Council approves eight unlit pickleball courts at Rotary Park amid neighborhood objections

The Galesburg City Council voted to approve construction of eight unlit pickleball courts at Rotary Park, a decision that drew vocal residents from nearby streets who said the courts would generate persistent noise, increase parking demand and remove green space used by neighborhood children.

Staff recommended Illinois Civil Contractors’ low bid and noted the work is scheduled to begin August 2025 and finish by November 2025. “There’s a substantial landscaping component” in the plan, staff said, pointing to planting and fence options intended to mitigate sound. The approved bid excludes lighting; staff said any future lights would require separate council action.

Opponents cited research and resident experience. Mary Lou Cochran, a homeowner adjacent to Rotary Park, urged the council to “table this proposal and rethink how best to fix the situation so homeowners and pickleball players can both get what they want,” citing articles and acoustical guidance arguing courts be 500–800 feet from residences. Neighbors also raised concerns about parking overflow on local streets.

Supporters said pickleball is popular and accessible. James Clark, a Ward 1 resident who plays regularly, emphasized the sport’s rapid growth and health benefits, noting, “Pickleball is growing rapidly.” Several council members who supported the project said staff had done due diligence on site selection, material choices and noise abatement and that Rotary Park offers existing infrastructure that kept costs within budget.

The formal roll call recorded seven responses: Hicks yes, Hunnigan yes, Miller yes, White abstained, Achera yes, Saul no, Cheeseman yes (result: 5 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain). Councilors voting yes said they expected staff to monitor parking, trail impacts and neighbor concerns and implement additional mitigation if problems arise.