Testimonials
Susan Chouinard
Hello my name is Susan Chouinard and I've been living in Chula Vista since 1984. I attended city council meetings with a handful of players requesting their consideration to provide pickleball courts in Chula Vista. Getting the city's approval was a good start but we had to raise the funds ourselves to make this happen. The players were determined to have our own dedicated courts and with the assistance from Friends of Chula Vista Parks and the generous donations from many players our dream was fulfilled.
Borrowing the phrase from the movie Field of Dreams "if you build it they will come" is certainly true for MacKenzie Creek Park. I am there every morning and have met so many people young and old from near and far playing this wonderful sport.
Without the assistance from Friends of Chula Vista Parks it would have been a longer process getting the courts at MacKenzie so again thank you to them.
Jackie Metcalf
MacKenzie Creek Pickleball
Back in 2018 myself, Jackie Metcalf and Pat McElroy appealed to the City of Chula Vista to create some public pickleball courts from current under utilized tennis courts at MacKenzie Creek park. We were told they didn't have the funds and we would have to raise the money.
We sold tshirts, hosted tournaments, asked for donations and our community just GAVE! It was amazing! We raised $30,000 and with the help of Friends of Parks converted 2 tennis courts to the first 8 permanent dedicated pickleball courts in Chula Vista! We resurfaced and designed the courts, purchased nets, fencing, inside benches, outside benches with shade and windscreens. Our grand opening was Jan 2020. It is pickleball paradise! Friends of Parks facilitated our labor and purchases .. it made the process so simple as they co-ordinated with the City.. and we were not forced to pay prevail ing wage because they are a non profit.
From 7am to 10 pm everyday the courts are filled with smiling friendly happy people exercising and socializing. We have people from the age of 8 to 97 enjoying pickleball! The courts are SO popular that they often have 12 paddles waiting at each court! I am very happy that Mayor John McCann has assured me he is working on expanding to an additional 4 courts! Hooray!
We are grateful!
Jackie Metcalf
