Bold Pickleball Pilot and New Court Hours: Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) will update racquet court hours at Gilman Playground, Laurelhurst Playfield, and Mt. Baker Park starting September 15, 2025. SPR is also launching a one-year open-play pickleball pilot at Green Lake East beginning October 1, 2025, to expand community access while respecting local noise limits.
New Racquet Court Hours
Noise studies in partnership with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) showed that play at Gilman Playground, Laurelhurst Playfield, and Mt. Baker Park exceeded city noise limits under Seattle Municipal Code, Chapter 25.08.
Under the new schedule, courts will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends and City-observed holidays. These hours align court use with city noise rules while maintaining public access.
SPR established a framework to ensure compliance. Violations outside posted hours documented with timestamped visual evidence will result in temporary locks for 30 days. Access will be managed by staff during this period. Continued violations could lead to permanent locks restricting court use.
Pickleball Open-Play Pilot at Green Lake East
The new program provides scheduled open-play times where players rotate into games using a paddle stacking system to ensure fair participation. Open-play hours are:
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Monday: 8–10 a.m.
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Wednesday: 1–3 p.m.
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Saturday: 9–11 a.m.
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Sunday: 4–6 p.m.
Ambassadors will organize games and assist participants with the paddle stacking system. The pilot will help SPR evaluate how scheduled open play improves shared court use and inform future programs.
SPR thanked the community for understanding as the city balances recreational opportunities with the needs of neighboring residents.
News in Brief: Bold Pickleball Pilot and New Court Hours
Seattle Parks and Recreation will change racquet court hours at three parks starting September 15, 2025, following noise studies. A one-year open-play pickleball pilot begins October 1, 2025, at Green Lake East. Scheduled times and paddle stacking will ensure fair play while supporting community use and future programming.