Goebelt Park Pickleball Court Debate: Plans to add pickleball courts to Arthur M. Goebelt Park in Lincolnwood, Illinois, have been canceled following strong opposition from residents. The decision came during a recent Village Board Committee-of-the-Whole meeting after locals expressed concern about noise, traffic, and the loss of green space in the neighborhood park.
Residents Push Back on Pickleball Proposal
About 30 residents gathered earlier this summer at a community meeting and again at the Village Board meeting to voice their objections to adding pickleball courts. Many felt the courts would reduce the peaceful environment of the park and increase vehicle traffic.
“I think the ambition here is great — pickleball is hot, pickleball is fun. But maybe we can put it somewhere else and not take up that green space for our kids,” one local mother said. Her comments were met with applause.
Village Plans to Explore Other Sites
Mayor Jesal Patel acknowledged that pickleball courts have been a long-requested amenity in Lincolnwood. He shared that the village is now considering Centennial Park as a possible alternative location for the courts.
The village also plans to host a workshop to get public input on where best to build new courts in the future. Village trustees confirmed that the pickleball courts would not be included in the current Goebelt Park redesign.
News in Brief: Goebelt Park Pickleball Court Debate
Lincolnwood has removed pickleball courts from the Goebelt Park renovation after residents raised concerns about noise and lost green space. Village leaders are now considering other parks for new courts and will hold future public workshops to decide on the best location.