First published in the April 14 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
The controversial pilot program testing the repurposing of the tennis court at Glenhaven Park to a mixed-use, open-air pickleball site was scheduled to end March 31, to the great relief to an exhausted group of heavily impacted park neighbors.
The experiment ran many months beyond its initial launch and the results were unambiguous; 1) Glenhaven is not an appropriate site for open-air pickleball and 2) the city will build permanent pickleball courts at Mayor’s Discovery Park.
The question then was whether our city leaders would prioritize the health concerns of the nearby residents, as well as the interests of tennis players, and end the mixed-use program permanently. Local pickleball players could still play pickleball at other local sites.
Our city hosts pickleball courts at FIS/Cornishon and supports a pickleball program at the local YMCA. Pickleball is now offered at the La Cañada Country Club as well. There are also many local area options, such as Farnsworth Park in Altadena, Allendale Park in Pasadena, Arroyo Seco Racquet Club in South Pasadena, Smith courts in Alhambra, Pacific Community Center in Glendale, Maxam Park in Burbank and Olive Park in Burbank.
Since social contact is one of the important benefits to those who live here, we encourage carpooling to these sites outside La Cañada, if travel is necessary. We continue to urge that Glenhaven Park return to the peaceful pocket park that has served the community so well for decades.
Nalini and Bob Lasiewicz
La Cañada Flintridge
