Alta Vista Park Pickleball Courts: Pickleball will soon arrive at Alta Vista Park in Redondo Beach after a city council vote on August 12 approved four new courts. The decision followed a sound study that found the game would not cause significant noise for nearby homes.
Noise Study Clears Concerns
The study, conducted by Yorke Engineering, tested sound levels at Court 1 and Court 2 of the park’s tennis facility. Residents on South Juanita Avenue had worried about the sound of plastic balls hitting paddles. However, the report found that noise from pickleball was lower than tennis and below the level usually noticed outdoors.
Yorke Engineering concluded there would be “no significant noise impacts at either location.”
Extra Steps for Noise Control
Even with the results, city leaders agreed to add sound barriers. They voted to spend $15,000 on Pickleblok panels for the fences around the courts.
City Councilman Brad Waller said, “I think the noise study was valuable. Pickleball is, it’s noticeable, you hear it. No matter what the study says, noise mitigation is a must.”
City Manager Mike Witzansky explained that Pickleblok would not be installed on all sides of the courts for safety reasons. He noted it was chosen over two cheaper options, saying one looked unattractive, “sort of looks like the inside of a U-haul.”
Details of the Study
The study measured LEQ sound, which looks at average noise over time, instead of LMAX, which records the loudest single sound. Testing included 24 hours of background noise and 20 minutes of live pickleball play. A Public Works boom truck on Juanita Avenue was used since no residents allowed equipment on their decks, according to Community Services Director Elizabeth Hause.
The Redondo Beach City Council had already reserved $90,000 to stripe pickleball courts and resurface the tennis courts. The noise study results also allowed the project to meet California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) rules.
Community Response
Only a few neighbors spoke during the August 12 meeting. Resident Bob Brown commented, “I don’t know if one side (of sound-blocking) will be enough. We’ll see. If it’s noisy, then the residents will say something.”
To further reduce sound, Councilman Brad Waller suggested planting more greenery on the hillside near Juanita Avenue. City staff confirmed irrigation repairs and planting would follow.
What Happens Next
With approval secured, Alta Vista Park will move forward with its court resurfacing and pickleball additions. The new courts, combined with fencing panels and landscaping, are expected to balance recreation needs with neighborhood peace.
News in Brief: Alta Vista Park Pickleball Courts
Redondo Beach approved four pickleball courts at Alta Vista Park after a noise study showed no major sound impacts. The city will add $15,000 Pickleblok panels and new vegetation to reduce noise. Some residents remain cautious, but officials say the courts meet state rules and will move forward.
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