Tucker Pickleball Project Faces Pushback: Pickleball supporters packed the March 10 Tucker City Council meeting, urging the council to move forward with a proposed 12-court pickleball complex at the city’s recreation center. The project, which would cost more than $3 million, has faced opposition from nearby residents concerned about noise, lighting, and traffic.
This was the third consecutive city council meeting dominated by the debate over the project. While critics voiced their concerns at previous meetings, pickleball players turned out in force this time to show their support. The council has not yet signed a contract for construction, and it remains unclear when a vote will take place.
Pickleball Supporters Urge Council to Act
Of the 11 speakers at the meeting, most were in favor of the pickleball courts. Sheryl Cherico, a pickleball player, expressed frustration over the ongoing debate.
“I think it’s really pulling our community apart,” Cherico said. “If you look online and you look at Tucker Town Talk, there are passionate arguments on both sides, and I’ve had enough of it, really. If this doesn’t come to a vote, we’re all going to hate each other.”
Another supporter, Jim Brieske, said pickleball players had stayed quiet until now to allow opponents to voice their concerns.
“We kind of sat on our hands because we thought it was important to listen to them respectfully and let them vent and tell us what their concerns were,” Brieske said.
He added that he wants to spend his retirement and his money in Tucker and urged the council to make a decision.
“Let’s vote on this. Let’s move forward,” he said. “The rec center is the best place to put this.”
Alternative Locations Under Consideration
City officials are still evaluating other potential sites for the pickleball courts. At the council’s request, staff is reviewing the feasibility of building the courts at Henderson Park on Henderson Road instead of the recreation center on Lavista Road.
However, this proposal has raised concerns among Tucker Youth Soccer Association (TYSA) officials, who use the fields at Henderson Road and Livsey Road.
Gareth O’Sullivan, TYSA’s executive director, emphasized the growing demand for soccer fields in the city.
“We’re on a trajectory where we’ve been growing tremendously, and we need more fields,” he said. “And to lose Livsey would be really catastrophic for us, to be honest.”
Opponents Seek Compromise
Heather Hale, who previously threatened the city with litigation over the pickleball project, took a more conciliatory stance at the March 10 meeting. She emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and preserving greenspace, while still supporting the idea of dedicated pickleball courts.
“I want to be super-duper clear to pickleball players: We want you all to have safe and spacious courts, not at the expense of green space,” she said. “Fiscal responsibility, meeting the needs of all residents, and long-term vision: win, win, win.”
Other City Council Actions
In addition to the pickleball discussion, the Tucker City Council addressed several other local matters:
- Playground Relocation at Henderson Park – The council approved a $92,458 contract for relocating the playground as part of a $4 million project to repair Lake Erin Dam.
- Rezoning Proposals – The council held first readings and public hearings for zoning changes at multiple locations, including:
- 4166 and 4168 Chamblee Tucker Road – Proposed rezoning to allow for four new single-family lots.
- 2053 Mountain Industrial Boulevard – Rezoning request to shift from heavy industrial (M-2) to light industrial (M).
- 5950 Hugh Howell Road Zoning Amendment – In response to a previously denied request, the council is considering an amendment to allow dog grooming businesses under the neighborhood shopping zoning designation.
What’s Next?
With no vote scheduled, the future of the pickleball project remains uncertain. The city continues to evaluate potential locations, balancing recreational expansion, neighborhood concerns, and budget considerations. If no decision is made soon, the debate is likely to continue at future council meetings.
News in Brief: Tucker Pickleball Project Faces Pushback
Pickleball supporters turned out at the March 10 Tucker City Council meeting, urging a vote on a 12-court pickleball complex at the city’s rec center. Critics have raised concerns over noise, traffic, and greenspace. Meanwhile, officials are considering alternative locations, including Henderson Park, which has drawn opposition from local soccer groups.
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