Pickleball Controversy at Szymanski Park: The South Burlington City Council is embroiled in a growing pickleball dispute centered on Szymanski Park, where residents have raised concerns over noise and traffic related to the sport’s increasing popularity. As pickleball’s fan base expands, the park has become a flashpoint, with calls for the removal of the courts to alleviate these issues. The council is now in the midst of discussions to address these challenges while balancing the interests of the pickleball community and local residents.
Residents Voice Concerns
The debate has intensified with a petition circulating among residents demanding the relocation of pickleball courts from Szymanski Park to Dorset Street. This move comes in response to complaints about the incessant noise generated by the sport. Jovanna Guerino, who spearheaded the petition, describes the sound of pickleball as “incessant and psychologically torturous,” emphasizing that it disrupts her quality of life. Guerino’s petition reflects a broader sentiment among some locals who find the constant “pop-pop-pop” noise unbearable, especially during late hours until the park’s lights turn off at 10 p.m.
Community Support and Opposition
The pickleball community, however, has rallied in defense of the sport. Laura Weinstein, a local resident who specifically chose housing near the pickleball courts, describes the sound as a “happy sound.” Weinstein and her husband appreciate the convenience of having pickleball courts within walking distance and view the noise as a minor inconvenience compared to the sport’s benefits. She argues that pickleball builds a positive, healthful environment and supports community well-being.
Adding to the complexity, Chris Tudor, an ambassador for the USA Pickleball Association for northern Vermont, highlights that Szymanski Park has never been more crowded. Tudor notes that the park’s parking lot is insufficient for the large number of visitors, with sometimes up to 40 people using the facility simultaneously. He underscores that while noise is a common issue nationwide, the combination of noise and inadequate parking at Szymanski Park presents a unique challenge.
City’s Recent Actions and Future Plans
In response to these concerns, the city has undertaken various initiatives. Last fall, South Burlington converted one tennis court into four pickleball courts, a project costing approximately $20,000. This conversion was part of a broader capital improvement plan that also included repaving the basketball court and the remaining tennis court. Despite these upgrades, the city acknowledges the need for further solutions.
Adam Matth, the city’s director of recreation and parks, indicated that the department might explore additional pickleball court locations through a forthcoming master plan. The city is also considering ways to mitigate noise and manage parking issues as part of its broader strategy.
Traffic and Speed Concerns
Traffic and speed concerns in the area have also been a point of contention. In response to resident complaints, the South Burlington Police Department began monitoring the neighborhood in 2023. Police Chief Shawn Burke reported that an in-person traffic safety officer found no violations warranting action. Further investigation with a speed trailer showed that average speeds were compliant with the posted 25 miles per hour limit, though the design of the street contributes to a perception of excessive speed.
“When you sit and monitor speed, especially in a residential neighborhood such as Andrews Avenue, would 25 miles per hour look quick? It does,” Burke said. “But it is lawful. I think that the takeaway here is that the design of the city street is what it was engineered to be whenever that neighborhood was built. It is appropriately posted at 25 miles per hour. From a traffic enforcement perspective, there are no violations that would warrant dedicated enforcement or more directed patrol.”
Next Steps for the City Council
The city council has yet to make a final decision but has directed city staff to explore various potential solutions. These include sound reduction mats, decibel measurements, adjustments to park hours, and reconsideration of when park lights should be turned off. Recommendations on these issues are anticipated to be presented at the city council’s meeting on August 5.
Council member Laurie Smith emphasized the need for a balanced approach. “I think the notion that the pickleball community needs to maybe step up and look at what they can do to mitigate their impact, and say, ‘We care about the neighbors around here, and we’re going to do what we can to make sure that we’re not disturbing them,’ is important,” Smith said. She stressed the importance of both enjoying sports and maintaining a quality living environment for all residents.
News in Brief: Pickleball Controversy at Szymanski Park
The South Burlington City Council is addressing growing concerns over pickleball noise and traffic at Szymanski Park, where residents have petitioned for the removal of courts due to disturbances. While some locals, like Jovanna Guerino, find the constant “pop-pop-pop” sound from pickleball bothersome, others, including Laura Weinstein, view it as a positive and beneficial aspect of the sport. The city has recently upgraded pickleball facilities and is exploring solutions such as noise mitigation and additional court locations. Traffic concerns have also been examined, with no violations found. Recommendations will be discussed at the council’s August 5 meeting.
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