Controversy erupts as pickleball players seek more courts

The Palo Alto Pickleball Club requested converting two tennis courts at Mitchell Park into eight pickleball courts. The Magical Bridge Playground for disabled children is described as a sanctuary, but pickleball’s sharp, repetitive sound carries beyond the courts and reduces or stops playground visits. A founder and CEO of the Magical Bridge Foundation said the noise can be overwhelming, disorienting, and distressing for people with sensory sensitivities. Commissioners received extensive public input from pickleball players, tennis players, and residents before the meeting. Pickleball supporters cited health and social benefits, including reduced loneliness and community, while some noted court wait times. Opposition centers on the effect on park visitors and disabled children.

"The club asked the city's Parks and Recreation Commission on Tuesday (May 19) to convert two tennis courts at Mitchell Park into eight pickleball courts. Olenka Villarreal, founder and CEO of the Magical Bridge Foundation, said the Magical Bridge Playground for disabled kids is supposed to be "a sanctuary" at Mitchell Park. But pickleball has significantly changed that experience with its sharp, repetitive sound that carries far beyond the courts, and families have cut playground visits short or stopped coming altogether, Villarreal said."

""For individuals with sensory sensitivities, this type of noise is not just a nuisance - it is overwhelming, disorienting, and distressing," Villarreal said in an email to commissioners. Commissioners have received 174 pages of emails from pickleball players, tennis players and residents ahead of Tuesday's meeting. Pickleball players touted the health and social benefits of their sport, enjoyed by people of all ages."

""Playing pickleball at Mitchell Park is perhaps the best way I've found to alleviate my loneliness - both the camaraderie and the exercise. But unfortunately most of the time I go to play, there is a wait to get on the courts," said resident Dave Garr, from the Duve-neck-St. Francis neighborhood."

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