Council amends code to bar animals from tennis and pickleball courts; dog-training area planned

The City Council on Aug. 5 amended the city code to prohibit animals on tennis and pickleball courts in specified parks, citing manufacturer recommendations that animals can damage the courts' playing surface.

Lane (staff) explained the change to section 90.09 grew out of improvements to tennis courts at Cody Park and proposed pickleball courts; manufacturer guidance recommended restricting animals on the coated court surface because claws and wildlife can degrade the coating. "Recommendation was made from the manufacturer that we not allow animals on the courts," Lane said. To retain a place for animal training that had used older tennis courts, staff proposed and described a fenced dog/animal training area at Chris Park that will use part of a half-court basketball area and a grass enclosure.

Councilmember Lucas moved to waive three readings; the motion passed. Council then voted to adopt the ordinance on first reading as amended. During discussion councilmembers asked whether courts were already fenced (staff said yes), how gates would be secured, and whether deer might enter the courts; staff noted fences and gates already exist and said the city can evaluate self-closing gate hardware if deer become an issue.

The ordinance adds a subsection clarifying enforcement (animals must be leashed in parks except where prohibited on courts) and authorizes citation for violations after adoption.