Jean Melgar Makes Pickleball Accessible To All San Leandro Residents

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Without community leaders, San Leandro wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Chris Hartmann, a San Leandro reader who nominated Jean Melgar.

How do you know this community leader?

Assist her with Pickleball Classes

What does this community leader do?

Teaches people to play pickleball and organizes beginner play

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

Jean volunteers 10+ hours each week for about half a year to organize and run intro pickleball classes on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. She provides paddles, balls and instruction, all without any compensation. After class, and at various other times, she organizes open play for beginners to play with other beginners, making pickleball accessible to many in the community who otherwise would have no opportunity to play.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

Jean is dedicated to helping people discover the physical and social benefits of pickleball for everyone, regardless of age or physical abilities.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.