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Commission approves trial court schedule to reduce tennis–pickleball conflicts at Darien courts
Summary
Parks staff presented a trial schedule dividing morning and afternoon blocks on the Darien tennis courts to reduce conflict between tennis players and pickleball users; the commission voted to approve a summer test period.
Parks staff told the commission on May 14 that an informal conflict had developed at Darien courts when the Roaring Fork Pickleball Association’s reserved time overflowed onto tennis courts and tennis players expected priority under different rules.
Parks and Recreation Director Eric Brenlinger said the town’s memorandum of understanding (MOU) “is for the pickleball courts. Has nothing to do with the tennis courts,” and that the lack of clarity led to disputes about when users should yield. Brenlinger said staff, a tennis representative and RPA representatives met to propose a clearer daily schedule for the tennis courts that flips morning and afternoon priority blocks across the week.
The draft schedule divides days into two blocks (7 a.m.–1 p.m. and 1 p.m.–dark) and alternates tennis and pickleball priority so each sport has morning and afternoon access across the week. The policy applies only when courts are fully occupied; when courts are not full, they remain drop-in facilities.
Commissioners discussed practical issues, including whether pickleball players should consolidate to fewer courts when space is tight and whether the town should collect usage-pattern data if community feedback suggests adjustment. Several commissioners suggested pilot testing two widths and monitoring weekend congestion.
A motion to approve a trial of the revised rule set and schedule for the tennis courts was made and seconded; the commission voted in favor. No individual vote names were recorded in the minutes; the trial was approved for implementation and will be posted for public notice. Staff will evaluate user feedback and return to the commission if changes are needed.
Ending: The trial will run through the summer; staff recommended posting the schedule and monitoring use and conflict reports before any permanent rule changes.
