We want two things.
This is what we are asking the Whatcom Family YMCA for, and what we would like to work on with them.
Commit that court access will not lapse. The downtown squash and racquetball courts stay open and operating until an equivalent or better replacement is open at Barkley.
No funding is involved. We are asking that recreation continues without a gap while the new facility is built. The downtown Y has the only squash court in Whatcom County, and is one of only three places to play racquetball.
Include at least one convertible squash and racquetball court in the Barkley Village program plan, and name the community as a participant in the design of the Barkley location.
A convertible court uses a movable or insertable wall so that one room serves both sports, rather than the two competing for space. It is easier to include while the building is still being planned than to add later.
What we would like to work on with the Y.
A junior program
We would like to start a free learn to play program for kids at the downtown courts this fall, regardless of what happens at Barkley. Racquet sports are among the few genuinely lifelong sports, and we want more kids to get introduced to them.
Leagues and clinics
Volunteer-run leagues, ladders, a fall tournament, and learn to play sessions for adults. Racquet sports took a hit during the pandemic and have been growing steadily since. We would like to keep that going.
Design homework
Vendor research, dimensions, cost comparisons, and precedent from other YMCAs for the Barkley location, in a form the design team can use.
Join the Whatcom Racquet Alliance.
Help us grow the community and keep access to the courts. If you play here, used to, or would if there were somewhere to learn, sign up to support our ask and get updates.