Pickleball Players Demand Improvement: A group of pickleball players has sought intervention from 2 On Your Side over persistent issues with the Antioch Recreation Center’s gym facilities. Lisa Burnett, who has been playing pickleball for a year, expressed her gratitude for the sport. “Thank God for pickleball,” she said. The center, which hosts several pickleball sessions each week, was notably uncomfortable on a recent Thursday, with Burnett noting, “There probably would have been more people had it not been so hot in here.”
Immediate Fixes and Continued Concerns
Burnett contacted 2 On Your Side on a Tuesday when the gym’s high temperature made play impossible. Following intervention by WBRZ, BREC installed large fans to address the heat issue. Burnett was critical, saying, “Fans! Suddenly they appear after how many months we’ve been in here.” The facility also underwent a deep cleaning, including the restoration of a large air vent.
Challenges with Air Conditioning Repairs
BREC attributed delays in addressing the air conditioning problem to waiting for replacement parts. These parts arrived on Wednesday, and repairs were carried out the following day. However, despite BREC’s claims of a functioning A/C, Burnett reported that a contractor indicated the system was operating at only half capacity following a lightning strike. “It can operate but only on half capacity,” she said.
Broader Facility Issues and Tax Concerns
The problems extend beyond the Antioch facility. The Baker location’s A/C was damaged by a fire, and repairs are pending. Other BREC pickleball courts require a fee, which BREC states is necessary for maintaining operations. Antioch remains free of charge. Burnett criticized BREC’s management, stating, “Nobody needs to pay more taxes for this because they have not been taking care of things, not only here.” She also highlighted recent discussions about tax revenue, noting BREC’s rollback of tax rates in 2020 without voter approval. Concerns remain about whether additional funding will resolve ongoing issues, with unresolved lighting issues in the gym illustrating persistent maintenance challenges.
News in Brief: Pickleball Players Demand Improvement
Pickleball players at Baton Rouge’s Antioch Recreation Center have raised concerns with 2 On Your Side about unresolved facility issues, including excessive heat and broken air conditioning. Temporary fixes like fans were implemented after intervention by WBRZ. BREC faces broader maintenance challenges, with similar issues at the Baker facility and ongoing debates over funding and tax revenue. Despite free access at Antioch, players question whether increased funding will address the persistent problems affecting their facilities
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