Preston playhouse was a good establishment until it wasn't. We've been regular players of this facility, primarily booking courts for pickleball, and had no issues initially. However, over the past 2 weeks, our experience has taken a concerning turn with the presence of a particular staff member--a short white guy with a mustache who now works during the times we play.
There have been multiple incidents involving this staff member that have made us feel unfairly singled out:
1. We were rushed off the court at 7:29pm despite our reservation lasting until 7:30pm. While we understand the need to stay on schedule, the urgency and tone felt unnecessarily aggressive especially since no one else was waiting for the court at the time.
2. We were told that recording our sessions was not allowed, yet the very next day, another group was seen filming without issue. This kind of selective enforcement is frustrating and confusing.
3. On today's visit, we reserved a third court due to increased group size. Upon check-in, the same staff member questioned the legitimacy of our booking and asked us to "prove" it, despite this information being available in your system.
4. The icing on the cake occurred at the end of today's session, when we were all leaving Preston playhouse and that same staff member followed our group outside and accused us of stealing a rental paddle. In reality, the individual in question was still inside the facility and preparing to return it.
While I initially chalked up some of these incidents to miscommunication or procedure, the repeated pattern of skepticism, rule enforcement, and accusations directed exclusively at our group has left us feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome. We have not witnessed other groups, particularly non-Black groups, being treated with the same level of scrutiny or suspicion. This is the first time I've experienced playing pickleball while black and it is unfortunate. I will not go back here. read more