Encinitas commission considers adding open-play pickleball courts at Cottonwood Creek; ad hoc to draft Moonlight motion

The Encinitas Parks and Recreation Commission on Dec. 17 discussed recommendations from an ad hoc group to add designated open-play pickleball courts at Cottonwood Creek and to clarify court priority between Cottonwood and Moonlight Beach.

Commissioners heard that Cottonwood Creek’s two court areas (referred to as courts A and B) currently are striped to allow multiple pickleball courts and are used primarily by groups under an honor-based, group-play system. Commissioners said that individual players who arrive alone often cannot find play and that some players and residents have suggested introducing open-play time or designated open-play courts to improve rotation and reduce wait times.

The ad hoc presented three primary options for Cottonwood Creek: (1) convert four courts to open play and keep four as group play while designating Moonlight Beach as tennis-priority; (2) keep group play in the morning and shift to open play after a set hour (the ad hoc suggested after 10 a.m. as an example); or (3) designate two courts at Cottonwood as open play and keep the rest group play. Commissioners discussed testing any change for a limited period (commissioners suggested a trial period to collect data and community feedback).

Community speaker Mary Anne described her experience playing mornings at Cottonwood and urged a modest trial. “My suggestion would be that court 6 and 8 become open play,” she said, adding that weekday morning groups typically play about 90 minutes and that weekend afternoons are the most crowded. Mary Anne said her group often lets solo players join but that large, established groups can make it hard for individuals to find play later in the day.

Parks staff outlined operational considerations. Manager Norgaard told commissioners, “We don't have staff to monitor them all the time. We do have some field ambassadors that’ll go out occasionally,” and said the department expects no major fiscal impact from a rules change beyond signage and installing paddle racks or queueing hardware the city already ordered.

Commissioners also discussed related concerns raised by residents: that opening courts could attract non‑Encinitas players; that available parking could become more constrained; and that Moonlight Beach court has surface issues some players prefer to avoid. Commissioners urged outreach to both tennis and pickleball players before finalizing any recommendation.

The commission asked the ad hoc to draft specific motion language on whether Moonlight Beach should be designated as a tennis-priority facility (or otherwise managed) and to present that language at the January meeting for further action. Staff also said it will publicize the January discussion in the parks newsletter and notify community members who previously submitted comments.

The commission did not vote on a permanent rule change on Dec. 17; members emphasized community input and a short trial period before making operational changes.

Looking ahead, the ad hoc and staff will return with concrete motion language and a proposed trial plan for the commission’s January meeting; the department will solicit broader public comment beforehand.