Cuesta Park Pickleball Court Controversy: Mountain View residents are opposing a plan to build pickleball courts at Cuesta Park and its nearby undeveloped annex, arguing that it would compromise valuable open space. The city is considering the site, along with others, as part of efforts to meet the growing demand for pickleball facilities.
Residents Push to Protect Open Space
The group “Save Cuesta Park and Annex” has launched an online campaign to stop construction in the area. They say the annex is one of the city’s few natural spaces. Leslie Friedman, a local resident, said,
“Once it’s paved over, it can’t come back. It’s peaceful and has a lot of trees and walking trails.”
Some residents suggest other sites, like the San Rafael Avenue property the city recently bought, or parking lots at Shoreline Park. They argue these options would not remove existing green areas.
City’s Reasons for Choosing Cuesta
Last year, the city reviewed more than 60 locations and found Cuesta Park to be one of the most suitable for pickleball. Its size, facilities, and distance from homes made it a strong candidate. The plan involved replacing the “dog bowl” grassy area with 10 pickleball courts, but critics say it would “cannibalize a lot of green space,” as Mike Rodgers, former Mountain View Tennis Club president, put it.
The project’s $5 million price tag is also higher than average. City officials say this is due to grading the dog bowl, building a new retaining wall, and relocating the dog area.
Annex and Other Site Proposals
Mike Rodgers supports building more pickleball courts but prefers the annex over the park. He proposed a design for 16 courts using only a quarter acre of the annex. John Marchant, the city’s Community Services Director, said current plans would place up to 12 courts on less than an acre of the annex, leaving the rest untouched.
Opponents argue any loss of open space matters. Nearby resident Jialin Jiao said,
“People are excited about pickleball and want more, but what about the considerations of all the other people?”
Others, like Kristine Dworkin, worry about noise and parking issues. Dworkin said,
“The noise would completely change the way the park is enjoyed.”
San Rafael Avenue Option
The San Rafael Avenue site could fit up to 12 courts on less than an acre. It is in an industrial area near highways, a recycling center, and homes. The
“Save Cuesta Park and Annex”
group supports this option, saying it would protect existing open space.
City officials note that other suggested locations, such as Shoreline Park parking lots, are unavailable due to leases, municipal use, or environmental rules.
Mixed Feelings Among Players
Some pickleball players agree the annex should stay undeveloped. Ray Montanez, who plays at Rengstorff Park, said,
“We don’t want them there. It’s the last remaining open space.”
He and others say the dog bowl plan is not cost-effective. The Mountain View Pickleball Club has not chosen a preferred site yet. Club president Cliff Chambers said they are
“withholding judgment until the actual details are seen”
but noted the Cuesta area has no nearby residences. Chambers said,
“(It’s) not going to make everybody happy.”
What Happens Next
The city will hold a public meeting to discuss proposals on August 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Center. John Marchant said,
“This is an opportunity for us to bring those forward and really have a good dialogue and seek feedback from the community.”
News in Brief: Cuesta Park Pickleball Court Controversy
Mountain View residents are opposing plans to build pickleball courts at Cuesta Park and its annex, citing loss of open space, noise, and parking issues. The city is also considering the San Rafael Avenue site. A public meeting to discuss proposals will be held on August 27 at the Mountain View Community Center.