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I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the Blair County commissioners for creating the Trail, Parks and Recreation Authority. Local governments across the country are realizing the top two things that bring and keep people in the area are good schools and parks.
Most would agree area schools are excellent but our parks and recreation are seriously lacking.
Garfield Park in Altoona is an example of how this can change. Private fundraising transformed two unused, old tennis courts into a vibrant pickleball facility.
The Blair Recreation Commission took note of the dramatic increase in park usage and recognized the value of pickleball as a highly desired means of exercise for young and old alike. Pickleball is also a game that can be played by people with disabilities, including those requiring wheelchairs.
To their credit, Blair Rec capitalized on this development by creative use of their resources and by securing state grants to completely modernize the park. Currently, a new walking trail, playground, lights, fencing and parking area are all being built around the pickleball courts.
It is my hope that this newly created recreation authority is properly funded and they initiate fundraising and grants to focus on making just one park a year something the community can be proud of. Developing trails is laudable but "if you build it (pickleball courts), they will come."
Dave Satka
Duncansville