March 29, 2024

School Superintendent: Pickleball Not Allowed on Tennis Court

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The Seekonk High School tennis courts are for tennis only, Superintendent Rich Drolet said Wednesday. Some residents took to social media last weekend to complain about a set of rules regarding use of the courts. “Pickleball is prohibited like the sign says and like I said the other night, the tennis courts are intended for tennis use only,” Drolet noted. “The high school ordered the sign and (Principal William Whalen) and I approved it. I am checking with legal to see if there are any issues with the wording.”

The sign notes:

  • Tennis facilities are for Seekonk residents and their guests
  • All players should be prepared to show proof of residency in the form of a valid ID or driver’s license if requested by school or town staff.
  • Courts are for TENNIS ONLY – all other uses require a permit.

“We’re just trying to protect the courts for tennis use and for our tennis teams,” the high school’s Athletic Director John Moran said at Monday’s school committee meeting.

“We are willing to make exceptions for Seekonk residents (and their guests) to play pickleball, though,” Drolet added. “What Mr. Moran was conveying is if a Seekonk resident wants to fill out a building use form to play pickleball, the athletic director and the high school will approve. This will allow the high school to know when people are playing pickleball and who they are so that the (athletic director) can check the courts before and after use to ensure there is no damage to the surface of the courts. Mr. Moran, Dr. Whalen, and I feel this is a reasonable compromise. Any Seekonk resident who wants to play pickleball there should contact Mr. Moran or fill out a building use form (found on the high school’s website) and send it to Mr. Moran.” 

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