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Calimesa council approves soft opening of Mountain View Park pickleball courts, keeps turf closed
Summary
The council voted to allow a soft opening of the new Mountain View Park pickleball courts while fencing off and keeping the turf and walking path closed for the turf-establishment period after an herbicide treatment that began Jan. 29. Staff projected full opening and a grand ceremony in late May–early June.
The Calimesa City Council voted to partially open Mountain View Park’s Phase 2, allowing the pickleball courts and associated parking and restrooms to open while keeping the turf field and decomposed-granite walking path closed for turf establishment.
City Manager Will Cobalt told the council the contractor began herbicide treatment on Jan. 29, starting a 120‑day timeline followed by roughly 90 days for turf establishment; the city projects turf maturity and a full grand opening in late May to early June 2026. Cobalt said rain forced a follow‑up application but did not restart the 30‑day treatment window and may have delayed completion by about a week.
Councilmembers debated two options: (1) keep the entire Phase 2 closed until turf establishment is complete, or (2) allow earlier public access to the pickleball courts while temporarily fencing off the turf and trail. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Manley and several councilmembers favored option two, arguing the courts, parking and bathrooms would serve the community sooner and could be secured with temporary fencing. Councilmember Garcia and others raised safety and staffing concerns about monitoring partially open areas; she emphasized caution because the treated turf was still in the establishment period.
After discussion, the council voted for a soft opening of the pickleball courts with contractor‑installed fencing to close access to the turf and walking path until staff confirms turf establishment is complete. Council members said signage will direct users to the Fifth Street pickleball entrance and explain why the turf remains closed. Councilmembers asked staff to provide updates on fencing placement, striping and restroom readiness; staff estimated the courts, striping and bathrooms could be ready by early to mid‑April for a soft opening.
The council’s direction keeps the grand opening tied to full completion of Phase 2, while giving residents earlier access to the city’s new pickleball courts.
