Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cerritos approves dual-use conversion at Cerritos Park East to add pickleball courts
Summary
After public support from local players, the council voted unanimously to convert one tennis court at Cerritos Park East into a dual-use surface accommodating up to four pickleball courts. Staff estimated conversion costs around $17,000 and said tennis reservations will remain available for residents.
The Cerritos City Council voted 5-0 on May 22 to convert one existing tennis court at Cerritos Park East into a dual-use configuration that will accommodate up to four pickleball courts, with drop-in access on a first-come, first-served basis.
Director of Community and Cultural Services Annie Hilton reviewed attendance figures showing higher per‑court use at Cerritos Park East than at Liberty Park and said the conversion cost would be limited because the CPE courts are in good condition; staff estimated striping and portable nets at about $17,000. The council asked staff to select the court location that minimizes impacts to adjacent homes and staff recommended the court farthest east among the four to reduce noise impacts.
Multiple resident players urged the council to adopt dedicated courts rather than dual-use, to allow longer daily hours and reservation fees for tournaments that could generate revenue. Norma Williamson, a frequent player who organized a petition, said dedicated courts reduce conflicts with tennis players and argued for earlier opening hours that avoid midday heat. Teddy Lloyd, a local advocate, urged the city to consider the regional example (Cypress) where dedicated courts have generated local business activity.
Councilmember Mark Polito moved to approve the conversion and Mayor Pro Tem Linda Johnson seconded; the motion passed 5-0. The council directed staff to preserve advance resident reservation opportunities for tennis while accommodating drop-in pickleball play on the converted court. Staff will implement striping and order nets and will return to council with any recommended operational rules or reservation procedures.
What happens next: staff will select the specific court (recommended farthest east), carry out striping and equipment purchases, and open the dual-use court for drop-in play while monitoring scheduling and neighborhood impacts.
