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El Cajon planning commission approves five‑court pickleball complex at Wells Park
Summary
The El Cajon Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit (CUP 2020240008) to add five gated pickleball courts, seating and signage at Wells Park after staff said a noise study showed impacts could be mitigated and the project is CEQA Class 3 exempt.
The El Cajon Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit to add five gated pickleball courts, seating and an electronic sign at Wells Park, staff said. City staff told commissioners the project qualified for a CEQA Class 3 exemption and that a noise study showed potential impacts could be mitigated with sound‑attenuating fabric on the courts' perimeter fencing.
Noah Alvey of the Community Development Department presented the project and summarized the site plan: “There's a total of 5 courts, that are proposed,” he said, locating the facility at 1153 East Madison Avenue in the northwestern portion of Wells Park adjacent to the park operations/community center. Staff also described proposed seating, an identification sign on the fence and a perimeter fence for the courts.
The project drew questions from commissioners about alternatives, landscaping and hours. One commissioner asked whether tennis courts had been considered; staff said the proposal reflects current demand for pickleball and noted nearby tennis courts exist at non‑city schools. Sinan Kachi of Engineering Services said parks and recreation led the selection process: “So I think the drive here was for the pickleball.”
Commissioners also asked about trees and shade. Staff said additional trees are planned but species have not been finalized; the landscape documentation will select specimens with crowns and root characteristics suitable to avoid future damage to the courts. On hours and lighting, staff said the courts would operate according to normal park hours; a staff speaker noted the park closes at 10 p.m. and that Parks and Recreation is considering closing the courts at 9 p.m. The transcript records that lighting is proposed for the courts.
No members of the public signed up to speak during the public hearing. A motion to adopt the CEQA resolution and approve the conditional use permit (CUP 2020240008) was made, seconded and carried by unanimous vote of the commissioners present.
After the vote, staff announced the Oct. 1 planning commission meeting is canceled and provided brief project updates, including that the Weld Complex shell building is nearing completion with tenant improvements planned for GKN and that a conditional use permit application to expand a Super 8 lodging establishment is in review.
The commission adjourned following the approvals and scheduling remarks.
