Mountain View is pursuing a privately owned property as a potential site for an interim pickleball facility, following unsuccessful attempts to locate courts at Cuesta Park and a San Rafael Avenue site. The city announced the new effort after plans for Cuesta Park and its annex faced substantial opposition from residents last year.
Negotiations Underway
Community Services Director John Marchant informed the City Council on January 27th that the city is in the “initial stages of negotiation” with a property owner. The potential facility would be used for at least five years while the city continues its search for a permanent location.
The proposed site is located approximately half a mile from the nearest residential neighborhood in the eastern part of the city. Details regarding the number of courts and parking spaces remain undisclosed at this time. Marchant indicated the interim site would include parking.
Previous Plans Met Resistance
Initial plans to build pickleball courts at Cuesta Park and Cuesta Annex were met with community pushback, with residents expressing concerns about the loss of green space and potential disruption to the area. A subsequent proposal to locate a facility on San Rafael Avenue also faced opposition from residents citing concerns about green space, noise, and parking.
The city anticipates providing further updates in two to three months, contingent upon reaching a formal agreement with the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the timeline for this project?
The city is planning to use the interim site for at least five years while continuing to search for a permanent location. Updates are expected in approximately two to three months, pending a formal agreement with the property owner.
Where are the potential locations that were previously considered?
Previous plans included sites at Cuesta Park and Cuesta Annex, as well as a location on San Rafael Avenue. Both proposals faced opposition from local residents.
What was the reason for the opposition to the previous plans?
Residents expressed concerns that the courts would destroy valuable green and open space and disrupt the tranquility of the areas surrounding Cuesta Park, Cuesta Annex, and San Rafael Avenue. Concerns about noise and parking were also raised.
As Mountain View navigates these challenges, what factors do you believe are most crucial for ensuring community buy-in for new recreational facilities?
