A little history on Graham Park pickleball courts: The six original courts were partially funded by public donations and were free to all. Today, there are 19 courts and an inflatable dome for wintertime play. All play is coordinated and mostly funded by the CTPA (Cranberry Township Pickleball Association, which is part of Cranberry Township Parks & Recreation Department), pay to play. The newer 13 courts were built with township funds, and also two free courts at the Community Park.

The numbers of the CTPA and resident members versus nonresidents totals 700 resident members and 1200 nonresidents. The math is 700 resident CTPA members and approximately 33,000 total residents in our community. I feel the pickleball venue benefits only 2.1% of the total residents. The township is spending a boatload of money for only 2% of our residents. Why are there more nonresidents than residents in the CTPA? Maybe we should change the name from the CTPA to NRPA (Non Resident Pickleball Association).

Also, 58 residents — our neighbors — are on a waitlist and are denied access to the Graham pickleball courts, while nonresident members access our courts. We need a new plan that benefits all taxpayers.

I spoke with the leader of the CTPA, a sitting Cranberry Township supervisor, about these issues and his response was, we have one of the best pickleball associations. So, what is the goal? The best pickleball association that benefits all in the area, or the taxpayers that fund the park?

Jim Charles,

Cranberry Township