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I would like to reiterate the recent words of Joe Mchugh in the letter to the editor and add a few of my own. First, I would like to thank those who have supported the efforts in trying to make the building of new courts in the town of Reading a reality in the near future. The support of town officials and private citizens has been wonderful, and through private citizens, more than $200k, and growing, has been raised to help defray the costs to the community.
Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that truly anyone can participate in. Take a lesson and you will find your people. The social, mental, and physical benefits will speak for themselves if you do. I am 68 years old (my husband is 70 and also plays), and I recently finished co-ed league play with folks ranging from 25 to 70. My partner is a 32-year-old female athlete who played sports through college. Our team placed second to a team of former D1 athletes (extremely competitive) who are several decades younger than I.
The reason for telling you this is that I have never played an organized sport in my life, and in fact, haven’t played any pick-up sports since the age of 11 or 12, until pickleball. I was afraid to start, but forced myself and haven’t looked back. It is part of my daily routine now. It won’t be long before this becomes a competitive high school sport, as it’s already being played on college campuses.
With the already crowded courts and the growth of this sport not abating anytime soon, it is important that we try to meet the demand. In these times, it’s hard to think about spending money on things that seem frivolous, but I can tell you that one lesson or game of pickleball and you will see that it is not frivolous. The benefits are many, from intergenerational connections to fresh air, sunshine, exercise, friendships, and where else can you go alone and join in with a group of strangers who will become friends.
This is neither frivolous nor only for the aging population… It’s critical and essential for healthy living for all of us. Please consider sending your positive thoughts about new courts to your town meeting members. Pickleball really is life-changing in all the right ways.
Thank you.
Susan Cameron
Whitehall Lane
