HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4A - Public Comment_ Planning Commission - T Santora emailFrom:T Santora
To:Planning
Subject:Public Comment: Planning Commission Item 4A
Date:Friday, June 6, 2025 8:07:56 AM
Attachments:PPUSA Court mockup.png
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Hello Commissioners,
I'm writing to share my concerns about the proposed pickleball complex (4.A.) on the June
10, 2025 agenda. I am an avid pickleball player and member of the Parks & Recreation
Commission's Pickleball Ad Hoc Committee.
I became aware of this project only while reading a June 5 article in the Desert Sun. Based
solely on that coverage and the mock-up of the design (see attached) there are two issues
that I hope you will ask the developers to address before final approval.
My concerns are around the location. The proximity to the airport will expose players to
unhealthy air quality from jet fuel exhaust. The majority of current players are middle-aged
to seniors. While that demographic is changing to include younger players, there is still a
concern about engaging in strenuous exercise so close to the runway(s). The other issue is
the wind. For those unfamiliar with pickleball, you should know the ball is very light and
games are severely impacted by wind. This location is highly windy. Great for planes taking
off, not so much for playing pickleball. The mock-up shows no wind screens around the
courts. There are some trees in the image, but these will provide little in the way of wind
blockage and will likely create a maintenance and safety nightmare with leaves blowing on
the courts.
While I fully support development of additional, publicly accessible pickleball courts in Palm
Springs, I also believe the Commission has an obligation to ensure approved projects
provide a public benefit. If the development included an indoor facility, both the air quality
and wind mitigation issues could be resolved. Outdoor facilities have their attraction for a
variety of reasons, but some form of effective wind control will be required to make this
endeavor a success - and I sincerely hope that it is.
Thank you for your service and consideration,
T Santora
Palm Springs Resident
310.795.9315