Will the pickleball season be extended?

Given the warmer weather, players have asked the Village to keep courts open.

BY DEBORAH SKOLNIK

Since the spring, the ‘Dale’s many pickleball fans have hit the courts at Crossway on the regular to dink, lob, and occasionally do neither, having missed the wiffle ball they try to hit with lightweight paddles. But the season is scheduled to end soon—and lovers of the sport are lobbying the village to let them play into next month.

Mary-Alice Marchiony is among them. “The weather is good, and we can play as long it stays good. If it’s not snowing, I’m ready to play pickleball,” she said. Natalia Reisel, another player, said she too would like to continue to play outdoors for as long as it’s nice outside. “It’s a great sport. It’s a chance to interact with others and enjoy a healthy activity,” she observed.

Paddling along  [From left:] Pickleball players Natalya Reisel, Mary-Alice Marchiony, and Deborah Skolnik.

A third player, who asked not to be identified, said wider availability of the courts enhances their value to our town’s residents. “These are public facilities, after all,” she said. “Why shouldn’t we enjoy them a little more?”

Is it even a possibility, though? Village Manager Alexandra H. Marshall said it’s a maybe. “We have received a few requests for an extension of the pickleball season, and we are currently considering extending the season through November 15,” she said. “At that time, the bathrooms will be winterized and after that date, the Village will lack the resources to ensure the playability of the courts. Staff will continue to monitor weather conditions as we get closer to this date.” Fingers crossed for Crossway.