HomeMy WebLinkAbout06 15 2026 - Item 7.2 - Joe Cefalu1
Stefan Mercer
From:Joe Cefalu <jcefalu59@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 15, 2026 10:04 AM
To:Public Comments
Subject:EXTERNAL - Support for Pickleball Courts
Dear Honorable Members of the Gilroy City Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for the planned
installation of dedicated outdoor pickleball courts in Gilroy and
to respectfully urge the Council to move this project forward
despite recent budget increases.
Pickleball has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing sports
in the country, and for good reason. It is uniquely accessible,
low-impact, and highly social—making it an ideal form of
recreation for residents of all ages and fitness levels.
Gilroy stands to gain significant community benefits from
investing in dedicated courts:
1. Public Health and Active Living
Pickleball promotes cardiovascular health, mobility, balance, and
coordination. It is especially valuable for older adults looking to
stay active with a lower risk of injury compared to higher-impact
sports. At a time when public health and chronic disease
prevention are major concerns, accessible recreation
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infrastructure is a cost-effective investment in long-term
wellness.
2. Community Connection and Mental Health
Pickleball is highly social. Courts naturally bring people together,
reducing isolation and building community relationships across
generations. These connections have measurable benefits for
mental health and overall quality of life.
3. Youth and Family Engagement
Dedicated courts give families and youth a safe, structured space
for recreation. It provides an alternative to screen time and
encourages lifelong fitness habits.
4. Economic and Local Value
Well-designed pickleball facilities attract regional play,
tournaments, and visitors who support local restaurants and
businesses. Even modest recreation upgrades can have a
meaningful ripple effect on local commerce.
5. Efficient Use of Park Space
Dedicated courts reduce conflicts with tennis users and eliminate
the inefficiencies of shared lines and scheduling. This ensures
better play experience for both sports and maximizes park
usability.
While I understand the concern regarding the project coming in
slightly over budget, I believe this is a long-term infrastructure
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investment that will serve the community for decades. The
demand for pickleball courts is not temporary—it is growing, and
cities that delay often end up spending more later to catch up.
Gilroy has an opportunity to meet a clear and rising community
need. I respectfully encourage the Council to move forward with
this project and ensure it is completed in a way that reflects the
health, recreation, and community priorities of our city.
Thank you for your time and for your continued service to the
residents of Gilroy.
Sincerely,
Joe Cefalu
Gilroy Resident