Dear editor:

The reclosing of the outdoor pickleball courts at Virgil Sports Park is unacceptable.

For two years, residents endured a shutdowns, legal disputes, and vague explanations while one of the community’s most heavily used recreational facilities sat idle.

After finally reopening with mitigation measures in place, the courts are once again closed — leaving residents frustrated and questioning the town’s commitment to providing accessible recreation.

Pickleball is not a nuisance. It is a legitimate, healthy, community-building activity enjoyed by residents of all ages, particularly seniors who depend on it for exercise, social connection, and overall well-being.

Public recreational facilities exist to serve the broader community, not to be repeatedly withdrawn without clear and transparent justification.

If additional concerns have arisen, taxpayers deserve honest communication. Citing confidential matters while offering no meaningful explanation erodes public trust.

The town has already invested in sound mitigation efforts. If those measures are insufficient, then council must present a concrete plan forward — whether through enhanced mitigation, adjusted hours, relocation or development of a purpose-built facility.

What residents should not accept is a cycle of reopening and reclosing with no clear resolution. Leadership requires balancing interests and delivering solutions, not prolonged uncertainty.

It is time for council to provide transparency, accountability and a firm timeline for restoring outdoor pickleball in Virgil.

Vince Serratore
St. Davids