To the Editor:

Although we are not full-time residents, we are invested members of the Potsdam community. We own property in Hannawa Falls, where we pay school taxes to the Potsdam Central School District, and land in Norwood, where we pay taxes to the Town of Potsdam.

As such, we help fund the publicly maintained Sandstoner pickleball courts—facilities meant to be open and accessible to all taxpayers.

Unfortunately, our experience with the courts has been anything but welcoming.

We initially joined the North Country Pickleball Club (NCPC), the private group currently overseeing access and scheduling. Despite paying the full annual fee, our membership was later revoked without explanation. We were told the club had reached capacity, yet others were admitted around the same time. Over time, we discovered troubling inconsistencies.

Some individuals—many friends of board members—were granted lifetime memberships for $60, even if they reside outside the village or town. Others, like us, were charged $125 annually. Meanwhile, five of the nine current NCPC board members do not pay taxes in the Town or Village of Potsdam, yet still exert influence over this public asset.

Last fall, we raised our concerns about fairness, equity, and transparency in formal letters to Village and Town officials. Both Mayor Alex Jacobs Wilke and Town Supervisor Marty Miller responded professionally and assured us we were welcome to use the courts.

However, then-Deputy Mayor Steve Warr dismissed our concerns, accused us of “causing trouble,” and discouraged further contact. His tone was deeply disheartening and inappropriate for an elected official.

Mr. Warr later resigned from the Village Board, reportedly due to disagreements over the management of recreational programs. Yet, despite no longer holding office, he continues to act as a gatekeeper.

On April 14, when the 2025 season opened, we registered on the public Playtime Scheduler. In response, Mr. Warr posted a public message stating we were “not welcome” and falsely claimed the Town and Village had banned us. Both the Mayor and Town Supervisor confirmed this was untrue.

No taxpayer should be excluded from a public facility or publicly shamed for raising concerns. These courts are not private property. They are community resources—funded by the very people being denied access.

We urge the Village of Potsdam to reestablish direct oversight and ensure the courts are governed transparently and fairly. Public spaces must remain public—for everyone.

John and Kimberly LaShomb

Norfolk