Beverly Hills Pickleball Pilot Program: The Beverly Hills City Council is moving forward to finalize its Pickleball Pilot Program by converting four tennis courts into 16 permanent pickleball courts. The decision was discussed at the council’s August 5 Study Session and includes courts at La Cienega Park and Roxbury Park Tennis Facility. This change aims to meet growing demand for pickleball, despite concerns over noise and court availability.
Background and Program Development
The Pickleball Pilot Program began in 2020 to test public interest in the sport. Initially, two tennis courts at La Cienega Tennis Center and one at Roxbury Park Tennis Facility were temporarily converted with overlay lines and portable nets. The program paused during COVID-19 restrictions but restarted in 2021.
By 2022, noise complaints from neighbors near La Cienega Park led city officials to move pickleball play from courts 13 and 14 to courts 1 and 8. Professional sound studies showed that noise levels on some courts were above Los Angeles County standards, while others were acceptable.
Council’s Review and Public Response
At the August 5 Study Session, the Recreation and Parks City Council Liaisons recommended final approval of the program. This includes converting tennis courts 7, 8, and 12 at La Cienega Park, plus court 1 at Roxbury Park, into pickleball courts. The plan also calls for new reservation software and increased staffing to support longer hours.
Public opinion remains divided. Some pickleball players expressed strong support and excitement for the sport. However, tennis players worry that too many tennis courts are being lost and that new courts could attract players from outside Beverly Hills.
Jessica Smash, president of the Los Angeles Tennis Group, spoke on behalf of tennis players, saying they “don’t want to lose any more tennis courts.”
Meanwhile, Beverly Hills resident and physician Daniel Fink raised concerns about noise effects. In a letter to the council, he cited research on pickleball noise harming nearby residents and urged the city to protect residents from “unwanted noise exposure,” similar to its past smoking restrictions.
Council Discussion and Next Steps
Councilmember Mary Wells supported the staff’s recommendations but suggested revisiting the city’s noise rules because of pickleball’s growing popularity. Councilmember Craig Corman agreed but asked if sound blankets could be installed on fences to reduce noise.
Later that evening, the City Council approved a contract with Trueline Construction & Surfacing, Inc. to resurface tennis courts and convert the four selected courts into 16 pickleball courts at the two parks.
Significance and Future Outlook
The program’s finalization shows the city’s commitment to balancing the demand for pickleball with community concerns about noise and preserving tennis courts. The new courts and upgraded reservation system aim to improve access and support for players. The city will likely continue monitoring noise and usage as the program moves forward.
News in Brief: Beverly Hills Pickleball Pilot Program
Beverly Hills City Council approved converting four tennis courts into 16 pickleball courts to meet growing interest. Despite noise complaints and concerns from tennis players, the program moves ahead with added staffing and reservation software. Sound reduction methods and noise rule reviews are under discussion.
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