Keep Rideout Park courts ‘multipurpose’
Acton residents deserve to maintain the identity and utility of all of our public spaces — for the enjoyment and benefit of all.
We appreciated the opportunity to hear exciting and timely updates at the recent Recreation meeting, as well as the ability to provide and listen to commentary about the proposals for the Rideout tennis courts as they are resurfaced next year. As 25-year residents of Maple Street, our children truly benefited from structured offerings through Acton Recreation, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of free play and unlimited activities at this beautiful place which has served as our “community backyard.”
We are writing to express our concerns about the movement to make our tennis courts dedicated pickleball courts and to urge you to keep them “multipurpose” — as they have been and should remain. Tennis has certainly stood the test of time, a classic sport with timeless appeal that so many in our neighborhood enjoy having access to. Pickleball, while much younger, has risen in popularity and is here to stay, and has proven itself to be a valuable recreational outlet and a great way to provide activity and socialization for many in its growing fan base. How fortuitous that these courts can provide players of both games with ample opportunities for exercise and social interaction — truly the foundation of any solid, well-rounded recreational program.
Concerns include noise impacts, parking and traffic challenges, and finally and most importantly, equity and accessibility. The balance would be disrupted between tennis and pickleball players.
To close, we would like to remind all of us of the universal “dilemma of supply and demand.” There is always going to be a tension between what we want and the scarcity of that resource and ability to provide enough to meet demand.
Acton residents deserve to maintain the identity and utility of all of our public spaces — for the enjoyment and benefit of all.
Pamela and Joseph Koontz
Maple Street
