Council shortens proposed Kelly Courts hours after months of debate, sets fees and a 90‑day review

Hermosa Beach councilors on March 24 adopted a change to the city’s Kelly Courts pickleball policy after an unusually large and divided public comment period.

Staff presented three options for hours on the newly renovated four‑court complex: retain the prior restricted schedule, add a single weekend day, or open daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m. After several hours of testimony from players who urged expanded access and neighbors who warned of persistent noise impacts, the council settled on a compromise: open the facility daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., and designate Fridays as free walk‑on play for all visitors. Two courts will be available by reservation and two reserved for walk‑on play during most days; Fridays will be drop‑in only.

Council also adjusted fees: resident annual pickleball membership will be $25 and reservations will be $15 per hour. Councilors said the rate changes are intended to help manage demand and contribute operating revenue; the Parks & Rec staff will return with the fee language in the master fee schedule and a report on usage. The council directed that staff return with a report 90 days after reopening (to the Parks & Rec commission) documenting complaints, measured noise impacts and court usage patterns.

What this means for residents: Players who want guaranteed court time must be residents (membership required for reservations). The new schedule and fees are intended to expand access while giving nearby residents a predictable quiet window each week. Staff said they would staff Thursday night league nights and monitor operational impacts as courts reopen.

Council vote: the hour change motion passed with a 3–2 vote; the fee adjustments passed unanimously.