Community urges broader feasibility study for pickleball locations in Cuesta Park

The Mountain View City Council meeting on April 22, 2025, featured significant discussions on community concerns regarding park usage and environmental impacts, as well as reflections on climate priorities.

One resident expressed strong opposition to the introduction of pickleball courts in Cuesta Park, citing the sport's noise and potential negative effects on the park's tranquility. The speaker, a long-time resident of the Cuesta Park neighborhood, urged the council to broaden the feasibility study for new pickleball locations to include alternative sites that would preserve green spaces, such as large parking areas near the Shoreline Amphitheater. The resident emphasized the importance of considering various options to ensure a suitable location is selected without compromising the park's environment.

Another speaker, Bruce Carney, addressed the council with Earth Day reflections, highlighting the recent losses of former mayor Matt Allen and Pope Francis. Carney urged the council to consider their legacies and the importance of leaving a better world for future generations. He commended the council for prioritizing climate action, specifically the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045, which had garnered support from community members. Carney also raised concerns about the financial implications of climate initiatives, referencing the extensive damages from recent wildfires in Los Angeles as a reminder of the urgent need for action.

The discussions underscored the community's commitment to balancing recreational needs with environmental stewardship, as well as the ongoing dialogue about climate priorities in Mountain View. The council's next steps will likely involve further exploration of potential pickleball locations and continued focus on climate action strategies.