific times for hockey and pickleball, but issues have arisen when both sports overlap, leading to misunderstandings among participants.
The situation escalated when a council member Ken Patterson reported that his family, eager to play pickleball with their own equipment, was turned away and told they needed to pay a 20-dollar membership fee and attend a safety lesson. This prompted the club president to address the council, clarifying that the situation stemmed from miscommunication and insisting that public access to facilities should be open to everyone.
Advocating for Inclusivity
This prompted club president Donna Reese to address the council, clarifying that the issues stemmed from miscommunication. While the club does charge dues for equipment and activities, its primary goal remains to foster an inclusive atmosphere for all players.
“Our club agrees that no one should be forced to pay for play at a public facility,” she said. “This is no different than the hockey leagues that charge a fee to individual teams that participate in their league play at the rink.”
Despite concerns from council members about the implications of fees for a public space, they ultimately acknowledged the club’s nonprofit status and the positive impact it has on the community. In a unanimous decision, they voted to waive fees, allowing the club to continue its activities without financial constraints for the remainder of the year.
Building Community Engagement
Council members expressed a strong desire to keep the courts busy rather than idle, reinforcing the importance of community engagement. The meeting also included discussions on possible solutions, such as providing nets for public use or even building dedicated pickleball courts nearby.
As the local pickleball scene flourishes—now boasting over 100 members since its launch last year—participants are enthusiastic about maintaining the club’s growth. One member described the experience as a “positive force” in his life, noting the friendships developed and the joy of coming together to play.
With a camera streaming live updates on court occupancy, the club ensures transparency and accessibility for all interested players. As Tyrone looks ahead, its commitment to nurturing a vibrant pickleball culture is evident, with recent council actions reflecting strong support for community recreation.
News in Brief: Tyrone Council’s Pickleball Support
The Tyrone Borough Council has decided to waive fees for the Tyrone Pickleball Club for the remainder of the year, enhancing community involvement after a recent access mix-up at the borough’s pickleball facilities. Currently held on a roller hockey rink at Reservoir Park, confusion over shared usage times led to issues among players. This was highlighted when council member Ken Patterson’s family was turned away due to a membership fee. Club president Donna Reese emphasized that public access should be free, and the council unanimously agreed, recognizing the club’s nonprofit status and its positive community impact. With over 100 members since its launch last year, the club continues to foster a vibrant pickleball culture in Tyrone.
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