At the July 17 commission meeting, Longport administrator Scott Porter discussed possible changes at the tennis and pickleball courts.
Under consideration: possibly remove one tennis court and add two ‘padel’ courts.
Engineer Ed Dennis says padel courts are enclosed courts. It could cost approximately $100,000 to convert one tennis court to padel courts.
Padel, sometimes called padel tennis, is a racket sport on an enclosed court slightly smaller than a doubles tennis court. Court has walls and the balls can be played off them in a similar way as in the game of squash.
Engineer Dennis said he would provide the Longport governing body with the cost to convert a tennis court to two pickleball courts. It was noted that any changes would be considered for next year.
Conduct another survey of residents regarding changes at the recreation complex?
Recreation Supervisor Maripat McKenna discussed popularity of pickleball. Will be more pickle ball courts added? Those who play tennis would like to keep the tennis courts.
Administrator Porter says he’s been told that padel is an up-and coming sport that will become as popular as pickle ball.
Recreation Supervisor McKenna said she could provide the Governing Body with a report regarding tennis and pickleball court usage.
Also discussed: addition of wind screens at the recreation complex. Administrator Porter said they were installed and that there was only one that still needed to be installed.
