Livermore’s Pickleball Plans Hit a Roadblock: The Livermore Planning Commission recently addressed the Springtown Open Space project, passing most of the proposal at a regular meeting. However, the redesign of Marlin Pound Neighborhood Park, which included plans for pickleball courts, was rejected due to noise concerns. The park will now be redesigned without the courts and brought back to the commission for further review, with revisions to be made in collaboration between the city, the Livermore Area Recreation Park District (LARPD), and the community.
Community Involvement Stressed by Commission
Commissioner Tracy Kronzak emphasized the importance of community involvement in the redesign process.
“Please show up for those LARPD meetings. Please show up for those community meetings,” she urged. “It is your neighborhood, it is your park and it is your quality of life, and you deserve something that you want”-(Tracy Kronzak).
This sentiment reflected the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed changes and the community’s desire to have a say in the outcome.
Springtown Open Space Moves Forward Despite Setback
Despite the rejection of the pickleball courts, phase one of the Springtown Open Space project continues to move forward. The redevelopment of the former Springtown Golf Course into a six-acre community park with an 18-hole disc golf course gained the Planning Commission’s approval. The commission’s decision allows the design to proceed to the city’s engineering department, with construction slated to begin in June 2025 and be completed by December 2025. The area will also include a community garden, a classroom picnic area, and a multi-generation plaza for games such as corn hole and chess.
Noise Concerns at Marlin Pound Park Prompt Reconsideration
The proposed pickleball courts at Marlin Pound Park initially received community support. At a meeting in June 2023, LARPD expressed approval of the plans, which included relocating a half basketball court to make way for four pickleball courts. Noise studies indicated that the courts would not exceed the city’s noise standards, as the park would be closed during nighttime hours. However, public opposition grew as residents raised concerns about noise disruption, parking, and potential impacts on property values. Over 100 signatures were gathered in a petition calling for the relocation of the courts.
A Closer Look at the Noise Debate
Noise studies conducted by Saxelby Acoustics measured the impact of pickleball games, indicating that the momentary peak noise level could reach 70 dBA, but the average noise level would be 44.5 dBA over an hour, which is within the city’s allowable limit of 55 dBA. Despite these findings, some commissioners, including Kronzak, questioned whether the measurements used were appropriate. Kronzak also expressed concerns about potential legal challenges to the decision, noting that residents might pursue the matter in court.
The Future of Marlin Pound Park’s Redesign
The Planning Commission ultimately voted unanimously to approve phase one of the Springtown Open Space project, excluding the pickleball courts at Marlin Pound. The revised plans for Marlin Pound Park will be presented for further review at a future meeting. As the process moves forward, the community’s input will continue to shape the park’s final design.
News in Brief: Livermore’s Pickleball Plans Hit a Roadblock
The Livermore Planning Commission has rejected the inclusion of pickleball courts in the redesign of Marlin Pound Park, citing noise concerns raised by residents. While phase one of the Springtown Open Space project, which includes the redevelopment of the former Springtown Golf Course into a community park with a disc golf course, was approved, the pickleball courts will be excluded. Revised plans for Marlin Pound Park will be reviewed in future meetings, with community input continuing to play a key role in the decision-making process.
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