A community at a crossroads
The city of Folsom is considering a plan to replace the aging basketball court at Lembi Park with a series of pickleball courts, a move that would reshape a well‑known neighborhood hub located along Riley Street near homes and shopping centers.
Terry Josh White, a longtime resident, has voiced strong opposition, arguing that the basketball court remains a vital gathering point for families and youth who rely on the space for organized play.
In contrast, Ferd Galinato, an active pickleball player, contends that the park already draws heavy usage for the sport and that additional courts would meet growing demand without displacing other activities.
Mayor Justin Raithel has acknowledged that the existing basketball hoop is in poor condition, but he emphasizes that the council wants to gauge public sentiment before committing to any changes.
The proposal also includes a funding component: the Folsom Pickleball Club, a nonprofit, has offered to finance the court conversion and to install a new restroom, though the club’s website is not publicly listed.
A community meeting scheduled for September 17 at 5:30 p.m. will provide a forum for residents to voice their views, and the discussion will likely shape the next phase of the park’s development.
Lembi Park has evolved over the years, previously converting a tennis court to accommodate pickleball, reflecting the sport’s rising popularity and the city’s effort to balance diverse recreational needs.