Pickleball advocate Shannon Small addresses the City Council on Thursday.
WESTFIELD – An enthusiastic contingent of more than a dozen pickleball players filled City Council chambers at the start of Thursday’s meeting. During public participation, Matthew Roman came forward first, pledging the support of the “Senior Snoopers” for the game.
Following Roman, Shannon Small gave a presentation, asking those who came for the push to raise their hands. Small called pickleball the fastest growing sport in North America.
According to the official website at www.usapa.org, pickleball is a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. Using a paddle and a small wiffleball, it’s often played on old tennis courts.
Small came to ask the City Council to refurbish two clay courts for the game, using funds left over from the bond for Park Square Green. In a handout, she noted that the clay tennis courts on Franklin St. have not been used in the past 6-10 years. She wrote that removing the courts and changing them over to pickeball would add six pickelball courts. The request was also on the City Council agenda under communications from the Mayor, where it was referred to the Finance Committee.
Currently, Small said there are over 72 people in Westfield that play. “We can’t get enough of this crazy sport,” Small said. During the winter, they played at pickleball courts at the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, and with the Park and Recreation at an elementary school, but they are looking for a dedicated outdoor location in Westfield.
She said they play three or four times a week, and on weekends, and asked the councilors to join them at a game. At-large Councilor Dave Flaherty challenged Councilor Brent B. Bean, II to a game, and the volleying back and forth began.
Small said Agawam has four courts, and over 150 people who play. “I would love for Westfield to outdo Agawam, and have the premiere pickleball courts,” she said. She also said that at last year’s national tournament, there were 1,300 players.
“How can we get the national tournament here,” asked At-large Councilor Nicholas Morganelli, Jr, to a round of applause from the gallery.
More information may be found on Facebook at Westfield Pickleball.
