Ala Moana Balances Pickleball And Tennis: Ala Moana Park has recently unveiled three new pickleball courts, marking a significant development for the sport, often described as America’s fastest-growing pastime. While enthusiasm for pickleball is soaring, local officials are eager to clarify that this addition will not come at the expense of tennis facilities.
Resolving Conflicts
The park previously housed a practice tennis court that frequently doubled as a makeshift pickleball venue, where players would draw their own lines. In response to rising tensions between tennis and pickleball enthusiasts, the City Department of Parks and Recreation took action, painting permanent lines on September 21.
“It was really a good compromise because we’d been seeing more and more conflicts between the pickleball and the tennis players at that particular location, and so we wanted to find a resolution that fit both sides,” -(Nate Serota)
A Home for Pickleball
Kevin Ching, vice chair of the Oahu Pickleball Association, expressed satisfaction with the new facilities. “It’s really awesome because now it’s an official pickleball court,” he noted. “Before, they did not recognize it as a pickleball court.” This official designation provides players with a dedicated space, enhancing the overall pickleball experience at Ala Moana.
Tennis Remains a Priority
Junior tennis coach Mike Shima, who also enjoys pickleball with his son, emphasized that the expansion of one sport should not undermine another. “I love pickleball, and I think that’s great,” Shima remarked. “I just think that we don’t need to take away tennis courts because we actually need more tennis courts.”
Dispelling Rumors
Concerns arose recently regarding online rumors suggesting that some designated tennis courts could be converted for pickleball use. However, Kathleen Lee, chair of Ala Moana’s Neighborhood Board, refuted these claims. “We do want to emphasize that we are not out to dismantle any courts, so we don’t know where that information came from,” she stated. Lee encouraged community members to attend an upcoming board meeting to discuss the matter.
Commitment to Balance
Serota reiterated the city’s commitment to maintaining a balance between user groups. “We really want people to get along as much as possible and to share these facilities because it is really difficult to make new facilities around the island. There’s a lot that goes into that. So for the time being, really sharing is caring,” he said.
News in Brief : Ala Moana Balances Pickleball And Tennis
Ala Moana Park has introduced three new pickleball courts, addressing growing interest in the sport without sacrificing tennis facilities. The city painted permanent lines for pickleball on September 21, resolving conflicts between players. Local officials confirmed no plans to convert existing tennis courts, aiming for harmony among sports enthusiasts. Community engagement is encouraged to ensure all voices are heard in future discussions.
ALSO READ : Timrod Park Builds New Pickleball Courts: A Big Community Win
