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Bradford Park sound study shows courts approach local noise limits; barrier could cut impact by ~9 dB
Summary
Staff presented a propagation analysis showing tennis/pickleball noise near Littleton limits (55 dB daytime/50 dB evening); an acoustical barrier was modeled to reduce perimeter noise by roughly 9 decibels; staff recommended monitoring Community Park outcomes before immediate spending on mitigation.
The board reviewed a vendor sound-propagation analysis for Bradford Park that modeled player noise and potential mitigation options and discussed next steps with staff.
Staff summarized vendor modeling and reminded the board that Littleton's noise ordinance sets a daytime limit of 55 decibels and an evening limit of 50 decibels. Model rings showed parts of the neighborhood and the pool area were near those thresholds with no mitigation. Staff presented two mitigation schematics: a full three-sided screen that the vendor modeled and a second option that retained the pool view but provided less reduction. The modeled three-sided barrier reduced perimeter noise levels by roughly 9 decibels in many zones, moving the rings from red into green in the firm's visualization.
Chad noted the vendor's product is lightweight and absorbs sound rather than just reflecting it, and staff emphasized that the presentation was informational and not a recommendation to purchase immediately. Several board members asked about aesthetics, UV/weather durability and warranties; others suggested modular or partial installations, site visits to local installations and possible cost-sharing with the community. Staff estimated a ballpark purchase cost on the order of $40,000 for a full installation and said they would prefer to see how Community Park performs before committing funds.
A remote public commenter, Jonathan Kewin, told the board he has seen courts closed in Denver when sound mitigation was not installed and urged caution. Board members agreed it would be useful to return next month with more costed options and to review warranty and durability data before any purchase decision.
