Pickle Ball? - And Response

  • Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Collegedale has done some wonderful things for its residents.  The Greenway is a perfect example of money well spent on helping to give her residents the opportunity to improve their lives, at least from a health standpoint. Having taught at Wolftever Creek for a decade plus, I was fortunate to have opportunity to take my classes on walks from time to time.  It provided a wonderful break from the four walls of the classroom and offered nature and science teachable moments.  The Greenway continues to expand its walks making it almost the next best thing to the Riverwalk.   

I decided to drive out to the Greenway yesterday with a friend, park and take a three mile hike.  We parked at the Greenbriar facility which is not as congested as near the playground. I had not been there for a walk in quite some time.  To my surprise, I observed from the distance what I thought was tennis courts; obviously newly constructed and I had not observed them in the past.   Mind you, this was a beautiful cool cloudy day so I didn’t understand why there weren’t any players on the courts.  I got quite excited as my husband and I are always looking for tennis courts closer by our residence. 

As I approached the gate, the sign on the fence clearly pointed out that these courts were for Pickle Ball play only.  I was quite surprised for two reasons; one, I had no idea what Pickle Ball was, and two, why in the world would the city spend that kind of money on courts that were nothing more than sized down or more correct, shrunken tennis courts?  I would certainly like to know if I were a resident of Collegedale why sport Pickle Ball would trump the more popular sport of tennis.  

Now with that being said, I will expect every Pickle Ball player to come lashing out of the woodwork in defense of this sport.  I personally do not know of anyone who plays the sport.  I would also hope that all of the tennis players in Collegedale will comment on this as well. 

I did a Google search of Pickle Ball when I got home.  It appears to be a sport that is similar to tennis only with a paddle larger than a table tennis paddle Collegedale also has paddle tennis tables inside for its residents to use free of charge.

I will continue to look for tournaments or individuals playing on these courts and would love to see a schedule for Pickle Ball tournaments, etc. For the meantime, I’m still in a pickle about the whole thing.

Donna Horn

* * *

I just read Mrs. Horn's letter to the editor about Collegedale's new Pickle Ball courts.  First, I want to thank Mrs. Horn for her complements of our beautiful Green Way system, currently the city planners are working on plans to expand it.  The Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation is working on plans for Collegedale Commons, which will be a farmers market, music venue, and conference room complex all near 4-Corners.   So there are many things to be excited about here in Collegedale along with expanding Apison Pike, millions in new commercial investment, and the great news from VW at our western border.  

To answer Mrs. Horn's questions about the Pickle Ball courts, lets start with Pickle Ball itself.  It is an exceptional game for older folks to play, because it does not require the running and hard impacts of tennis, thus a great game if you are older.  I have seen many families playing Pickle Ball too, its great to see grandparents and their grand-kids out playing together, with what I have seen I am thrilled that we have them.

So, now we are to the "money," it always comes down to the money doesn't it?  Well, the city did spend money on some of the nicest Pickle Ball courts in the southeast, but alas, it was not taxpayer money - the city was given a donation.  I thank providence every day that we have citizens in our city with a true vision for a better Collegedale, tomorrow.  

David Christopher Barto
Director, Collegedale Tomorrow Foundation


Opinion
Democratic View On Top State Senate Issues - March 18, 2024
  • 3/18/2024

Campbell bill seeks to save lives by studying suicide trends in Tennessee 3 p.m. Senate Regular Calendar — SB 1787 , by Sen. Heidi Campbell, would require state health officials to produce ... more

The Odor Of Mendacity - And Response (2)
  • 3/16/2024

The Fulton County judge, Scott McAfee, overseeing the Fani Willis prosecution of Donald Trump and eighteen other defendants has spoken. In response to a motion by defendants to remove Willis ... more

Capitol Report From State Rep. Greg Vital For March 15
  • 3/15/2024

General Assembly confirms new Tennessee State Supreme Justice Members of the General Assembly confirmed the appointment of Mary L. Wagner to the Tennessee Supreme Court in a joint session ... more