SEATTLE — On Sunday, people met up at Lincoln Park to protest the city's plans to convert former tennis courts to pickleball courts.
"We're doing what we can in the time that we have," Kersti Muul, the woman organizing against the courts, said. "I want parks to stop and take a minute and listen to the public."
Protesters held up signs along Fauntleroy Way highlighting their displeasure with the proposed pickleball courts. They understand not everyone agrees with them. A man driving by shared some rush words from a moving car claiming those against the courts had never played the sport. Also, a man in the park told those protesting the park seems like a perfect place for the courts.
Muul and others aren't focusing on the pushback from others in the community. One of their biggest concerns is what they consider the lack of communication from the city about this project
"Hundreds, if not thousands of emails, have gone out, phone calls to the city and everybody got the boilerplate response," Muul said.
Back in September, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) sent KING 5 the same response when we asked about the pickleball courts.
SPR said the decision was made to convert the tennis courts to pickleball courts after hearing from players of both sports that separate courts are preferred. The department found an opportunity to make that happen at Lincoln Park with grant funding.
The courts will be developed on an existing concrete court that asphalt will be laid over. SPR may add a top coating later.
Because work is taking place on an existing court, SPR said it is exempt from State Environmental Policy Act requirements, which require public feedback, because it counts as maintenance of an existing facility.
The statement went on to say:
"We are committed to communicating our plans for pickleball courts in Lincoln Park frequently. While there are no opportunities for public engagement, we can answer any questions you have and share any concerns you may have with Parks and Recreation leadership. In addition, we’ll install a project sign near the site to share project and contact information."
Muul takes issue with the city's stance that the work to convert the court from tennis to pickleball is categorically exempt from State Environmental Policy Act requirements. If the city is correct in its assessment, that means a public review of the work isn't necessary
"I'm trying to speak for the thousands of people who are not able to make a public comment," Muul said. She believes the public deserves to weigh in on changes to the park used by many and is home to countless animals that could be impacted by the pickleball courts.
"Ultimately, we don't want this here but the first step is to let us talk about it," she said.
Another protest is planned at the park on Oct. 21.
Muul plans to meet with the City Attorney's Office to explain why the court conversion is not exempt from SEPA requirements which would mean a public review would be necessary to make the changes.
As for why pickleball is so contentious, numerous lawsuits from across the country have been filed, focusing on the sound pickleball creates. It's high-pitched like the noise of a garbage truck backing up and when you have multiple games happening at once, it can be a lot, according to complaints. Those against the courts think pickleball will forever change the park.