Wildwood Crest Pickleball Court Rules: Wildwood Crest, New Jersey, passed a new rule on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to stop bad behavior at its local basketball and pickleball courts. The new law sets clear rules and allows police to step in if needed. Borough leaders say it’s all about keeping the peace.
Mayor Don Cabrera explained the reason for the new law during the meeting. He said people have been arguing in the courts, and while no fights have broken out yet, police have been called before. He said most issues were solved with a simple talk, but the borough wants to be ready if things get worse.
“There hasn’t been anything physical yet,” Don Cabrera said, adding the borough wants to head off any problems before things reach that point.
Why the New Rules Were Needed
Pickleball has become more popular in shore towns like Wildwood Crest. As more people play, some have taken over tennis courts that are usually empty. This has caused problems and led to tension between different groups of players.
To make sure everyone gets a fair chance to play, the borough created new rules that apply to the courts at Scoop Taylor Park and the courts at 6300 Ocean Avenue. The rule was passed after a public hearing on Wednesday. Mayor Don Cabrera made it clear that the message is simple:
“People just have to play nice and let everyone use the courts. We want everyone to respect the sport and for everyone to get along.” – (Don Cabrera)
What the New Ordinance Says
The law includes 18 rules for court use. The main points are:
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Pickleball can only be played on the marked courts.
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These courts are for pickleball only—no bikes, scooters, or skateboards.
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Everyone is welcome. No one can claim courts for certain skill levels or hold competitive games.
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Rule No. 10 reads: “Courts are for ‘social play,’ and everyone is welcome – No designating of ‘competitive play.’”
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No foul language or bad behavior is allowed.
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Players cannot hang their own signs on the courts.
Basketball courts follow similar rules, such as no glass, proper footwear, and no scooters. The basketball courts are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pickleball courts are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What Happens if Someone Breaks the Rules
The new law says no one will be watching the courts full-time. But if someone breaks a rule, they get one warning from borough staff. If they break a rule again, they can be asked to leave.
If they refuse to leave, the law says, “Failure to leave immediately constitutes defiant trespass subjecting the person to prosecution to the fullest extent of the law in addition to any other penalty provided for in this ordinance.”
While the new rule doesn’t list any fines, the borough’s full park rules say the most someone could face is a $2,000 fine or up to 90 days in jail.
Why This Matters
The new rule shows how popular pickleball has become. As more people want to play, cities like Wildwood Crest are working to make sure the game stays fun and fair for everyone. The borough hopes this law will stop problems before they get worse and help all players feel safe and welcome on the courts.
News in Brief: Wildwood Crest Pickleball Court Rules
Wildwood Crest has passed a new ordinance to stop arguments at local basketball and pickleball courts. The rules ban bad behavior, limit court use to proper games, and encourage social play for all. Mayor Don Cabrera says the goal is to keep things respectful and fun for everyone.
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