“Pair battles City Hall over Desert Foothills pickleball”
This was the front-page headline of our neighborhood paper. For nearly a year, Jill and
Carrie have been lobbying the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department to complete the Desert Foothills Park and install pickleball courts. They have jumped through hoops, researched the cost of the courts, submitted data showing demand exceeds supply, received community support, and talked to all the council members.
This is one example of the process citizens go through as they weave their way through a maze of bureaucratic red tape.
Elected officials say they want the community’s input, but are they listening? I am, which is why I went to a Sunday event at the park to meet with Carrie and other supports to listen as they explained their plan in detail.
One thing is clear, this isn’t only a conversation about pickleball courts. It is acknowledging that Phoenix is rapidly growing. We need responsible design so people can enjoy and benefit from work and play in their
community.
Our parks must offer an outdoor environment with updated playground equipment for all abilities to enjoy, dog enclosures, shade, and exercise activities to support current interests.
I’m not sure if the park will receive funding for the pickleball courts this year but when I am your Councilwoman, I will continue to advocate for the courts and a way to streamline the City Hall process.
I believe an elected representative must be boots on the ground. As your Councilwoman I will continue
to be an active participant in the community and not a bystander
This is why I am asking you directly for your support.November is right around the corner, and we can't afford to be complacent. Reaching our fundraising goal will allow us to meet with more
voters and talk about the issues that matter most to our community: Public safety, protect air, land, water and wildlife, affordable and attainable housing, parks and a community that is united and not divided.
