Tucker Pickleball Courts Controversy: On April 1, Tucker Mayor Frank Auman met with residents at Rosenfeld Park as about 50 pickleball players filled the courts. The meeting focused on the city’s paused plan to build 12 pickleball courts at Tucker Recreation Center, a project now surrounded by controversy and public concern.
The project was put on hold after nearby residents raised concerns. They said the noise from pickleball courts would disturb their peace. Though players support the courts, neighbors worry about the sound, describing it as sharp and irritating.
A Plan That Sparked Mixed Reactions
The city first approved a $77,000 design contract in March 2023. Many pickleball players showed support. But by 2024, opponents started attending meetings, ready to fight the plan. They claimed the city failed to ask for enough public input.
At one meeting, Heather Hale, a Tucker resident, said, “Decibels isn’t the story. That’s not what makes pickleball noise problematic.” She explained the sound is jarring, like a truck backing up, and disturbs the quiet.
Players See a Positive Community Space
Supporters say the courts would help bring people together. Amy Ney, a player from Gwinnett County, spoke between matches at Rosenfeld Park. “There are not a lot of sports you can play with grandma where it’s competitive,” Ney said.
For players like Ney, pickleball is a fun way for people of all ages to stay active. Some believe the noise is just part of lively community life.
City Leaders Admit Mistakes
Mayor Auman admitted the city skipped important public input steps. “We brought a little bit of this on ourselves,” Auman said. “We’re a little bit off the rails on this project, not in the normal process.”
The city later held a public meeting in November 2024. They also ordered a noise study and reviewed new possible court sites.
Opponents Remain Firm
Opponents, including Hale, remain against the plan. Hale wants the courts inside a building to block the sound. “Put it in a building and I won’t fight it,” she said. Her group has hired a lawyer and is prepared to fight in court.
Possible Solutions and Rising Costs
Adding a building would raise costs. The budget grew from $1.25 million in 2023 to $3.4 million with extra features. The city is reviewing studies and possible new locations, but no decision has been made.
Some residents like Robin Philpot, who lives near Rosenfeld Park, believe the courts add life to the area. “Different people hear different sounds differently,” Philpot said. “I hear this as life in the community.”
Looking Ahead
The city council is expected to discuss the future of the project soon. Leaders are trying to balance the needs of players with the concerns of neighbors. Both sides are holding firm, and the future of pickleball in Tucker remains uncertain.
News in Brief: Tucker Pickleball Courts Controversy
Tucker’s plan for 12 pickleball courts is on hold after neighbors raised noise concerns. Players support the project for its community value, while some residents fear the sound will disrupt their peace. The city admits it skipped key public input steps. A final decision on the project’s future is still undecided.
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