West Nashville Pickleball Courts: Residents of Charlotte Park in West Nashville have expressed frustration over plans to construct ten pickleball courts in their neighborhood. They claim the project, which would replace three deteriorated tennis courts, was decided without their input. Locals, including Maria Baldo and Wesley Pantoja, argue the courts will bring increased traffic, noise, and disruption to their community.
Baldo revealed that she learned about the project through informal channels. “We caught wind that they’re changing this into a 10-court pickleball stadium,” she said, explaining that the vote on the project took place miles away in McCabe and McFerrin Parks, leaving many residents unaware.
“I brought it up at our neighborhood association meeting to see if they voted on it, and maybe I was just left out of the vote. Come to find out, this vote didn’t take place here at all. It took place at McCabe Park which is about 4.5 miles from here, and McFerrin Park which is in East Nashville.” – (Baldo)
Petition Pushes for Reconsideration
Baldo launched an online petition, garnering 72 signatures, to oppose the development. Pantoja, who found out about the courts through the petition, questioned the lack of transparency.
“Why were we not involved in the vote? It was concerning that we just got handed the plans for ten pickleball courts and weren’t, really, involved in the decision.” – (Pantoja)
Metro Parks stated that two public meetings were held in 2023 to gather feedback from tennis and pickleball players, with notices posted around the city. However, Baldo and her neighbors believe these efforts fell short of including the voices of those most affected.
Noise and Traffic Top Complaints
For residents like Baldo, the noise associated with pickleball remains a major issue. “A lot of people don’t know how loud pickleball is,” she said, citing concerns about the constant sounds of games disrupting daily life. The potential impact on parking and traffic further compounds their worries.
While Metro Parks assured that efforts would be made to mitigate noise and clarified that the courts would not include stands or bleachers, neighbors feel this isn’t enough to address their concerns.
“This is going to have a direct impact on the noise, the parking, the traffic in our neighborhood.” – (Baldo)
Calls for a Re-Vote
Baldo reached out to Metro Council member Rollin Horton, who confirmed that the decision was finalized after votes were cast last November. Horton highlighted the city’s excitement about refurbishing the park but acknowledged Baldo’s outreach. Despite this, residents like Pantoja remain determined.
“He said this was voted on and this is a done deal. The votes were cast in McFerrin Park and McCabe Park last November to put them here, between the tennis community and the pickleball community.” – (Baldo)
“There are people that have to live with this decision 24 hours a day not just when they want to come and play pickleball, so we’re the ones that are going to be hearing the noise of 10 pickleball courts going off at the same time.” – (Pantoja)
“I hope that we can fight it, I’m willing to fight it until it starts. I think it’s fair to expect that there would be a re-vote and that we could be included in the discussion.” – (Baldo)
Metro Parks has not announced a timeline for the construction.
News in Brief: West Nashville Pickleball Courts
Plans for ten new pickleball courts in Charlotte Park have sparked backlash from residents, who feel excluded from the decision-making process. The pickleball courts, replacing aging tennis courts, have raised concerns about noise, traffic, and parking.
An online petition opposing the project has garnered support, with residents demanding a re-vote. Metro Parks clarified that public meetings were held but acknowledged the residents’ frustrations. The timeline for construction remains undetermined.
ALSO READ: The Picklr Brings Indoor Pickleball Courts in 2025, Pickleball Just Got Better at Oro Valley