1st Adaptive Pickleball Court In Long Island: In a significant step towards inclusivity, the Town of Hempstead inaugurated an adaptive pickleball court at Forest City Park in Wantagh on July 11.
This new addition stands out as the first adaptive pickleball court on Long Island, designed specifically with the disabled community in mind. Town Supervisor Don Clavin, speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasized the growing popularity of pickleball and the necessity of making it accessible to everyone.
Court Specifications and Features
The adaptive court, an upgrade from the standard dimensions of 44 feet by 20 feet, stretches to 74 feet by 44 feet. The expanded space not only accommodates the game but also ensures that players with disabilities can maneuver more freely. Clavin noted the court’s extra space around it as crucial for players who need to transition between regular and sports wheelchairs. This thoughtful design is expected to enhance the game experience and make it more enjoyable for all participants.
“As the demand increases, the realization that everybody wants to enjoy the sport is very, very important,”
-(Don Clavin)
Community and Stakeholder Involvement
The unveiling was attended by several key figures, including Councilman Dennis Dunne, Councilwoman Missy Miller, and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll. Members of the Aviators of Nassau County wheelchair softball team also participated, providing valuable feedback during the court’s development. Drew Scopelitis, president of the Aviators, praised the court’s accessibility, highlighting the convenience it offers for transferring between wheelchairs.
A Focus on Inclusivity
Scopelitis, who has spina bifida, expressed his appreciation for the court’s design. The additional space allows for better handling of sports and everyday wheelchairs, which he described as a remarkable feature. His enthusiasm reflects the broader goal of integrating people with physical disabillity into recreational activities.
“Having room to bring their sports chair and their everyday chair to a court and leave it off on the side is amazing,”
-(Drew Scopelitis)
Councilwoman Missy Miller, known for her advocacy for the disabled community, emphasized the importance of such projects. Her personal experience, having a child with special needs, has heightened her awareness of accessibility issues. Miller’s advocacy has been instrumental in shaping policies that cater to the needs of all residents.
“You don’t know that things aren’t accessible because they’re accessible to those who are capable of accessing them,”
-( Missy Miller)
Open Access and Future Plans
The adaptive pickleball court is open for use free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Users are encouraged to bring their own specialized paddles and balls for adaptive play. Clavin hopes this initiative will set a precedent for other municipalities, with the aspiration that more adaptive facilities will follow.
“We’re hoping, as we continue to build more of these facilities, the other municipalities across this region will follow suit,” Clavin stated, “because everybody has a passion for this game.”
News in Brief: 1st Adaptive Pickleball Court In Long Island
The Town of Hempstead unveiled Long Island’s first adaptive pickleball court at Forest City Park in Wantagh on July 11. This expanded 74-by-44-foot court is designed to accommodate players with disabilities, featuring extra space for wheelchair transitions. Town Supervisor Don Clavin emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the growing sport of pickleball.
The ceremony was attended by Councilman Dennis Dunne, Councilwoman Missy Miller, and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, with feedback from the Aviators of Nassau County wheelchair softball team. The court is open free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, aiming to inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.
Our Readers Queries:
Ques. What is adaptive pickleball?
Ans. Adaptive Pickleball, led by Sandy Halkett and her team of volunteer coaches, offers a unique approach to the sport, teaching those with physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges. Through pickleball, players enhance their physical fitness, forge new friendships, and savor the excitement of competition.
Ques. Can disabled people play pickleball?
Ans. Wheelchair pickleball closely mirrors the standard game, with a key difference: wheelchair athletes can let the ball bounce twice before returning it. In play, the wheelchair is considered an extension of the athlete’s body.
Also Read: Singles Pickleball Tactics to Master Your Game Like Ben Johns
