The Reading Post accepts Letters to the Editor. All letters must be signed. The Reading Post reserves the right to edit or not publish any letters received. Letters do not represent the views or opinions of the Post. editor@thereadingpost.com
To the Editor,
I appreciate the thoughtful support expressed in a recent letter for both the Killam School project and the Reading Center for Active Living. These are critical investments that reflect the needs of our youngest and oldest residents. However, I respectfully disagree with the letter’s conclusion that additional pickleball courts are simply “a nice addition.”
As a 70-year-old resident who plays pickleball regularly, I rely on it not as a luxury but as an essential way to maintain my health, energy, and social connections within the community. Pickleball offers a unique blend of physical activity, mental stimulation, and social engagement — all essential components for healthy aging. For many of us in the 60+ community, it’s one of the few forms of consistent exercise we can enjoy safely. It improves balance, coordination, cardiovascular health, and even cognitive sharpness. It’s welcoming to beginners regardless of age or ability.
The Surgeon General has declared loneliness among older adults a public health crisis—a powerful reminder of the essential role human connection plays as we age. The friendships formed on the pickleball courts are just as vital as the movement and exercise they encourage. For many older adults, pickleball is more than a pastime — it’s a lifeline. It keeps us active, engaged, and connected — and helps prevent the isolation that can so easily lead to declining health. Outdoor courts play a crucial role in this effort, providing a welcoming and accessible space where older adults can remain independent, healthy, and socially engaged.
While the letter writer identifies as the President of the Friends of Reading Seniors 60+ Plus, it’s important to note she doesn’t speak for all of us, and certainly not for me. I believe that smart, forward-thinking planning must include investments in recreation that support health, connection, and quality of life at every age. In fact, outdoor pickleball courts align directly with the mission of the new senior center: to help older adults stay active, engaged, and socially connected.
Let’s not treat the needs of our older population as either/or. A vibrant community supports a range of opportunities that help people thrive. Outdoor pickleball is one such opportunity.
Thank you for taking the time to read my response to the recent Letter to the Editor titled “Supporting Killam and the Center for Active Living.”
Sincerely,
Karen T. Janowski
Azalea Circle
