York Pickleball Court Access Ban: YORK, Maine — Starting September 3, pickleball and tennis players will no longer be allowed to use the courts at York High School during school hours. The York School Committee made the decision, citing student safety and privacy concerns.
Community Players Affected
Clay Feeter and his wife, Joyce Bilodeau, have played pickleball at the high school courts for five years. They are part of a large senior group that enjoys morning games. Bilodeau said playing there has created a strong sense of connection.
“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,” Joyce Bilodeau said.
She added that she and Feeter usually play between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., while students are in class.
Safety Concerns Raised
York School Committee Chair Julie Kelbert explained the reason for the restriction.
“Safety and security doesn’t only have to do with keeping people off campus. We also have to consider access to students in general,” Julie Kelbert said. “Students deserve the privacy and confidentiality to go about their school day without having unrestricted visitors.”
Disagreement Over Safety
Pickleball players believe their presence actually makes the campus safer.
“We’re making it more safe for these kids, not more dangerous as far as I’m concerned,” Joyce Bilodeau said.
York High School’s courts are currently the only public courts in town. Julie Kelbert said the town manager is working on creating another court nearby, but until then, players will need to travel elsewhere.
“Why don’t you go to Kittery? Why don’t you go to Ogunquit? Well we pay taxes here and we want to play here with our neighbors and friends,” Joyce Bilodeau said.
What’s Next
The ban only applies during school hours. Courts will still be open after school, on weekends, and during school breaks.
News in Brief: York Pickleball Court Access Ban
York High School courts will be closed to pickleball and tennis players during school hours beginning September 3. The York School Committee, led by Julie Kelbert, cited safety concerns. Players like Joyce Bilodeau and Clay Feeter disagree, saying the games build community. The ban does not affect after-school or weekend play.
ALSO READ: Sarasota Soars to No. 1: New Study Reveals America’s Pickleball Court Capital