Will Ojai Reopen Its Controversial Pickleball Courts: Ojai voters will face a key decision on Nov. 5 regarding the fate of four pickleball courts at City Hall. These courts have been closed since September due to noise complaints. Measure O, if passed, would reopen these courts despite the recent opening of new courts at Soule Park.
Impact of Measure O
The pickleball courts at City Hall, located at 401 S. Ventura St., were closed as the city dealt with noise concerns from nearby residents. The measure would require these courts to remain open year-round, with similar hours to other Ojai parks, typically operating from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
However, Ojai City Manager Ben Harvey noted that while the costs of reopening remain uncertain, they could likely be absorbed into the city’s existing budgets for recreation and public works.
“We anticipate that we could absorb the costs of keeping them open through the existing operations and maintenance budgets of the recreation and public works departments.” – (Ben Harvey)
City Attorney Matthew Summers clarified in an impartial summary that the measure, if approved by voters, could only be amended or repealed by a future vote.
Community Division Over Noise Concerns
Pickleball players like Tim Krout, a local USA Pickleball ambassador, support Measure O, believing it could balance court usage between City Hall and Soule Park, which might alleviate some of the noise complaints from residents. He suggested that with more players opting for the new Soule Park courts, sound disruptions in the City Hall area might decrease.
“It might take a lot of the sound and maybe take the neighbors’ complaints away from there because some people are going to be going to Soule Park.” – (Tim Krout)
On the opposing side, real estate agent and Ojai resident Jessica McCrea leads a group called “No on Measure O.”
Jessica McCrea, along with other residents, argues that pickleball’s persistent noise—characterized by the constant sound of paddles striking balls—creates an unbearable living environment. She emphasizes that this isn’t just an Ojai-specific issue but one affecting communities across the country.
“It’s not just an Ojai problem. It’s a national problem. People aren’t just being driven out of their homes. They’re being driven insane because the noise is non-stop all day. It’s not just loud. It’s one of those grating-on-your-nerves type of sounds.” – (Jessica McCrea)
The Path to the Ballot
The initiative, known as The Ojai Pickleball Act, was first introduced in February by resident Gina Rodriguez. After gathering 548 valid signatures, the measure gained unanimous support from the Ojai City Council to be placed on the November ballot.
The City Hall courts, originally opened for pickleball in 2019, have since been at the center of debate, with the local government balancing court availability with community concerns.
Key Details for Ojai Voters
Early voting for the Nov. 5 election began on Oct. 7, and additional voting centers will open countywide starting Oct. 26. Voters can also return ballots by mail, drop-off box, or in person at designated locations by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
News in Brief : Will Ojai Reopen Its Controversial Pickleball Courts
Ojai residents will vote on Measure O this November to decide whether to reopen the pickleball courts at City Hall, which have been closed due to noise complaints. The measure would keep the courts open year-round, operating similar hours as other parks in the city.
Supporters believe reopening the courts will balance usage between City Hall and Soule Park, while opponents argue the noise from the courts is disruptive to the neighborhood. If approved, Measure O can only be amended or repealed by Ojai voters.
ALSO READ: From Vision to Reality: Douglas County’s New Pickleball Courts Are Open!
