11:28 AM: Workers are putting up fencing this morning at the Lincoln Park site where Seattle Parks plans to convert former tennis courts, long used as storage, into pickleball courts. We went down for a look after getting a tip that police were there too.
No incident was reported as far as we could determine – the officers were apparently there as a precaution, after last week’s report that a project opponent “occupying” the site had “interfered” with workers; the officers were getting ready to leave while we were there. They were heard explaining to a few concerned bystanders what constituted “trespassing.”
We also talked at the site with a Parks manager, Sandi Albertsen. She told us that the informational sign – as noted toward the end of our story about Saturday’s protest at the site – is expected to arrive soon, She also said that in addition to the new overlay for the existing paved pad, Parks plans to make ADA improvements on the west side of the site, improving a trail so the site is more accessible. This view looks toward the northwest, from the south side of the fencing.
If you’re just hearing about this situation, here’s a brief recap: Parks was planning to add pickleball striping to the tennis courts at Solstice Park as part of then-imminent resurfacing (now postponed until next year). Reaction to that led to Parks changing its mind and instead announcing it would use part of a previously received Associated Recreation Council grant to create six pickleball-only courts at this site in Lincoln Park while keeping Solstice tennis-only. The courts might eventually get lighting, depending on additional funding and other factors, Parks said. Opponents who contend that pickleball’s distinctive sound will be bad for wildlife and people have launched a push to at least get Parks to open a public-engagement process about the plan. Parks says it’s not planning to do that and is moving ahead with the project.
ADDED 6:59 PM: We went back before sunset for a look at the fencing and the signage.
That sign was just west of the existing paved area, behind the fencing that stretches out to the west, where Parks told us this morning that “accessbility” work would be done.
Project opponents have attached multiple copies of a flyer to the fence. Meantime, we’ll be asking Parks tomorrow for more specifics on the plan for the extra fenced-off area.
ADDED WEDNESDAY: A police summary from Monday, just released, describes the reason for the response:
On 10-23-2023, at 08:46hrs, officers were dispatched to Lincoln Park for a report of two men with dogs harassing work crews attempting to set up fencing for a proposed pickleball court. Police assisted in resolving the disturbance between both parties.
Now they have printed up plastic bumper stickers and are applying them to the official notices. Is graffiti next for these zealots who having lost in there wildly inflated concerns, false charges and publicity antics over the reuse of old tennis courts?This is in addition to taping paper flyers over the Parks’ required signage. There were half a dozen attached to the fence since yesterday, most of them having been removed.What is their defense of this ongoing violation of laws and littering? 
As it is now, it is a muddy mess unsafe for walking due to numerous dog dug holes. The park workers are not to blame and should not be taunted or obstructed from the job they are required to do. The fencing will distance the disturbers. 
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