Pickleball Players Challenge Flossmoor Park: As pickleball surges in popularity, the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District plans to add several indoor pickleball courts. However, players have voiced concerns about the tight design of the proposed courts, which they fear could lead to injuries. Pickleball enthusiasts from surrounding communities and Indiana frequently visit the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club in Homewood, where up to 50 players often show up for Monday night open play, only to wait due to insufficient court space.
Court Configurations and Community Concerns
The park district has scheduled open play from 6 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. Advanced court times are available from 2 to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Court rentals, similar to tennis reservations, and a pickleball instruction program are also offered. A recent $70,000 contract with Sports Surface Pros LLC, approved by the park board in July, includes resurfacing tennis courts to accommodate pickleball. However, players were taken by surprise and requested more input on the plans. Michelle Ardis, director of the club, has promised a forthcoming meeting for player feedback.
Design Disputes and Petition
The racquet club currently has ten tennis courts, with four striped for pickleball, where one tennis court can hold two pickleball courts. The new plan aims to double this by fitting four pickleball courts into the space of one tennis court. Players expressed concerns on August 6 about insufficient space and the lack of dividers, which could lead to disruptions during play. A petition with 58 signatures urging the park district to reconsider was presented at the board meeting. Players learned of the changes only through a notice about court closures starting Sept. 3.
Player Feedback and Park Board Response
Adrienne River, a long-time pickleball player, criticized the proposed layout, citing issues experienced in a similar Indiana facility. She demanded dedicated pickleball courts to accommodate the sport’s growth, highlighting the disparity with tennis facilities. Park Board President Brent Bachus acknowledged the importance of pickleball to the club’s success and assured players that the board would work to align the plans with their expectations. Jane Sablich, an enthusiastic supporter, emphasized the sport’s future significance.
“Why are there eight designated courts for tennis and none for pickleball. Can’t we have dedicated courts? We want to grow this club. We are not anti-tennis. We are pro sport.” – (Adrienne River)
“We recognize how important you all are to the growth and health of that club.” – (Brent Bachus)
News in Brief: Pickleball Players Challenge Flossmoor Park
Homewood-Flossmoor Park District is expanding its indoor pickleball facilities but faces pushback from players concerned about the tight design potentially causing injuries. The district’s $70,000 contract for resurfacing tennis courts includes pickleball striping, but players were surprised by the changes.
A petition with 58 signatures was presented, and concerns about space and court layout were voiced at a board meeting. Park Board President Brent Bachus assured that the board would address player concerns and better align the plans with expectations. The proposed reconfiguration aims to fit four pickleball courts into the space of one tennis court, raising concerns about court space and playability.
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