On September 9, 2021, the Forest and Beach Commission received the results of a short public survey regarding pickleball at Forest Hill Park. Specifically, the survey asked the question of whether additional striping should be added to the tennis courts to allow more space for pickleball. The staff report, which includes a link to the survey, have been included as Attachment 1. At the time of the Commission meeting, one of the tennis courts was already striped for pickleball, and one was not. After deliberations and public comment, the Commission voted to approve additional striping for pickleball. The action by the Commission did not include any policy direction for regulating the pickleball usage on the courts differently than the tennis usage (e.g.: allowed hours of the day, etc.).
Since the additional space for pickleball was created, and to some lesser extent, prior to this action as well, concerns from neighbors of Forest Hill Park have been raised about the noise associated with the activity. Pickleball, due to the type of ball that is used and the fast-paced nature of the game, is louder than tennis, and has been a source of concern for people living adjacent to courts in most cities where the game is played. Many other cities, including some in our area such as Pacific Grove, have developed policies regarding pickleball usage on public courts to help reduce the impacts to surrounding neighbors. For example, Pacific Grove limits pickleball usage on their public courts to Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only, between the hours of 9am and 5pm (9am to 7pm from March to November).
With all of this in mind, Council is being asked to direct staff and the Forest and Beach Commission to explore the development of a more formal policy for the tennis courts at Forest Hill Park. The goal of the policy would be to balance the pickleball and tennis activities with the needs of those living near Forest Hill Park to have some quiet enjoyment of their neighborhood. If Council provides this direction, staff will place an item on an upcoming Forest and Beach Commission agenda. Ultimately, a “Policy” can be created and implemented by the Forest and Beach Commission without it requiring future Council approval since one of the Commission’s duties is the management of the City’s parks (CMC 2.32.60). The Council would only be required to review and approve regulations for Forest Hill Park if they took the form of an Ordinance that was intended to be codified in the City’s Municipal Code. Of course, as part if its direction, Council could direct staff to bring a recommended policy from the Forest and Beach Commission prior to implementation if so desired.