Seattle Parks Pickleball Hours Change: Seattle Parks and Recreation has reduced playing hours at three city pickleball sites after neighbors complained about late-night noise. Courts at Laurelhurst, Mount Baker, and Gilman Playground in Ballard will now close at 10 p.m. The change aims to prevent violations of city noise rules.
New Court Schedules
At Gilman Playground, hours once stretching from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. are now set from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Similar restrictions apply to Laurelhurst and Mount Baker. Seattle officials said no “acoustical consultants or engineers” were used to make the decision. Instead, the change was based on complaint levels and the risk of breaking city ordinances.
Player Reactions
Some players agree with the earlier closing time.
“I’ve been here till 10 o’clock — just shy of ten — and you can still kind of play, but I agree 10 o’clock, that should be it,”
said Jeffrey Windland, a regular at Gilman Playground.
Others wish they could stay later. “Personally, I have not, but I would,” said Green Lake player Walter Gates. “I would kind of stand up for those who do as well.”
Noise Concerns
Jennifer Daniels, a real estate agent and frequent player at Gilman Playground, said neighbors often cite noise rules.
“A lot of people are invoking HOA rules, CC&Rs about the noise because it is loud. So certain areas around the city, they’re outlawing pickleball in certain neighborhoods.”(Jennifer Daniels)
City checks at Green Lake Park, one of Seattle’s busiest pickleball spots, recorded paddle sounds between 62 and 89 decibels.
Impact on Players
Walter Gates said the earlier closing time makes it harder for players with busy schedules.
“I just think people have different amounts of free time and I could be out here for hours at a time,” (Walter Gates).
Other Options
Despite the new limits, Seattle still offers plenty of places to play. The city has 17 parks with free courts, and nearby Bellevue has a dozen more.
“Personally, I’d rather go to a public space like this and be able to play with a bunch of different people at a bunch of different levels,” said Green Lake player Elsa Cajune.
Looking Ahead
The new hours balance the popularity of pickleball with neighbors’ concerns about noise. Players still have many choices, but late-night games at these three sites will no longer be an option.
News in Brief: Seattle Parks Pickleball Hours Change
Seattle cut late-night pickleball hours at Laurelhurst, Mount Baker, and Gilman Playground after noise complaints. Courts now close at 10 p.m., down from as late as 11:30 p.m. Players shared mixed reactions, but the city said the decision was based on complaints and the risk of breaking noise rules.
ALSO READ: MARC Unveils Free Early Morning Pickleball and Tennis as Winter Court Changes Roll Out