In the recent Metro article titled “With pickleball’s rise, a back-and-forth over space,” the pickleball and tennis site at Jefferson Field was portrayed as a place where a diverse and active playing community thrives. Despite the fact that pickleball players far outnumber tennis players, the courts have been shared cordially. It would be unfair to consider one tennis player’s hesitance to discuss court-sharing with pickleball players as a noteworthy story.
It is important to clarify that pickleball players are not taking over or gentrifying Department of Parks and Recreation locations. Our player groups are deeply rooted in the community and represent the diverse population of Washington, D.C. We disagree with the notion that the city has embraced pickleball; the sport’s growth in our city is a result of the players’ passion and the relentless efforts of numerous volunteers. Unfortunately, DPR has not taken a proactive approach in planning, which is why players have had to organize and advocate for equitable access to recreational resources. As far as we know, DPR still has no plan in place to increase the number of dedicated pickleball courts in D.C.
It is time for pickleball to receive the recognition it deserves as a vibrant sport that brings joy and unity to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. DPR and The Washington Post should focus on this positive aspect of the story instead of perpetuating a false narrative of conflict.
The Metro article primarily highlighted a single instance of conflict regarding pickleball. In my personal experience as an active pickleball player in the District, I have witnessed pickleball players making sincere efforts to share the limited available courts respectfully with those who wish to use them for basketball or tennis. It is worth noting that, anecdotally, I have observed that all pickleball courts are often in use while adjacent tennis and basketball courts remain empty, not only in D.C. but in other areas of the country where I have played.
As residents of Washington, D.C., we all have the right to access the public facilities that our tax dollars support. It is unproductive to pit us against each other based on the sports we play. The intention of pickleball players is not to dominate or take over, but rather to secure a few dedicated courts that allow everyone to enjoy their preferred sports without any interference.
Susan Chertkof, Washington
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