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Board reviews rules for new pickleball courts and synthetic field, recommends clearer language and consistent signage
Summary
Staff proposed operating rules for four new pickleball courts (two reservable, two first-come) and the city's first synthetic turf field. The board suggested clearer wording on reservable court operations, coached instruction, prohibited items (including powered wheeled devices), and website/QR-code guidance for reservations and reporting issues.
Parks staff asked the board to review proposed rules for four new pickleball courts and for the city’s first synthetic turf field ahead of openings later this year. Staff proposed that two courts be reservable and two remain available on a first‑come, first‑served basis; when courts are in use and people are waiting, the proposal limits play to 30 minutes per group. Staff also proposed standard park restrictions such as tennis shoes/soft-soled shoes only, no food or glass, no pets on the court and adult supervision for children under 12.
Board members suggested cosmetic and operational clarifications: rewording the coaching/organized-instruction bullet to require “prior approval” before anyone offers coaching or commercial lessons; clarifying whether powered wheeled devices are included in the prohibition; ensuring signage points to the city reservation website or a QR code so users can easily find the reservation page; and adding contact information for reporting maintenance or safety hazards. Jennifer and others also recommended grouping rules by type (safety/surface protection, behavior, and reservation policy) and leading the synthetic-field rules with an explicit statement that the listed items are prohibited to protect the surfacing.
Staff said reservable courts will be handled through the city reservation system and that staff will refine sign language and formatting before ordering permanent signs. The board asked staff to confirm bike‑rack availability at the court sites and to ensure consistent wording across court and field signage.
Why it matters: Clear rules and signage affect how new recreation assets are used and how the city balances reserved use with casual, open play. Consistent language reduces user confusion and helps protect facility surfaces and public safety.
Next steps: Staff will refine rule language (including the proposed “prior approval” requirement for coaching), determine reservation set-up on the website, and draft sign text for board review.
