Noise, parking concerns force City of Martinez to cut pickleball hours

MARTINEZ, Calif. (KGO) -- Tuesday and Thursday afternoon is the time for pickleball for Samuel Kim and his friend. But not anymore.

"It has been really fun. In high school, I used to play tennis. I'm actually not a very active guy. So having a squashed version of tennis is kind of relaxing and enjoyable," says Kim, who lives in Brentwood.

He and his friends come to the courts at Hidden Valley Park in Martinez in between afternoon chemistry classes at DVC, which is a short drive away.

But they showed up Tuesday to learn about new reduced hours. It went from seven days a week down to just three days. The courts don't even open until 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.

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"So having these times, no, we can't really play," says Kim.

The changes come following feedback from a 90-day pilot program this summer. Noise, music and parking are the big concerns. Especially, considering just how close the courts are to homes.

"We want to prioritize the neighborhood and the quality of life of the neighbors," says Eve Kearny, Public Information Officer for the City of Martinez.

The city opened four pickleball courts at Hidden Valley Park in 2014 alongside some tennis courts. In February, it reopened with eight pickleball courts, making these courts even more popular.

"Recently now, with the reopening, it has become more of a regional draw instead of just neighborhood courts," explains Kearny.

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Kearny says the new hours are actually based on direct input from the pickleball sports organizers about what are likely popular times.

But some players question why even build the courts if no one can play there. Kim says he understands the residents' concerns, but he isn't convinced it warrants reduced hours.

"I can see why playing music can be a problem. But I feel like the normal noise of pickleball should be fine. Parking as well. You have the street parking, which is fairly open. There is even this Hidden Valley parking over there," says Kim, as he points across the street.

The city says these new hours are indefinite.

Since the new hours were posted, there have been players who violated the hours play. The city says if that continues, it could close the courts altogether.