Manitou Park Pickleball Court Closure: Boise will close the pickleball courts at Manitou Park starting Tuesday, shifting them back to tennis use. The decision follows a lawsuit over noise from courts at Willow Lane Park, which led the city to also review Manitou Park and find it unsuitable for pickleball.
Why the Courts Are Closing
In a statement, Boise’s Parks and Recreation Department said the choice “has not been made lightly.” Officials cited noise levels, the number of courts, and their closeness to nearby homes.
The city’s review came after residents sued over “oppressive” noise at Willow Lane Park. Their claim said the noise made their home “unlivable for much of the year.”
The Lawsuit and Settlement
The case was led by retired physician Kathleen Romito, who has studied health impacts of noise. Her claim compared noise to secondhand smoke, writing that it caused stress, anxiety, sleep problems, and more.
“The continuous, random auditory assault” had taken a serious toll, she and her husband argued in their filing. They asked the city to shut down the courts and sought $1.6 million in damages.
Boise did not reveal the terms of the settlement, and requests for comment from Kathleen Romito and her attorney, Michael Band, were not returned.
Players React to Court Closures
Pickleball players at Manitou Park said they were shocked by the closure. They first learned the news from a poster on the courts’ gate.
“That’s what’s so frustrating to me,” said Steven Lanzet, who regularly plays there.
Matt Elliott said Eagle Rock Park, with only two courts, will not meet demand. “The line’s gonna be around the block to try to get your game in,” he said.
Limited Court Options
Boise will still keep courts open at Hobble Creek Park in the northwest, and new courts are being built in Meridian and Caldwell. However, players said the closures hurt older residents who rely on pickleball for exercise and social connection.
“Anything that gets people out and active, especially as we get older, should be encouraged, not discouraged,” Steven Lanzet said.
What Happens Next
The closure highlights the growing conflict between pickleball’s popularity and neighborhood noise concerns. While the city is trying to balance both, players warn the limited courts will not meet the community’s needs.
News in Brief: Manitou Park Pickleball Court Closure
Boise will close Manitou Park’s pickleball courts Tuesday after a lawsuit over noise at Willow Lane Park. The decision upset local players, many of them seniors, who say they lack enough courts. The city’s move follows a legal settlement, though terms have not yet been made public.
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