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Pickleball players’ perspectives
A number of views were expressed in the March 1, 2024 Almanac article, “Menlo Park council takes up possible pickleball expansion.” Unfortunately, the author did not address the high — and so far, unmet — demand for more pickleball court capacity, nor did it include the perspective of pickleball players.
Highest in importance, is for “the city to NOT spend $85,000 on a proposed study, after numerous studies and surveys, while a sound barrier and other essential items are needed,” reflected Menlo Park resident Doug Strauss.
The article failed to address why the expansion is problematic — unlike tennis, pickleball is played as a “drop-in” sport where players show up, and join the queue for the next games. Sus Kim, a pickleball and tennis player offered that “In contrast, tennis is arranged among friends, two, or four players to agree on a time, or set a reservation to play on one of the courts.”
Highlighting the need for expansion, more than 700 players have registered with the Nealon Park pickleball group. Play happens on “Court 5” with four undersized courts by more than 1,200 player hours per week, based on a September 2023 survey of court use. In contrast, Nealon’s tennis courts were in use 100 player hours per week, per court.
Thi Thumasathit, a 10-year resident of Menlo Park, commented that “The sense of community at Nealon Park is abundant. Nearly everyone knows everyone’s name, shares the courts, and is willing to help beginners.”
The temporary courts at Nealon Park have been so popular, that during prime hours, they are overflowing with 16 players playing and as many as 12 or more players waiting. Nonetheless, some of the tennis community have acted as entitled to “their” courts and yet, the survey reflected that at least one of Nealon’s four tennis courts is empty 90-95% of the time. The results were reinforced by a follow-up survey conducted by the city.
Despite the city’s noise ordinance listing an exemption for athletic activities in city parks, the pickleball community supports steps to address the “noise problem.” Brian Kissel, a resident and Pickleball player has said, “There are a number of solutions to consider, including installation of a noise barrier on the fence, or as a simpler solution, to move the Pickleball court to another court, further from nearby residents.”
Billy Chow, a local player added he is not aware of whether the city has surveyed the noise levels along the perimeter of Nealon Park for noise created by resident dogs, the dog-park, traffic and other park users.
“It is not clear that pickleball is noisier than other activities in Nealon Park but I stand with a majority and support noise-dampening on the fence,” he said.
Discussion of moving the courts raised the concern for Hillview Middle School’s use of Nealon Park.
“No one in the pickleball crowd has suggested that the Hillview Tennis team should be displaced or that their access to courts should be limited,” said Nate Gardner, a Menlo Park resident, who noted that shared use is possible by painting to add two pickleball courts to a tennis court, per U.S. Tennis Association guidelines. Nate observed that unfortunately, Menlo Park has not enforced the 2012 joint-use agreement with Hillview Middle School Tennis for use of two courts with payment of maintenance fees, up to $10,000 for each 10 years of use.
Recent e-mails to the City Council support changes to improve pickleball play at Nealon Park, with sound barriers, permanent court lines, repairs to lights, maintenance on all courts, and outside seating for players while they wait to play.
Let’s play, together!
Jim Schott is a Menlo Park resident and pickleball player
The perspectives of pickleball players in Menlo Park shed light on the pressing need for expanded court capacity and improved facilities. With a significant demand for best pickleball courts compared to tennis, players emphasize the communal atmosphere and the challenges they face in accessing courts. Suggestions for addressing noise concerns and enhancing the playing experience demonstrate a proactive approach to fostering inclusivity and shared use of park facilities. It’s clear that pickleball enthusiasts are eager to collaborate with the city to create a more vibrant and accommodating recreational space for everyone to enjoy. 🏞️🏓