Parking Garage Rooftop into Pickleball Hub: A new pickleball club plans to open three courts atop a parking garage in downtown Berkeley, sparking early debate over noise and community impact. Neighborhood Pickleball LLC, led by Jim Jenkins, proposes using the sixth floor of the Allston Way garage for courts near the Berkeley YMCA.
From Empty Parking to Pickleball Play
With many parking garages empty due to remote work, converting rooftops to pickleball courts is gaining popularity. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is also exploring similar projects at two underused garages downtown. Cities in New York, New Hampshire, Maryland, and Texas are adopting the trend as well.
Jenkins was inspired after visiting a pickleball club in Austin, Texas, with courts on a parking structure. He appreciated the low-key, neighborhood feel of the facility, which reminded him of the early days of pickleball before crowds and noise complaints became common.
Plans for a Community-Focused Club
The Berkeley rooftop club would have just three courts, covering about a third of the roof space. It would include artificial turf, picnic tables, umbrellas, and Adirondack chairs for socializing. Jenkins envisions a small membership and occasional corporate events.
“I’m not doing this to be rich,” Jenkins said. “It would be a place for folks to come and learn and grow and laugh and have a good time.”
Growing Opposition Over Noise Concerns
Pickleball’s loud popping sound has led to conflicts in some neighborhoods. In San Francisco, complaints caused reduced public court hours. Piedmont cut its pickleball hours by nearly one-third. Nearby neighbors in Berkeley have already expressed concerns.
Jack Petranker, director of the Mangalam Research Center, located across from the garage, said he heard the noise could sound like gunshots and would be disruptive. The courts would be visible from offices and a nearby residential unit housing volunteers.
Berkeley City Councilmember Igor Tregub noted the permit is still under review and said, “My commitment is to be able to have recreational opportunities in the downtown and ensure that the quality of life of the neighbors is also preserved.”
The Bigger Picture: Pickleball’s Growing Pains
Jenkins said he expected cities to welcome pickleball quickly, but found opposition instead. Many players travel across the Bay Area seeking courts due to overcrowding. Private clubs like the Bay Club have grown as a result, but they have also faced noise lawsuits.
“It turned out that I was totally wrong,” Jenkins said. “Every city said, ‘This is a big pain in the butt. The complaints are a nightmare, so we are going to let the private folks come in and build the courts.’”
News in Brief: Parking Garage Rooftop into Pickleball Hub
Neighborhood Pickleball LLC plans three pickleball courts on the roof of the Allston Way parking garage in Berkeley. The proposal faces noise concerns from neighbors. City Council will review the permit application as interest grows in converting empty parking garages into pickleball facilities.
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