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Letter of Suppport CPA funds for Pickleball.pdfSue Tracy All Out Adventures 297 Pleasant St. Northampton, MA 01060 sue@alloutadventures.org 413-584-2052 November 1, 2023 Sarah LaValley Planning & Sustainability City Hall 210 Main St., Room 11 Northampton, MA 01060 Ph: 413-587-1263 slavalley@northamptonma.gov Dear Ms. LaValley, I am writing on behalf of All Out Adventures to express our enthusiastic support for the Community Preservation Act funds to be allocated to the open space and recreation project of the construction of pickleball courts at Sheldon Field. Pickleball has rapidly gained popularity over the years and has become a recreational activity loved by people of all ages. The establishment of dedicated pickleball courts would not only enhance the quality of life in our community but also contribute to the overall well-being of all Northampton residents. Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals of various abilities, from children to seniors. It promotes physical fitness, social interaction, and a sense of community. With the growing interest in pickleball, having dedicated courts would provide numerous benefits to our community, including some maybe not so obvious ones: 1. Increased Physical Activity: Pickleball is an excellent way to promote physical activity, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. It provides an opportunity for residents to engage in regular exercise in a fun and enjoyable manner. 2. Social Engagement: Pickleball is a social sport that fosters connections and friendships. It encourages residents to come together, build relationships, and form a sense of community. This has wonderful impacts on improving social connections, reducing social isolation and increases mental well-being through belonging. 3. Inclusivity: Pickleball is adaptable for players of various skill levels and physical abilities. All Out Adventures recently purchased three tennis wheelchairs with donations made by the Northampton pickleball community that are available to the community for use on the new pickleball courts. In addition, All Out Adventures offers Pickleball for All programming to give people the opportunity to learn the basic skills and rules of the game before playing at open play times in the larger community. It is to be noted that pickleball players from the Look Park pickleball community have very generously volunteered their time and expertise to teaching and coaching our program participants who use wheelchairs, have balance concerns and/or have cognitive and developmental, disabilities. Berkshire Design has been very responsive in designing courts that will exceed ADA requirements and put peoples’ abilities in the foreground by thoughtful design that accommodates wheelchair players to maneuver easily with enough space. 4. Economic Benefits: One of the key benefits of community pickleball courts is that due to the low cost of entry to play, residents from all socioeconomic backgrounds play together during community-established open play times. This fosters cross-generational, cross- socio-economic status relationship building and networking opportunities that wouldn’t ordinarily be available in any other sport. The pickleball court has been called the “new golf course” in regard to social and business networking. In addition, pickleball teaches many valuable social lessons such as winning and losing gracefully, positivity, etiquette and treating each other with respect. In addition, the presence of accessible pickleball courts can attract visitors from surrounding areas for fun play and tournaments, contributing to the local economy through increased tourism and spending in nearby businesses. I understand that the establishment of pickleball courts may require financial support and the allocation of resources. I urge you to consider the immediate and long-term benefits and positive impact that these courts will have on all members of our community. The investment in pickleball courts is an investment in the future of a more inclusive, equitable society. I would be more than willing to assist with any community efforts to promote and support the creation of these pickleball courts, whether through volunteering, fundraising, or other means. Please feel free to reach out to me if you require further information or assistance in this matter. Thank you for considering my support for this initiative. I hope that you will join me and many others in making our community a better place by providing the infrastructure for this wonderful sport. Sincerely, Sue Tracy Program Director All Out Adventures