Durango is known as a outdoor, active and engaged community, and as such, it is a shame that one of the fastest growing sports worldwide is not a part of that. I am referring to the game of “pickleball.” It has continued to grow in popularity at a very fast pace.
I know that many residents are not familiar with the sport and perhaps do not understand the draw. I would encourage all who read this to Google pickleball and see for yourself what is happening throughout the country. I also know that there are some concerns about where to put new courts because of the noise that is created by the game.
We have a local pickleball organization “Southwest Colorado Pickleball Association” that is willing to work with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department on the design and building of outdoor courts for all residents to use. Our association has raised a substantial amount of money to help with the costs.
There are currently two seemingly good locations for new courts to be built. One is at the Fort Lewis College area near the new tennis courts, and the other is out at the proposed master park at Three Springs. Both locations can accommodate the space needed while mitigating the noise issue.
Brian Blanchard
Bayfield
