Worcester’s Call for More Pickleball Courts: As pickleball continues to rise in popularity across the United States, cities are facing increasing demands for more facilities. In Worcester, Massachusetts, a retired schoolteacher, Madeliene Del Toro-Cournoyer, is spearheading efforts to bring attention to the need for additional pickleball courts in the city. With only four courts available, many players are left searching for alternative locations to enjoy the sport they love.
A Growing Passion for Pickleball
Madeliene Del Toro-Cournoyer discovered pickleball just two years ago, when a fellow teacher introduced her to the game. Since then, her enthusiasm for the sport has grown exponentially. However, Del Toro-Cournoyer finds herself frustrated by the lack of convenient options for playing in Worcester.
“It’s been very frustrating because I end up playing in Holden, Shrewsbury, Leicester, anywhere but Worcester.”
“There’s nothing on the West Side where I can go and play pickleball. I have to go outside of the city.”-(Del Toro-Cournoyer)
With current facilities lacking in quality and quantity, she believes Worcester Parks should prioritize the sport to adapt its expanding community.
The existing courts, particularly those at Morgan Park, have fallen into Neglect lines and limited availability.
“We have Morgan Park and it has been neglected for many years.”
“You can barely see the line. There’s only one court. Preferably, it’s good to play where they have two or more courts because people like to switch partners.”-(Del Toro-Cournoyer)
This situation highlights the urgent need for enhanced pickleball facilities that meet the community’s expectations.
Community Support and Advocacy Efforts
Del Toro-Cournoyer’s advocacy has not gone unnoticed. She has brought her concerns to city council meetings, seeking the support of local officials to address the issue. However, the Parks Department has indicated that establishing new courts requires a lengthy public input process due to noise concerns.
Despite this bureaucratic hurdle, Del Toro-Cournoyer remains committed to her cause, believing that the city needs to recognize the sport’s potential.
“There are plenty of others backing her cause,” she mentions, indicating that many community members share her concerns but may not feel comfortable voicing them publicly. She believes that as the sport grows, demand for pickleball courts will only increase, making it crucial for Worcester to take action now.
“Where are we going to go if we don’t have, in the second-largest city in Massachusetts, a place to play pickleball?”
“They want to do something about it, but they don’t want to be in the forefront, I think that’s mostly the case.”
“They complain they want to do something about it, but it takes time and effort to try and make it happen, I guess.”-(Del Toro-Cournoyer)
Del Toro-Cournoyer asks, showing the importance of accessible facilities for both residents and visitors.
The Benefits of Expanding Pickleball Facilities
The push for more pickleball courts in Worcester is not just about having a place to play; it’s about fostering a sense of community and promoting health and wellness. Del Toro-Cournoyer believes pickleball offers a unique combination of physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
As more people discover pickleball, the potential for tournaments and community events grows. By expanding access to facilities, Worcester could position itself as a hub for pickleball enthusiasts. This, in turn, would encourage local engagement and attract players from surrounding areas to participate in tournaments and community gatherings.
“It’s a great social activity, it’s good for physical, mental and emotional wellness.”
“It’s a wonderful sport with a good sense of community.”-(Del Toro-Cournoyer)
showing the fun that often develops among players. The importance of creating spaces where people can come together and enjoy the sport cannot be overstated.
News in Brief: Worcester’s Call for More Pickleball Courts
The story of Madeliene Del Toro-Cournoyer and her advocacy for more pickleball courts in Worcester serves as a reminder of the growing demand for this beloved sport. As players, teams, and organizations rally around the need for better facilities, it’s clear that pickleball is more than just a game; it’s a pathway to building community connections and promoting wellness.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Share your experience in the comments!
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