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South Pasadena commission asks staff to draft rules for pickleball and shared-court use
Summary
The Community Services Commission voted unanimously Nov. 10 to ask staff to draft policy language on permit requirements for large groups, time restrictions (Orange Grove Park 8 AM–8 PM suggested), updated signage, and a permitting/reservation process; staff will take recommendations to city council.
On Nov. 10, 2025, the South Pasadena Community Services Commission directed staff to draft policy options to address increased demand for pickleball and shared use of municipal tennis courts, including permit requirements for organized groups, potential time restrictions, clarified postings and signage, and a formal permitting or reservation process to handle large, recurring gatherings.
Deputy Director Melissa Snyder told the commission staff had surveyed 22 Southern California cities and identified three policy areas for guidance: whether to require permits for large/organized group play, whether to adopt time restrictions where residential areas are affected, and whether to implement a court reservation system and which model might best serve the community. She said there is no immediate fiscal impact from the discussion, but that future implementation (signage, resurfacing) could require city council budget approval.
Public commenters emphasized both the social benefits of pickleball and on-the-ground conflicts. "Pickleball makes great use of the courts," said Mike Musiteri, who asked for better surface conditions and clearer markings for safety; he urged a conflict-management system that would not rely on police. Amy Bette said she valued the informal, welcoming spirit of pickup play and warned that a fixed reservation system "can be abused by the same group" and urged flexibility. A Zoom commenter identified as Hannah suggested the city coordinate use of high-school courts so tennis players are not squeezed out.
Commissioners pressed staff for factual clarifications: staff confirmed the city has four public tennis courts—two at Garfield Park and two at Orange Grove Park— and that Orange Grove's courts are striped for both tennis and pickleball. Staff noted the Arroyo facility operates under a lease and offers fee-based programming. The commission also reviewed existing municipal-code language requiring permits for assemblies in parks (park code chapter 21/section 21.4 and an ordinance cited in discussion). Commissioners and commenters repeatedly raised noise as a resident concern and recommended clearer signage and signage updates once policies are adopted.
After discussion, Commissioner Lai moved that staff prepare a proposed policy to: limit pickleball/tennis hours (Commissioner Lai referenced 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Orange Grove Park as a suggested limit), update postings for court reservations and multiuse procedures, look into adoption or pilot programs for reduced-noise equipment, and formalize a permitting process for organized/reserved use. Chair Samuels seconded and the motion carried in a unanimous roll-call vote. Melissa Snyder said the recommendations will be forwarded to city council for final consideration and that any signage changes would follow formal adoption.
Next steps: staff will draft policy language and return to the commission and city council with formal amendments to the municipal code for consideration and any budget requests tied to implementation.
