Item No. 8
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT OVADIA, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: OCTOBER 16, 2024
SUBJECT: PICKLEBALL PROGRAM AT HOLBROOK-PALMER PARK
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council approve an ongoing pickleball program at Holbrook-Palmer Park.
BACKGROUND
The pickleball trial at Holbrook-Palmer was initiated at the end of January. The City Council received an update regarding the on-going pickleball trial at Holbrook-Palmer Park at the July 17, 2024, meeting, including usage data and interim results of the assessment survey. The assessment survey was closed at the end of July, with results provided to the Pickleball Subcommittee of the Park and Recreation Committee for review and recommendation to the full Park and Recreation Committee.
ANALYSIS
As noted above, the Pickleball Subcommittee reviewed the overall assessment survey results as well as breakdowns based on residency and park/court users, as well as reservation information pulled from the court reservation system. The Pickleball Subcommittee then presented its findings and recommendations to the full Park and Recreation Committee at its September 4, 2024, meeting.
The Subcommittee reported that over the last four months (May – August) there were approximately 47 different players that reserved a pickleball court, totaling 405 hours, with approximately 117 hours reserved in August. Several people remarked they would play if more times opened up or “drop-in” play were allowed. There were 154 respondents to the survey, with 77 respondents indicating that they played pickleball (50 Atherton residents), and 56 played tennis (32 Atherton residents). The Subcommittee also reviewed the potential detrimental effects of pickleball including noise and impacts to tennis. It was also noted that overall key sales were up, Pickleball at Holbrook-Palmer Park
OCTOBER 16, 2024
152 keys sold to date vs. 99 keys last year.
The subcommittee concluded that there was sufficient interest in maintaining pickleball at Holbrook-Palmer Park; that though noise could be an issue, it has been mitigated by the installation of the sound baffling materials, and there have not been any complaints from park neighbors; that pickleball use has not shown a meaningful loss in tennis opportunities; and that there was interest in expanding hours and providing “drop-in” play opportunities.
Overall, the Subcommittee recommended the continuation of the pickleball program at HolbrookPalmer Park, with expanded hours to include all-day Sunday, with “drop-in” play available on one court in the afternoon. They recommended monitoring of that noise levels related to increased use. They further suggested that long-term, permanent court(s) at a separate location could be funded by donors.
After review and deliberation, the Park and Recreation Committee recommended continuation of a pickleball program as follows:
Continued shared use of Court 1 with the following hours:
• Mornings (until noon) – daily
• Evenings (after 4pm) – Tuesdays and Thursdays
• All day – Sunday, with one court reserved and one court available for “drop-in” play The Committee also recommended a sign in sheet be provided to track “drop-in” play usage/interest, and that the program be continued through the end of the tennis year. There was also some discussion of a potential demonstration event to introduce new players to the sport. It was also noted that, similar to all courts, key holders may play on open/unreserved courts on a first come-first served basis. It was also suggested that should Player Capital Tennis provide pickleball instruction, it should be outside of the regular pickleball hours, such that they do not impact the limited availability of the courts.
Though tracking of “drop-in” play may be useful, it would be difficult to manage and track a paper sign-in sheet. If desired, an on-line form or survey can be hosted, but there will be no monitoring of players requiring sign-ins.
FISCAL IMPACT
Limited, associated with new signage and paddle holders, if desired.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal Area B – Preserve Small Town Character and Quality of Life • Goal Area E – Strengthen Community Engagement and Transparency • Goal Area F – Be Forward-Thinking, Well-Managed, and Well-Planned Pickleball at Holbrook-Palmer Park
OCTOBER 16, 2024
POLICY FOCUS
The policy focus for this item is regarding Council direction regarding the continuation of pickleball at Holbrook-Palmer Park.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
Park and Recreation Committee (meets each month)
ATTACHMENTS
1. Pickleball Trail Assessment Survey Results
2. September 4, 2024, Pickleball Subcommittee Presentation