West University Place drops Wier Park pickleball after noise study

Pickleball play stopped on two western courts in Wier Park on October 23. The change affects residents who use the facilities or live nearby. The West University Place Parks and Recreation Board recommended the move in a citywide announcement.

City staff conducted an acoustical study to measure how sports noise travels to surrounding homes. The study covered activity at both Wier Park and Judson Park. Results showed that the sound from pickleballs is more distinctive than the sounds from tennis or basketball. Residents near the parks noticed the difference, particularly when players repeated shots over long periods.

The board began a trial period for modified rules on June 22. This followed a vote in May to test new conditions. Under these rules, pickleball is allowed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Players must use quieter equipment after 8 p.m. The board collected feedback from residents during this time before making its final decision.

Officials considered building sound barriers around the courts to reduce noise. They determined the barriers would need to be too tall to be effective and would cost too much to install. Staff also looked at requiring specialized quiet equipment for all play. They found that these tools did not perform as well as standard gear, which could frustrate players.

The Parks and Recreation Department plans to repaint the two Wier Park courts. They will apply tennis lines to the surface. Officials will notify users and residents when the work is scheduled to begin.

The board will meet on November 4 to discuss next steps for the parks. They will review the current conditions at Wier Park and Judson Park. Until that meeting, the existing modified rules for pickleball play remain in effect.