West University Place removes pickleball from two Wier Park courts

Pickleball play has stopped on two of the western courts at Wier Park as of Oct. 23.

West University Place’s Parks and Recreation Board recommended the change in a citywide announcement. The decision follows a short period of collecting resident feedback and a recent acoustical study performed by city staff. The study aimed to measure how pickleball activity at Wier and Judson Parks affects homes nearby.

The findings indicated that pickleball impact sounds stand out more than other recreational sports such as tennis or basketball. Residents living close to the parks found these noises much more noticeable and distinctive, particularly during repeated play.

Currently, the city allows pickleball at both parks from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Under the existing trial period for pending rule modifications, players must use quieter equipment after 8 p.m. The board voted to enact this trial period in May. The experimental period officially began on June 22.

Officials explored adding sound barriers around the courts but determined the solution was unfeasible. The required height to mitigate sound and the associated costs of erection made the project impractical. The department also considered enforcing stricter use of specialized quiet equipment. Officials noted that these tools do not offer players the same performance as standard equipment.

The Parks and Recreation Department intends to re-stripe the two discontinued courts for tennis play only. Users and residents will receive notice when this work is scheduled to occur.

The board will discuss next steps and current conditions at its Nov. 4 meeting. Until that time, the existing modified rules for pickleball play will remain in effect.