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Residents tell parks board pickleball could harm rural character, raise costs and traffic
Summary
Three residents told the Parks & Open Space Board they oppose public pickleball courts, citing cost and maintenance, traffic safety at Forest Creek and Winnicoff, conflicts with equestrian uses, and concern for Lucas's rural character and dark-sky preservation.
Three residents spoke during public comment to oppose siting pickleball courts on public parks, urging the board to prioritize maintenance and infrastructure over new recreational capital.
Stephanie Schertz (1111 Snyder Lane) told the board, "How are we going to pay for a pickleball court and its maintenance," and warned that special-interest requests can multiply after one amenity is added. She said the Winnicoff Trailhead was developed with a Collin County grant for equestrian use and expressed concern about increased traffic at Forest Creek and Winnicoff.
Richard Schertz (1111 Snyder Lane) argued the city should prioritize amenities for younger residents and warned that reorienting and repurposing soccer and baseball fields could create conflicts: "Pickleball isn't something that small kids use," he said, urging the board to consider effects on youth activities.
Val Turnbow (550 Honeysuckle Lane) framed the board's mission around beautification and rural preservation and stated, "Pickleball courts is not a beautification project," urging the board to address maintenance backlogs and traffic safety before adding new facilities.
Board members acknowledged the concerns, discussed the need for neighborhood outreach and potential setbacks, and did not adopt any site plan or funding commitment at the meeting.
