Falls Church Confronts Pickleball Complaints: As pickleball’s popularity surges, so do related complaints. Falls Church has recently joined other Northern Virginia communities in grappling with issues stemming from the sport. During the City Council meeting on Monday, Charley O’Hara, Chair of the Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks, raised several concerns.
At our last meeting in June, an issue was brought to the board’s attention that is, potential conflicts involving pickleball.” – (Charley)
O’Hara addressed the council regarding disturbances linked to the growing number of pickleball courts in the area. Since 2022, Falls Church has added pickleball markings to several courts, including four at Cherry Street, four at Cavalier Trail, and twelve at Meridian. Despite these additions, the community has faced increasing issues.
Key Concerns Raised
Noise Complaints:
O’Hara described the repetitive “whack” of pickleball as a significant disturbance. Neighbors have reported that the constant noise from the courts is disruptive, especially during early or late hours.
“Recently there have been complaints for several things, one is noise. If you’ve ever been around a pickleball court. It is a whack. It is a whack and then it is a whack and another whack and it goes on.” – (Charley)
Court Etiquette:
There have been complaints about pickleball players dominating the courts, leaving tennis players with limited access. Some residents have voiced frustration over the perceived prioritization of pickleball over tennis.
“There have also been complaints regarding dominance of the ‘pickleballers’ over the tennis players and the tennis players can’t get on the court, get the pickleball players on the court with enough time to play.” – (Charley)
Social Media Usage:
Issues have also arisen from pickleball players using social media to reserve courts, often inviting others outside the community. This practice has led to residents being unable to access the courts, creating tension between users.
“The third thing to come up relatively recently is the use of social media groups on our pickleball courts. There are groups out there reserving the pickleball courts, through our process which is an online registration. Then advertising to their social network, ‘Hey, first 24 people who want to come play can come play.’ So that’s creating issues, that our own residents now. Social media isn’t limited to just residences, and now our local people aren’t able to get on the courts.” – (Charley)
O’Hara noted that similar problems have surfaced in nearby communities like Arlington, Fairfax, and Vienna. These areas have responded by imposing restrictions on the proximity of courts to residential areas, a solution Falls Church finds challenging due to its court locations.
“Most have gone to limitations on the distance between a pickleball court and a residence. We really can’t do that. Nearly all of our courts are near residences except for Meridian which is a shared facility.” – (Charley)
Current Measures and Future Actions
Cherry Street courts have restricted play from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, O’Hara reported that some players are not adhering to these hours, leading to complaints about night play.
“At Cherry Street, they’ve limited the hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., from dusk to dawn. The problem is the pickleball community is not working with the citizens of the city. In that, they won’t stop playing at 8.” – (Charley)
Some pickleball players are parking in lots and using their car lights to continue playing after dark, which has added to the disturbance.
“Some are parking their cars in the parking lot at Cherry Street and flashing their lights on the court, where there are no lights, and playing.” – (Charley)
O’Hara emphasized that resolving these issues will require cooperation from the pickleball community and residents. He cited previous controversies, such as Fairfax County’s attempt to repurpose courts, which led to significant public outcry.
“Fairfax County tried to take one pickleball court away and protestors chained themselves to the fence. This is not an issue that’s going to go away easily.” – (Charley)
Community Reactions
Residents living near the Cherry Street courts have mixed opinions. Molly and Annie, who live close to the courts, find the noise bothersome, especially in the evenings. Conversely, Michael McDonald, another neighbor, does not view the noise as overly intrusive.
“It’s nice to hear everybody having fun. But sometimes the pickleball can be a little bit much especially in the evenings when it gets dark and people don’t get off it can be quite noisy.” – (residents)
“We live pretty close to the courts and I know they’re being used, but I don’t find it obtrusive.” – (residents)
Pickleball players, like Michael Borgman, believe the complaints might stem from misunderstandings. Borgman, who organized a recent gathering of players, hasn’t heard direct complaints and views the social media reservations as a minor issue.
“I haven’t heard any complaints from anyone to tell you the truth.” – (Borgman)
Marianne Helms, a long-time pickleball player, suggests that the sport promotes inclusivity and community spirit. She has not witnessed any of the alleged negative behavior and encourages a more relaxed approach from those disturbed by the noise.
“It’s fun, it’s social. If you come to some of our games in our meet-ups it looks like United Nations. There are so many people from different backgrounds. They’re at different levels of pickleball. Everyone’s super friendly and you can meet a lot of your neighbors.” – (Marianne)
Looking Ahead
Mayor Letty Hardi has urged the Recreation and Parks Board to address these concerns comprehensively. O’Hara assured the council that the board will explore solutions and present recommendations in their September meeting.
“I would love for actually the rec and parks board to take this up and make some recommendations before it becomes a problem. I appreciate you alerting us to these concerns. Perhaps in your September board meeting this would be a great topic to talk through other options and how other communities have dealt with this and come back to us with a recommendation this fall.” – (Letty Hardi)
Falls Church faces the challenge of balancing the needs and preferences of its pickleball and tennis communities while addressing noise and etiquette issues. As pickleball continues to grow, finding a harmonious solution will be essential for maintaining community cohesion.
News in Brief: Falls Church Confronts Pickleball Complaints
Falls Church, VA, is grappling with issues related to its growing number of pickleball courts, as discussed at a recent City Council meeting. Charley O’Hara, Chair of the Advisory Board of Recreation and Parks, highlighted complaints about noise, court etiquette, and social media reservations. Despite adding pickleball markings to multiple courts, residents report disturbances from the sport’s repetitive noise and conflicts over court usage with tennis players.
There are also concerns about players using social media to reserve courts, excluding locals. Mayor Letty Hardi has called for comprehensive solutions, with recommendations expected in September. Balancing pickleball’s popularity with community concerns remains a challenge.
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