Ahwatukee Pushes for Pickleball Courts: Ahwatukee residents Carrie McNeish and Jill Ostendorp have emerged as emblematic figures of local advocacy, setting an impressive standard for grassroots perseverance. Their tireless efforts to secure dedicated pickleball courts at the underdeveloped Desert Foothills Park underscore a broader community demand for expanded recreational facilities.
A Grassroots Campaign for Change
Their campaign began in earnest in June 2021, spurred by a lack of facilities for the burgeoning pickleball community in western Ahwatukee. Despite a partial win last year when the city’s Parks and Recreation Department repurposed two tennis courts for dual use, McNeish and Ostendorp continue to push for a more substantial solution.
Gaining Support and Building Partnerships
McNeish and Ostendorp’s recent initiative has garnered support from key figures like Councilman Kevin Robinson and City Economic Development Director Christine MacKay. Their outreach to 15 national pickleball product companies has yielded interest from two firms—one from Idaho and another from the East Coast. The hope is to leverage these connections to organize a major pickleball event this fall, highlighting the sport’s popularity and bolstering their campaign for additional courts.
In their appeal to potential sponsors, McNeish and Ostendorp outlined the dire need for at least eight dedicated pickleball courts and an improved parking lot at Desert Foothills Park. “We’re asking for help because the city’s budget is stretched thin,” Ostendorp explained. “We believe a partnership with these companies could make a significant difference.”
Navigating Budget Constraints and Local Challenges
The campaign has not been without its challenges. The city’s budget constraints are well-documented, with the recently approved $500 million General Obligation Bond covering only a fraction of the city’s vast infrastructure needs. Phoenix’s five-year capital improvement plan includes various park upgrades but does not yet address the specific needs of Desert Foothills Park.
“We’re trying to navigate a complex landscape,” McNeish said. “While the city has provided some support, the funds are limited and there are many competing priorities.”
Efforts to engage local businesses, such as Blandford Homes, have been met with caution. City officials have advised McNeish and Ostendorp to avoid any appearance of quid-pro-quo arrangements, even though Blandford’s significant development impact fees could potentially be allocated to park improvements.
A Vision for the Future
Despite these hurdles, McNeish and Ostendorp remain optimistic. They are actively participating in the city’s new 10-year master plan for parks and recreation, aiming to ensure that pickleball is not overlooked in future plans.
“We reiterated we would like to have as much of any surplus allocated and earmarked for our project going forward,” Ostendorp and McNeish told their supporters.
For those in Ahwatukee looking to support their cause, McNeish and Ostendorp are encouraging residents to get involved by contacting them at dfparkpb@gmail.com. Their relentless dedication illustrates a compelling case for local advocacy and community engagement, setting a benchmark for how grassroots efforts can drive change even in the face of substantial obstacles.
News in Brief: Ahwatukee Pushes for Pickleball Courts
Ahwatukee residents Carrie McNeish and Jill Ostendorp have become symbols of grassroots advocacy, championing the cause for dedicated pickleball courts at Desert Foothills Park. Their campaign, launched in June 2021, addresses the shortage of facilities and seeks to improve upon the city’s partial solution of repurposing tennis courts. McNeish and Ostendorp have gained support from local leaders and national pickleball companies, aiming for a major event this fall to boost their cause. Despite budget constraints and local challenges, including navigating city priorities and potential business partnerships, their commitment remains strong. They continue to push for eight dedicated courts and better amenities, inviting community support via dfparkpb@gmail.com.
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