Pickleball Noise Talks in Avondale: The Avondale Estates City Commission is scheduled to hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 28, at 5:30 p.m. This will be followed by a work session at City Hall, located at 21 N. Avondale Plaza, and accessible via Zoom. The main agenda item will be a continued discussion on the regulations governing the city’s pickleball courts.
Ongoing Discussion on Pickleball Regulations
The city commission will look into potential regulations aimed at addressing noise complaints from nearby residents concerning the pickleball courts. The courts, located near the Avondale Swim and Tennis Club, feature lines for tennis and pickleball, with the latter added about two years ago.
“Since that decision was made, we’ve had multiple residents surrounding the court area let us know that the noise emanating from the game itself is bothersome. Given the fact that we allow for pickleball play without restriction as we do for tennis play, the unintended consequence has been that pickleball primarily dominates the court from open to close.” – (City Manager Patrick Bryant)
The four pickleball courts, which utilize the space of two tennis courts, are heavily frequented by residents and visitors. The courts operate from 8 a.m. to dusk, often resulting in prolonged noise from the game.
Short-term and Long-term Solutions
During its previous work session on August 14, the commission explored various solutions to mitigate noise disturbances. Short-term measures under consideration include restricting playing hours, introducing a user fee, and installing sound attenuation blankets. For long-term resolution, the commission is considering relocating the pickleball courts away from residential zones.
Residents from the surrounding streets—Forest Boulevard, Dartmouth Avenue, Craigie Avenue, Fairfield Drive, and Fairfield Plaza—participated in the meeting, voicing their concerns. Following the discussion, the commission supported exploring sound attenuation blankets, implementing a usage fee for non-residents, and limiting playing hours as potential solutions.
Additional Agenda Items
In addition to the pickleball regulations, the commission will address several other matters. During the regular meeting, the first reading of amendments to the zoning code will be conducted. These amendments aim to adjust setback requirements for residential districts, offer a height bonus for senior housing in the central business district, and modify other zoning provisions.
Additionally, the work session will cover the replacement of aging public works vehicles. City Manager Patrick Bryant highlighted the need to replace two outdated F150s, suggesting the procurement of a Ford Explorer and a Ford Maverick.
There is also interest in exploring electric vehicle options, which would necessitate additional funding and the installation of charging stations. City staff will provide detailed cost information for gas-powered and electric vehicle options.
News in Brief: Pickleball Noise Talks in Avondale
The Avondale Estates City Commission will meet on August 28 to continue discussing pickleball regulations in response to noise complaints. Options include limiting play hours, charging a fee, and installing sound barriers, with potential long-term plans to relocate the courts.
The commission will also review zoning code amendments and discuss replacing outdated public works vehicles, including the possibility of acquiring electric vehicles.
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