Pickleball Court Reduction Controversy: Pickleball players are speaking out against a proposed redesign of Virginia Principe Playground in Maspeth. At a Community Board 5 meeting last Wednesday, residents expressed concern that the planned changes by the New York City Parks Department would reduce their current six self-funded pickleball courts to just two.
Players Ask for Design Change
Player Allison Chu told the board that the area, which is currently a baseball field, is used by local pickleballers for about 50 hours each week. She said the courts were set up and are maintained by the community itself.
“I want to shed light to the board today that the presumed unused baseball field is currently occupied by six pickleball nets that the community has self-funded and maintained,” Allison Chu said.
Chu asked officials to consider keeping more courts in the new layout. “Reducing the current space from six to two pickleball nets would be a true disservice to not just the current community but future potential players as well,” she said.
Other players also asked the board to work with the Parks Department to change the plan.
Parks Department Explains the Goal
A Parks Department spokesperson said the redesign aims to improve the overall park experience. The updated playground will include new play areas for kids ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12, plus a spray shower area. The plan focuses on creating a space that is “more unified” and “accessible.”
Community Board Reacts
Community Board 5 Chair Walter Sanchez said the group had already met with the Parks Department over Zoom. Steve Fiedler, who leads the board’s Parks Committee, said the pickleball and softball areas were discussed in detail.
“To tell you the truth, I really thought any design would be exactly the same way it is,” Steve Fiedler said. He added that he is “curious” to see what will be installed instead of the current pickleball courts.
The design phase of the project is expected to finish this month.
“We’ll see what we can do about this,” Fiedler said, noting a similar project at Juniper Valley Park that was changed due to public feedback.
Walter Sanchez suggested a compromise that would keep six pickleball courts without permanent equipment, so the space could stay flexible when not in use.
What Happens Next
Community Board 5 District Manager Gary Giordano said the board is still reviewing the plan. However, he warned that changing the design this late in the process may be difficult.
News in Brief: Pickleball Court Reduction Controversy
Pickleball players in Maspeth are urging Community Board 5 to stop a park redesign that would cut their six self-funded courts down to two. The project at Frank Principe Park aims to expand children’s play areas. The design phase ends this month, but players hope officials will reconsider.
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