Beverly Hills Approves New Pickleball Courts: The Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission voted on Feb. 25 to move forward with new pickleball accommodations at Roxbury Tennis Center and La Cienega Tennis Center. The decision comes as pickleball’s popularity continues to rise, though it has sparked debate among tennis players concerned about losing court space.
Court Conversions and Adjustments
The approved proposal includes converting court one at Roxbury Tennis Center and courts eight and 12 at La Cienega Tennis Center into pickleball courts through restriping.
Additionally, court seven was requested to be converted for pickleball. Meanwhile, court one at La Cienega, which had already been converted to a pickleball court, will be restored for tennis.
City officials cited the growing demand for pickleball courts and the need for designated spaces to accommodate the sport’s expansion in Beverly Hills.
Public Opinions Split Over Changes
More than a dozen public comments were submitted by residents before the commissioners began their discussion. Most opposed the changes, voicing concerns over increased noise, larger crowds, and limited availability of tennis courts.
“Please do not remove any additional tennis courts … for pickleball use at the La Cienega Tennis Center. We are already strapped for tennis courts, and pickleball is a passing fad.” – (comment)
Supporters, however, emphasized the need to keep up with the sport’s popularity and provide dedicated courts for pickleball players.
“I would like to see additional courts dedicated to pickleball at the La Cienega Tennis Center location. It would be fantastic if all pickleball courts were permanently striped for pickleball.” – (comment)
Following discussions, the commission ultimately agreed to move forward with the city staff’s recommendations. The plan was then approved by City Council liaisons on Feb. 27 and will now be reviewed by the full City Council.
Annual Work Plan Priorities Set
In addition to the pickleball decision, the commission outlined its top priorities for the Community Services Department’s annual work plan. Their responsibilities include overseeing parks, recreation programs, the Beverly Hills Library, and other community services.
City staff presented the existing priorities, with commissioners having the opportunity to recommend changes. The restoration of La Cienega Park, including its playground area, will remain on the plan.
Commissioner Tara Riceberg suggested prioritizing e-bike safety, digital signage at Roxbury Park, and hosting the Palisades Will Rogers 5K and 10K race in Beverly Hills. She emphasized the dangers posed by e-bikes, referring to a recent incident where young riders damaged Roxbury Park.
“E-bikes are pretty much terrorizing Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. We do not have enough cameras on the parks, there are no eyes watching. There is no signage saying no e-bikes allowed on the property … This is unacceptable, and we have to guarantee the safety of the park.” – (Tara Riceberg)
Other commissioners had additional suggestions. Aime Sherry recommended implementing a social media workshop, while Chair Deborah Termeie proposed expanding the Teen Advisory Committee, restoring the greenhouse at Greystone Mansion, and increasing activities for the July Parks Make Life Better event.
What Comes Next?
After discussion, commissioners identified their top priorities: improving park signage and rules, concluding the pickleball pilot program, implementing digital signage, and expanding July’s Parks Make Life Better programming. These priorities will now be presented to the Recreation and Parks City Council liaisons at their next meeting for further discussion.
News in Brief: Beverly Hills Approves New Pickleball Courts
The Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission approved new pickleball courts at Roxbury and La Cienega Tennis Centers despite mixed community reactions. They also set priorities for their annual work plan, focusing on park signage, e-bike safety, and expanded recreational programming. The plans now move to City Council for final review.
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