Sunnyvale residents advocate for free pickleball courts during city meeting

The Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on April 9, 2025, was dominated by passionate calls for the expansion of pickleball facilities in the city. Residents voiced their frustrations over the lack of free pickleball courts, highlighting the sport's rapid growth and the overwhelming demand for access.

Emily Danner, a local resident and pickleball enthusiast, presented a petition signed by over 500 community members advocating for the conversion of tennis courts into pickleball courts. "Pickleball is the number one need expressed by residents," Danner stated, emphasizing that despite its popularity, Sunnyvale currently has zero free pickleball courts. She pointed out that neighboring cities have successfully converted tennis courts to accommodate the sport, allowing for greater community access.

Constance Chen echoed Danner's sentiments, proposing a straightforward solution: convert two tennis courts at Sarah Park into pickleball courts. "This can be done in less than a year, and it’s significantly cheaper than building new courts," she explained, noting that the cost for striping and nets would be around $15,000 to $100,000, depending on whether resurfacing is needed.

Other speakers, including long-time residents and youth players, shared their experiences and frustrations with the current pickleball situation. Many highlighted the social benefits of the sport, which fosters community connections across age groups. "Pickleball is a community sport," said one resident, who described how it brings families together and encourages participation from all ages.

However, not all feedback was in favor of converting tennis courts. Some residents raised concerns about noise levels and the potential impact on nearby homes. Henry Song cautioned against the assumption that tennis courts are underutilized, arguing that both tennis and pickleball players deserve equitable access to public facilities.

The meeting concluded with a strong consensus among pickleball advocates for immediate action to address the growing demand. As the city considers its next steps, the voices of Sunnyvale residents are clear: they want more accessible pickleball options now, not years down the line.