We’re sure it didn’t feel like it to those on either side of the issue, but having too many people wanting to use a public park is actually a good problem to have.

Pickleball players in Warren are working to build two courts in Betts Park. But, until that work is done next year, the pickleball players need a place to play this summer. Two tennis courts in the park are already being used for pickleball, and tennis players were concerned that continued use of a third tennis court in Betts Park for pickleball wouldn’t leave enough room for tennis players.

It may sound trivial, but for court users, it’s serious business.

It’s not just the ability to play a game when one wants. Court availability affects people’s ability to take part in an aerobic activity of their choosing.

Exercise is important, especially as one starts getting older, and the council’s brokering of a truce between the tennis and pickleball players will help get as many people onto the courts as possible. The third court will be used for pickleball this year and then be restriped for tennis next year. Some of the courts will have both pickleball and tennis lines — with a fair play policy designed so no one is simply kicked off the courts.

As much as we want local government to tackle the big issues, local boards’ handling of small-scale issues like splitting up use of the tennis and pickleball courts is important too. In the end, City Council members made sweet relish of the pickleball problem.