Court Changes at H-F Racquet and Fitness Club: Pickleball players at the H-F Racquet and Fitness Club are calling for changes after a recent redesign of the tennis courts. The redesign was intended to add more pickleball courts, but players feel it has made their playing space more cramped and created safety issues.
At the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District board meeting on December 17, Adrienne River, a pickleball player and advocate, expressed frustration. She said that while the pickleball community submitted feedback on the changes in October, they have not received any follow-up from the park board about how their concerns would be addressed.
Court Redesign Creates Problems
The original plan involved placing two pickleball courts on each tennis court. However, after resurfacing, the park district decided to fit four pickleball courts onto each tennis court. Players say this new design has made the courts too small, with players having less space to move around between games.
River and other players have raised concerns that the courts don’t meet the proper dimensions for pickleball. The close proximity of the courts also creates safety hazards, as players have accidentally stepped into another court, or errant balls have interrupted play.
Safety Issues and Lack of Space
River also pointed out a safety issue with the curtain separating Court 5 from the pickleball area. The curtain, which was supposed to be tied back, has been lowered, leaving only 2.5 feet of space between the curtain and the court. This creates a safety risk, River said, and she called for a rule to prevent the curtain from being lowered during play.
In addition, the redesign has eliminated extra space around the courts where players used to gather between matches. While a few benches are nearby, they are too close to the playing area, making it difficult for players to rest or store their belongings. River emphasized that the lack of space has made the facility feel cramped and uncomfortable for pickleball players.
Player Feedback and Next Steps
River said she is aware of players who have left the H-F facility for other locations due to the changes. She expressed disappointment that, despite providing feedback, pickleball players have not yet heard how their concerns will be addressed.
“The new size is very crammed together. It exacerbates the issue of not having enough space between games.” – (river)
With pickleball’s growing popularity, the players hope the park district will take their feedback seriously and make adjustments to better accommodate the sport. As the situation develops, players are waiting for a response that will determine the future of pickleball at the H-F Racquet and Fitness Club.
News in Brief: Court Changes at H-F Racquet and Fitness Club
Pickleball players at H-F Racquet and Fitness Club are dissatisfied with recent court redesigns, which intended to add more courts but created safety issues and cramped space. Players have voiced concerns about improper court dimensions and lack of space, urging the park district to address their feedback and improve the facility.
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