Smithfield residents and players spar over Willow Fields pickleball rules; town manager to convene talks

Dozens of residents and players told the Smithfield Town Council on Oct. 21 that a temporary rule limiting use of standard pickleball balls and restricting hours at Willow Fields has effectively prevented normal play, while neighbors said the rule does not resolve ongoing noise and traffic concerns.

The dispute arose in public comment, where multiple speakers described recent interactions at the courts, the kinds of balls being supplied for “quiet” hours, and the impact of the posted hours. Catherine Primo of 37 Austin Ave said the posted restriction — which she recounted as 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — means many working residents and school-age players cannot use the courts during typical off-work hours. "That means that for a minimum of 5 days a week, no school age child in the town can play," she said.

Player and resident speakers described differing experiences. Peter Squirre said the courts are an asset funded with ARPA money and warned that an interim rule without supporting studies could do reputational damage to the facility. Several players said the low-noise “sponge” or “quiet” balls supplied for off-hours are not suitable for competitive play and amount to a de facto shutdown.

Neighbors, including Lucille Borelli, said they have lived near town parks for decades and praised recreation improvements while emphasizing that noise and traffic have increased and should be addressed. Borelli said the town has already spent money on sound mitigation and that further, unbiased sound assessment is needed.

Town Manager Salzer (identified in the meeting by last name) confirmed he issued a temporary rule and signage limiting the hours and requiring different balls during off-hours and said the town planned to supply quieter balls. Salzer told players who encountered staff at the courts that enforcement could include a no-trespass order if users did not follow the posted rules. He told the meeting he and other staff are pursuing acoustic options and that he would convene talks between players and neighbors.

Several people recommended a mediated meeting. The council and town manager agreed on a near-term process: four leaders from the pickleball community and four neighbors will meet to try to reach common ground; players were asked to propose four representatives, and the town manager agreed to arrange the meeting "sooner than later." The town said it will report proposed agreements back to the council for endorsement if members are satisfied.

Participants discussed interim scheduling options: suggestions included splitting daily access, allowing morning and late-afternoon blocks, or starting play at 9 a.m. for the near term. The town manager said signs could be changed if the parties reach agreement.

Town staff also said they are exploring additional measures including placement of speed-control devices near park entrances and bringing in an acoustic specialist before further mitigation spending. The manager said moving the courts would be a council decision only if the parties cannot reach common ground.

No formal council vote was taken on the courts at the Oct. 21 meeting. Council members emphasized they seek a solution that preserves the facility but reduces neighborhood impacts. Multiple speakers urged faster, transparent outreach and an inclusive meeting format that represents working players as well as neighbors.

The council closed public comment after the discussion and scheduled follow-up through the town manager’s office.