Milpitas Pickleball Court: The Milpitas City Council voted on Tuesday to delay a decision about making pickleball courts permanent at Hall Memorial Park and Gill Park. The move came after residents expressed mixed opinions, with some wanting the courts and others upset about noise, traffic, and safety problems.
Residents Remain Divided Over Court Locations
Some neighbors living near Hall Memorial Park said the constant sound of play has become too much. Many shared concerns about daily disruptions, including loud popping noises, crowded streets, and a loss of peace in their neighborhood.
Henry Soong, another nearby resident, wrote to the council, “Ongoing popping sounds of the paddle hitting the ball” have become a major disturbance. He warned that this noise could harm residents’ health and reduce the value of homes close to the courts.
Pilot program created strong pickleball community
The issue began in 2022 when Milpitas launched a pilot program. The program converted six tennis courts into temporary pickleball courts at Hall Memorial Park. Two more temporary courts were upgraded at Gill Park.
Within months, people from Milpitas and nearby cities came to play. A strong pickleball community quickly grew. But because Hall Memorial Park sits in a quiet neighborhood, the extra activity created tension.
Van Leong, president of the Milpitas Pickleball Club, spoke during Tuesday’s meeting. He added that more than a thousand people now play at Hall Park each week. Pickleball player Prashanth Kumar also shared how the sport helped him.
Council looks for a new solution
Councilmembers agreed to look for other possible indoor and outdoor court locations. Councilmember Evelyn Chua said the city still needs to learn more from the two-year trial program.
To fix the problems, city staff had already tried setting play time limits. If the courts become permanent, they may also add noise-reducing walls and improve parking away from homes. Vice Mayor Garry Barbadillo made it clear the discussion is not about choosing sides.
Looking ahead
The council’s delay means players and neighbors will have to wait for a final decision. In the meantime, city staff will study other sites for courts. The goal is to find a solution that keeps players active and nearby residents happy.
News in Brief: Milpitas Pickleball Court
Milpitas City Council delayed a vote on permanent pickleball courts at Hall Memorial and Gill Park. While players praised the courts, nearby residents raised concerns about noise and traffic. The city will now search for new locations. The debate began after a 2022 pilot program drew large crowds to neighborhood parks.
ALSO READ: Willow Creek Park Unveils New Pickleball Court—Grand Opening Set for June 2