Committee backs signage, paddle racks and a rotation policy to ease pickleball court congestion

Members of the Parks & Recreation advisory committee spent substantial time on court use at recent city facilities, focusing on etiquette and equitable access as pickleball has grown in popularity.

Community commenters and parks staff described congested peak hours (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.), examples from other Texas cities and different court designs that affect playability. Speakers argued signage clarifying time limits, footwear rules, and conduct (for example, prohibiting alcohol and clarifying court-turnover expectations) would help. Staff recommended posting rules at each court and trialing paddle/racket holder stations so users can mark their place in a nonreserving, first-come rotation.

Board members also debated court fencing layouts: some noted side or between-court rails can impede certain competitive shots, while others said fencing prevents balls from rolling into adjacent courts. Staff said options exist to combine designs (open lanes for competitive play and fenced lanes for casual play) and that costs vary by vendor and size.

After discussion, the committee voted to direct parks staff to research signage and paddle-holder procurement and to pilot a rotating "winner-stays" approach. Staff will present recommended signage text, placement examples, vendor quotes and a pilot enforcement plan at a future meeting.

Implementation details (hour limits, enforcement and staffing) were not finalized but members suggested a short trial period with on-site staff or volunteers to explain rules and the rotation system during the roll-out.