York High School Pickleball Court Ban: Pickleball players in York, Maine, will no longer be allowed to use the courts at York High School during school hours starting September 3, 2025. The York School Committee says the decision aims to protect student safety and privacy while classes are in session.
Rule Change and Reasoning
The ban applies from student drop-off in the morning until pick-up in the afternoon. York School Committee Chair Julie Kelbert said,
“Safety and security doesn’t only have to do with keeping people off campus. We also have to consider access to students in general.
Students deserve the privacy and confidentiality to go about their school day without having unrestricted visitors.”
Impact on Local Players
For years, Clay Feeter and his wife, Joyce Bilodeau, have played pickleball with a group of seniors at the courts next to York High School. They usually play between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m., often interacting with students after school. Bilodeau said,
“The kids now when they would come after school, they would come and play with us.
Where do you get an environment where you get teenage kids who want to hang out with old people like us? They love it, we love it.”
Differing Views on Safety
Many local players disagree with the ban, saying their presence helps keep the area secure.
“We’re making it more safe for these kids, not more dangerous as far as I’m concerned,”
Bilodeau said. Feeter added,
“We’re all parents and grandparents. And some great grandparents play with us.”
Court Access and Alternatives
York High School’s courts are the only public courts in the town. Julie Kelbert says the town manager is looking into building another court nearby. For now, players are told to go to nearby towns like Kittery or Ogunquit, though Bilodeau objects, saying,
“We pay taxes here and we want to play here with our neighbors and friends.”
The ban will not affect after-school hours, weekends, or school vacations.
News in Brief: York High School Pickleball Court Ban
York High School will ban pickleball and tennis on its courts during school hours starting September 3, 2025, citing safety concerns. Seniors who play regularly oppose the rule, saying they help protect students. The restriction does not apply after school, on weekends, or during vacations.
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