New Whitefish Bay ordinance causes controversy among pickleball players and neighbors
WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A new pickleball ordinance regulating play time is causing controversy for both players and residents along N. Lake Drive in Whitefish Bay.
“I think the best way to describe it is like just a constant 'tap, tap, tap,' all day long,” said Molly Allen, a Whitefish Bay resident.
It’s a problem neighbors near Klode Park say has been going on for far too long.
“I feel like if somebody was, I don’t know, like working on a roof next-door or doing just constant noise.”
To address these ongoing concerns, Monday night, the Whitefish Bay Village Board passed an ordinance cutting back on court time.
"It’s just constant," said Allen. "Like all day long, every day, is too much, so I’m glad they put some limits and I’m glad that the pickleballers get to play.”
Starting May 1, for the summer season, the times below are when players are allowed on the court:
On Sunday and Wednesdays, the courts are off limits altogether. That's not sitting well with players.
Less than 10 minutes from the park, Jeffrey Aranda, the pickleball director at Elite Sports Clubs River Glen location, says Whitefish Bay players who are a part of his league are fed up with the decision.
"They are upset about it," said Aranda. "They don’t think there should be any restrictions on it. You know, it’s free, so they should be able to use the park. They are very upset.”
He says because of the controversy, they are seeing more players on their court.
“I’d say we are seeing a little increase, yeah," said Aranda. "I think, we are always here, so I mean, we play it all the time. We kind of have these two courts in the back that are just for that, and nobody’s been complaining about anything here."
Both players and neighbors say the ordinance is a compromise, but far from a perfect solution.