Should taxpayers pay for recreational facilities that are available and provided for by the private sector in the community?

Every once in a while, an issue in the community touches a nerve, and TAPinto You! features the public response on all sides to the issue in order to facilitate community conversation. Recently, the Raritan Township Committee considered constructing public pickleball courts for the community to enjoy.

For those of you still in the dark, pickleball exploded nationally a few years ago, and according to Wikipedia, "Pickleball is a paddle sport in which players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball with paddles over a net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction. Pickleball is played indoors and outdoors." Over 8.9 million people played pickleball in the nation, and New Jersey is no different.

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The question posed is: Should taxpayers pay for recreational facilities that are available and provided for by the private sector in the community? Pickleball courts, tennis courts, golf courses, walking paths, and swimming pools are all recreational facilities available both in private facilities and for free for the public. As with any issues, there were a wide range of opinions.

JoAnne Stabile Elacqua shared, "I think the residents of this town can afford to play pickleball at their own expense, they don't need taxpayer $$$... The taxpayers do not need to incur the cost, which the Mayor has indicated is 'not currently feasible', and is looking to include it in the 2025 budget. My opinion is that our taxes are high enough, and we don't need to incur something that is not a necessity, even if they include it in next year's budget. I hope you agree. Thank you."

Dan Oh stated, "Let's focus on the important stuff before we waste time on pickleball."

Rita Kabai shared, "I say yes to this!"

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Brad Thompson, questioined, "I still don't get why they make it exclusively for pickleball. Why not make a tennis court and paint pickleball lines as well? Pickleball is just a lazy man's tennis (I lean on the lazy side so relax). The new American way, let's take something that takes skill, practice and stamina, and dumb it down."

Jay Rubinstein, wrote, "I'd rather roads without potholes..."

JoAnne Stabile Elacqua shared, "There are several pickleball facilities in the area that are privately owned, why would the Township compete with them, especially at the taxpayers expense!"

Heat-Her Marie shared, "I was literally like how about we focus on anything else besides them courts."

DeAnn Tinsman Finelli said, "Would love it!"

TAPinto You! brings the voices and viewpoints of our readers from social media on significant local matters through this recurring segment. Our aim is to foster community involvement and encourage open dialogue. We maintain neutrality on all issues and welcome diverse perspectives. If you have a topic you wish to see addressed on TAPinto You!, reach out to us at jnovick@tapinto.net.

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