I have been coming to Greenfield in the summer for the last 20 years. I am married to someone who was born and raised here; I have been welcomed into her family and friendships and have found the people to be very friendly here. Last summer, I discovered a different view of this city through pickleball. When I arrived, I stopped by at Green River Park because I had been told that people played pickleball there, and I was welcomed with open arms, even though I was very new to the sport. They explained all the rules to me, had the patience to teach me the game while we all got to know each other better. I have met quite a few people through this game; there is a very positive community here, with people who are eager to do things together and support each other. I started to get up early every morning to play pickleball, and I really enjoyed it.

This year I came back and continued to do what has become the norm for me while in Greenfield for the summer — first thing in the morning I set out for the pickleball court. It was something I've been waiting to do all year since in Spain it's a sport that is still just beginning. It has been as if it hasn't been a year since I said goodbye to go back to Madrid. They have created a real sense of community that is worth it getting to know and of which I feel I belong to, sharing their values and fostering a great community spirit. In these confrontational times in the world, finding people like this is a blessing. It is a group that truly deserves to have the support of the city of Greenfield to continue to improve their facilities, support their initiatives and encourage the example they are setting to create a city where anyone would love to live. 

Luis Castilla

Madrid, Spain