Mountain View Pickleball Court Debate: The City of Mountain View is searching for new locations to build pickleball courts after strong opposition from residents against plans to use green space at Cuesta Park and Cuesta Annex. At a packed community meeting Wednesday, city officials said they are now exploring private properties that could host public courts.
Exploring Alternatives
More than 200 people attended the meeting at the Mountain View Community Center. Community Services Director John Marchant explained that the private sites being reviewed meet the city’s requirements and would likely have little effect on nearby homes or wildlife.
Marchant did not reveal how many properties are being discussed but said talks were positive. He emphasized that the city will focus on these new options before moving forward with earlier proposals.
Community Response
Many residents opposed to pickleball at Cuesta wore green shirts reading, “Save Don’t Pave Cuesta Park & Annex.”
“I think most people would support pickleball courts if it didn’t mean taking away green and open space,” said Mountain View resident Li Zhang. “I hope the city is open to more options.”
Pickleball player Bryan Malone raised questions about the private-property approach, saying it was unclear if players would have to pay to use the courts. Still, he praised the city’s planning efforts.
Cuesta Park and Annex Proposals
Currently, Mountain View has three dedicated pickleball courts and six shared with tennis players at Rengstorff Park. Long waits during peak hours have led to calls for more courts.
Three of the five concepts shown on Aug. 27 involve Cuesta Park or the Annex:
Ten courts replacing the “dog bowl” off-leash dog area at Cuesta Park, with the dog space moved elsewhere.
Twelve courts at Cuesta Annex near the tennis ball wall, requiring the removal of up to five heritage trees.
Twelve courts at Cuesta Park replacing four tennis courts, with new tennis courts added to the Annex, also removing up to five trees.
Faryal Saiidnia, senior project manager, said these options would cost $5 million to $7 million.
Resident Pat Madden, who has lived in Mountain View for 31 years, opposed the plans. “If you take away green and open space, you’re not going to get it back,” she said, warning of noise impacts on wildlife and park visitors.
San Rafael Avenue Plans
The city also introduced two designs for the recently purchased 2.3-acre site on San Rafael Avenue.
One option includes four to six courts, using 12–18% of the land. Another adds 10 courts across three properties, covering 25% of the park. Saiidnia estimated the cost between $3 million and $5 million.
Though these plans have drawn less attention, nearby residents voiced concerns.
“It’s poor planning to put the pickleball courts so close to homes,” said Richard Spillane of the Stierlin Estates neighborhood. He stressed that the park should serve both current and future residents in the growing area.
Looking Ahead
The debate highlights the challenge of balancing pickleball’s popularity with preserving limited green space. With discussions on private properties underway, the city faces pressure to find a solution that meets player demand while respecting community concerns.
News in Brief: Mountain View Pickleball Court Debate
Mountain View is reconsidering plans for new pickleball courts after residents opposed building at Cuesta Park and Cuesta Annex. The city is exploring private properties and a San Rafael Avenue site as alternatives. Officials say costs could range from $3 million to $7 million, while residents remain divided over green space and noise concerns.
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