Dunedin residents demand action over pickleball noise and lighting issues at Eagle Scout Park

During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on May 8, 2025, in Dunedin, Florida, residents voiced significant concerns regarding the impact of the newly constructed pickleball courts at Eagle Scout Park on their quality of life. The meeting highlighted ongoing tensions between recreational development and residential peace, particularly for those living in close proximity to the courts.

Joanne Holiday, a resident of Virginia Street, expressed her frustrations about noise, light pollution, and traffic congestion resulting from the pickleball activities. She emphasized that the enjoyment of the sport by some has led to a detrimental effect on her home environment, raising questions about zoning ordinances related to public lighting and noise control. Holiday urged city officials to consider relocating parking and consulting engineers to mitigate the disturbances affecting her and her neighbors.

Jane Powell, another resident, echoed these sentiments, detailing her experiences with late-night pickleball games that disrupt her peace. She called for dedicated enforcement to ensure compliance with park hours and to address ongoing parking violations that encroach on sidewalks and designated spaces. Powell's plea for better communication with city officials underscored a sense of neglect felt by residents who have repeatedly raised their concerns without receiving adequate responses.

The meeting also featured input from Marissa Chaffetz, who suggested implementing designated court times for different skill levels to reduce noise and improve accessibility for beginners. This proposal aimed to foster a more inclusive environment while addressing the noise complaints from nearby residents.

City Manager Jennifer Bramley responded to the residents' concerns by outlining a plan to close the courts temporarily for repairs and to reassess operational hours, proposing a shift to limit playtime to between 8 AM and 8:30 PM. She acknowledged the need for better signage and potential adjustments to parking arrangements to alleviate the issues raised by residents. Bramley also committed to engaging with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to explore further solutions.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a broader challenge faced by communities balancing recreational development with the needs of existing residents. As Dunedin continues to grow and adapt its public spaces, the city officials will need to navigate these complex dynamics to ensure that all voices are heard and that solutions are implemented effectively. The anticipated follow-up meetings will be crucial in determining how the city addresses these ongoing concerns and improves the relationship between recreational facilities and residential neighborhoods.