Westmoreland Park Pickleball Noise Dispute: Pickleball players and local residents in Eugene, Oregon, are in a disagreement over the noise from games at the Westmoreland Park pickleball courts. On June 18, 2025, a group of five nearby households sent a cease-and-desist request to the Eugene City Council and Mayor Kaarin Knudson, citing noise and traffic problems. Meanwhile, players argue the sport should continue at the park.
The request states that the sound of pickleballs striking paddles creates nonstop noise, estimated at 6,000 hits per hour. The letter compares this disturbance to tennis, which previously caused no complaints. The request also argues that the activity goes against the city’s land use rules.
Complaints from Neighbors
Calin Plesa, who lives one block from the courts with his wife and two children, is leading the effort to reduce the disruption. He said the noise causes headaches while he gardens and limits his family’s time outdoors.
“The city made it seem like they were going to take some sort of action. I guess they decided not to do anything. It kind of forced our hand.”(Calin Plesa)
He contacted HWS Law Group, a firm that has worked on similar cases in Lake Oswego and Portland. While there is no lawsuit yet, he hopes city officials will step in.
Another neighbor, Peggy Fitzgerald, who has lived across from the park for 38 years, joined the complaint. She said her concern was not just the noise but also the lights at night.
“Sometimes with the lights, it’s just really hard. I can’t even see the Big Dipper anymore.”(Peggy Fitzgerald)
Players Push Back
Pickleball supporters believe they’ve already made adjustments. Roger Schaljo, president of the Emerald Valley Pickleball Club, noted that the city reduced play hours to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and locked the courts after hours.
He also mentioned that Meadow Park in Springfield, which is near homes, has seen benefits such as more visitors and safer conditions.
“Neighbors are quite happy to have us there,” (Roger Schaljo).
His group began circulating a petition during the July 4 weekend. It asks the city to review the claims in the complaint and highlights the sport’s health and community benefits.
“Many of the points appear to be outdated, overstated or inconsistent with our lived experience as responsible, considerate park users,” (the petition reads).
Roger Schaljo said the complaint about players staying beyond permitted hours is not true. He submitted 80 signatures himself and said others are also collecting support.
Player Marliza Raney, who started playing after a car crash, said the courts helped her recovery.
“To me, the sound is my music. We have a different perspective.”(Marliza Raney)
What Happens Next
The issue reflects a growing problem in many cities where pickleball’s popularity clashes with neighborhood peace. While the players enjoy the sport for exercise and fun, nearby residents worry about the daily noise and light.
Both sides agree they want a solution that works for everyone. The city has not made any final decisions yet, but continued talks are likely.
News in Brief: Westmoreland Park Pickleball Noise Dispute
Pickleball at Westmoreland Park in Eugene, Oregon, has sparked noise complaints from nearby residents, prompting a cease-and-desist request to the city. Players and neighbors are now in a debate. Both sides have started petitions, hoping city leaders will help find a fair and peaceful solution.
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