Park City Sports Complex: The Park City Planning Commission has approved a permit for a new school sports complex that will not allow pickleball, citing noise concerns. The permit was approved Wednesday by a 3-1 vote. The facility will be built at the site of Treasure Mountain Junior High. Some residents and one commissioner raised concerns over the potential for pickleball to be added later.
Pickleball Prohibited Due to Noise
The permit approval included a clear condition: no pickleball will be allowed at the new complex. Commissioner Laura Suesser, the lone vote against the permit, voiced concern about the noise the sport might cause if it is ever introduced in the future.
“Because if pickleball is ever allowed on these courts, it would be very disruptive, I think, to the sanctuary there in the back.” – (Suesser)
The tennis courts will be located on the northern part of the property, near homes in Park Meadows. Neighbors fear any future changes could make the area louder.
Concerns from Residents and Officials
Several residents from Lucky John Drive, which borders the northern edge of the campus, also opposed the project. They are worried about how the facility may impact their daily lives and property values. Gina Rossi was one of the locals who spoke out:
“What is being built is damaging our property values. It is decreasing quality of life. And it does not need to be that way.” – (Rossi)
Park City School District spokesperson Colton Elliott addressed the issue.
“As for public access to the new facilities, PCSD has existing interlocal agreements in place, which will be reviewed and updated as needed to maintain strong partnerships with the broader Park City community. Regarding pickleball, while it is not currently included in the approved permit, that conversation remains open. We will continue to evaluate how emerging needs and interests align with the long-term goals of our plan.” – (Elliott)
What Happens Next
While the sport is currently not allowed, some officials believe the school district might request changes later. Commissioner John Frontero said he was concerned about the approval process and whether residents were properly notified.
“I would be concerned if we went through and voted on this, only to find out at a later date that perhaps the school district or Mr. Tanner perhaps did not notify the public properly. I’m not certain that rushing to make a decision is necessarily our best path.” – (Frontero)
Still, the city attorney explained that the Planning Commission’s job was only to consider the city’s notice, not the school district’s.
News in Brief: Park City Sports Complex
Park City’s new school sports complex has been approved without pickleball due to noise concerns. Commissioner Laura Suesser and several neighbors fear it may be allowed in the future. The tennis courts are near homes in Park Meadows. The district says future pickleball plans remain open for discussion.
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