To the editor:

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the dedication of the renovated Town Commons Pickleball-Tennis courts, I would like to thank Town Administrator, Steve Contente, and Parks & Rec. Director, Warren Rensehausen for their assistance and help approving the funds that were needed to complete this project.

We feel that these pickleball courts are the crown jewel of our community. We are so proud and appreciative of all that the town has done to help our sport grow. Some of you may have noticed that there are more people playing at the courts now than there ever has been in the past. Some have referred to is as “organized chaos”. We are anything but that.

Due to the explosion in popularity of our sport, we have had to limit the number of players at each of our scheduled Open Play sessions. We are fully aware that some players are finding it frustrating to not be able to sign up, but if we did not do this then there definitely would be chaos on the courts.

If you should ever get to stop by during our sessions what you will see is people getting exercise, socializing, but most of all, having fun and laughing. I see people coming not just to play pickleball but to also enjoy what Bristol has to offer. Many players enjoy patronizing our many restaurants and coffee shops.

With large numbers come more responsibility. We have worked diligently to be good neighbors. We have set up a line of communication with our local funeral directors so that we can be respectful of their parking arrangements when services are being held at St. Mary’s Parish. We feel very strongly about giving back to our community. Last year we donated $2,240 to the East Bay Food Pantry.

We encourage all beginners and less experienced players to attend our free beginner instruction classes, which are held on Friday mornings. If you are just starting out there is no need to get a paddle right away. We have extra loaner paddles you can use. If you are interested in attending any of our sessions, we ask that you go to our website at www.BristolPickleballRI.org. Just click on the “sign up to play” link. We do ask that you give us your address and note if you are a Bristol resident or not. As of this writing we have over 175 club members who are Bristol residents.

I believe that our organization continues to be a model of success throughout our area. All of this would not be possible without the generosity of our members, the dedicated volunteers who help with the day-to-day operations and most of all, the support from the people of Bristol.

Cliff Teixeira
President of the Bristol Pickleball Club of RI
USA Pickleball RI District Ambassador