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Oak Harbor residents clash politely over park court plans as city weighs temporary solutions
Summary
More than a dozen residents and organized groups addressed the council Sept. 16 on competing demands for outdoor courts. Pickleball players urged interim courts until a planned eight-court Fort Nugent complex is built; basketball advocates and youth mentors warned against removing or converting popular full-size courts at Windjammer Park.
A steady stream of public comment at the Oak Harbor City Council meeting on Sept. 16 focused on competing recreation needs: pickleball players urged immediate access to safe courts while basketball players, youth mentors and tournament organizers urged the city not to take away full-size courts used for leagues and pickup play.
Darren Cook, speaking for the newly formed Whidbey Pickleball Association, said Oak Harbor has had no permanent municipal pickleball courts despite more than a decade of advocacy. Cook said the Parks & Recreation Department’s plan for an eight-court complex at Fort Nugent is welcome but remains in permitting and could be two years away; he urged interim solutions so courts are available now.
Lamont Webster, president of the Oak Harbor Basketball Club, and other basketball speakers urged respect for existing basketball programs, noting adult and youth tournaments that bring teams to town. “I’m here for basketball, but not against pickleball,” Webster said, adding that adult leagues and youth programs regularly use Windjammer Park.
Parks and Recreation staff (Brian) told council the city has submitted a site plan review for the Fort Nugent project and expects initial permit review to conclude soon, with permits possibly issued Nov.–Dec. If funding is secured, staff said courts could be built by next summer; however, funding remains the controlling factor. Staff also said they are exploring short-term options such as chalking pickleball lines on underused courts and will prepare cost estimates for temporary court conversions and restoration.
Council members emphasized the need for careful analysis and public input. Several council members praised the civility of the public comment and asked staff to return to the Parks and Recreation Commission with cost estimates for temporary conversions and with a public process for decisions about existing and future court locations.
No formal vote or policy change occurred at the meeting. Staff said they will continue permitting work for Fort Nugent and bring back cost estimates and options for temporary solutions at a future Parks & Recreation Commission meeting.
