CHCA General Meeting Agenda – Zoom 4/22/2025 7:00pm (Where are we with Pickleball?)

CHCA General Meeting Agenda – Zoom 4/22/2025 7:00pm

1. Welcome and Introductions

– Facilitator: Ron Haddox and Sarah McKinley
– Overview of agenda and meeting purpose

2. Updates on Personal Matters

– Announcement of Sarah McKinley’s upcoming retirement

– Brief discussion on the transition from NCAC to Arlington Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ArNAC)

3. Equity Funding and Community Project Opportunities

– Presentation by Sarah McKinley on a study identifying 27 neighborhoods eligible for equity funding based on income and racial demographics

– Brainstorming on potential community projects:
– Playground improvements at Walter Reed Park and Cleveland Park pocket park
– Acknowledgement of limited funding ($1 million total) and competitive environment

4. Project Proposals and Funding Considerations

– Review of existing streetlight improvement project
– Exploration of acquiring free trees for the neighborhood
– Discussion on children’s playground equipment as a manageable and impactful proposal
– Emphasis on realistic, well-scoped projects to increase chances of funding success
– Consideration of:
– Competing proposals from other neighborhoods
– Prioritizing local infrastructure and community needs
– Aligning projects with available funding opportunities

5. Pickleball – Next Steps and Action Items

In Arlington County, pickleball’s rapid growth has led to noise complaints and concerns about court access, prompting the county to address these issues through projects like the Walter Reed Outdoor Pickleball Court Project and exploring solutions like sound reduction measures and dedicated pickleball courts.

Here’s a more detailed look at the pickleball issues in Arlington County:

  1. Noise Concerns:

Growing Popularity:

Pickleball’s popularity has surged, leading to increased use of parks and community center courts, particularly at Walter Reed Community Center.

Neighborly Discomfort:

Residents near these courts have voiced concerns about the noise generated by pickleball games, especially during early mornings and late evenings.

Examples of Noise Complaints:

Some residents have described the noise as “excessive” and “borderline torture,” leading to calls for solutions and even threats of legal action.

Arlington County’s Response:

Arlington County officials are working to find a middle ground, addressing concerns and exploring solutions to mitigate noise.

Sound Reduction Measures:

The county is committed to incorporating sound reduction measures as part of the Walter Reed Outdoor Pickleball Court Project.

Acoustic Fencing:

Arlington County has spent over $150,000 on acoustic fencing at local parks, including at Marcey Road Park, to help manage pickleball noise.

  1. Court Access and Usage:

Multi-Use Courts:

Some courts are used for both pickleball and tennis, leading to potential conflicts and concerns about access.

Dedicated Pickleball Courts:

The county is planning to create dedicated pickleball courts at the Walter Reed Community Center, aiming to address the issue of multi-use courts.

Online Reservation Systems:

Some residents have suggested an online reservation system to manage court access and reduce arguments over who gets to use the space.

Walter Reed Outdoor Pickleball Court Project:

This project at Walter Reed Community Center and Park will address the multi-use tennis and pickleball courts, with construction anticipated to start in early 2025 and be completed in late 2025 or early 2026.

Project Goals:

The project aims to create 6 dedicated pickleball courts, incorporate sound reduction measures, provide seating and shade, improve pathways with ADA access, manage stormwater, and implement signage and landscaping.

  1. Other Issues:

Bullying and After-Hours Urination:

Some residents have also raised concerns about pickleball players allegedly bullying children and engaging in after-hours public urination on playgrounds.

Parking Lot Issues:

The popularity of pickleball has also led to parking lot congestion at popular locations.

Arlington County’s Approach:

Arlington County is taking a measured approach to addressing pickleball, providing play opportunities while diversifying the impact of the sport.

Adding Multi-Use Courts:

Arlington County is adding multi-use courts to the inventory.

Undertaking a Process to Create Courts Dedicated for Pickleball Play:

The county is undertaking a process to create courts dedicated for pickleball play only at the Walter Reed Community Center.

 

– Identify key stakeholders and volunteers to address our concerns
– Determine timeline for submitting our concerns and issues
– Plan for follow-up discussions and updates

 

Ron Haddox is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: CHCA General Meeting Agenda – Zoom 4/22/2025 7:00pm
Time: Apr 22, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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