LINCOLN PARK PICKLEBALL? Opponent keeping vigil at site; city to establish ‘work zone’

1:14 PM: At least one opponent of Seattle Parks‘ plan to convert Lincoln Park‘s ex-tennis courts to pickleball courts is trying a new tactic, For the second day, a man is keeping vigil at the space. We first met the man, who identified himself as Lance, there yesterday after hearing police dispatched to the park for a report that “three protesters” were reported to be at the site, allegedly thwarting Parks workers, Dispatch audio indicates the police response was canceled because the workers left. We asked Parks what had happened and they said, “Someone was down at the park trying to interfere with the work today [Monday], and the police were called.” Lance indicated that he intended to continue “occupying” the site, so we went back at midday today to see if he was there. He was (that’s his chair in our photos), along with a few other opponents of the pickleball plan, and a TV crew. Lance said Parks workers had been back around 6:45 am but left. He said they were trying to “leave debris” at the site and he believes a permit is needed for work at the site. Parks has contended it does not need environmental review to place a new overlay on the existing pavement for the court conversion; we have another request out to Parks for comment on that and the ongoing vigil. Opponents say the noise of pickleball will interfere with wildlife; those there with Lance today pointed out when we arrived that a raven was heard calling (we heard it too) in nearby trees.

ADDED 2:30 PM: Here’s how Parks’ media team responded to our questions: “The work does not require a permit. Someone did interfere with employees’ work this morning. Seattle Parks and Recreation will be establishing a work zone in the park where only staff and contracted workers will be permitted to enter. Any members of the public who enter this area will be asked to leave. We completely supporting everyone’s First Amendment right, but want to ensure that staff, the contractor, and members of the public are safe.”

249 Replies to "LINCOLN PARK PICKLEBALL? Opponent keeping vigil at site; city to establish 'work zone'"

  • Alki resident October 17, 2023 (1:21 pm)

    So this man is causing unnecessary police calls that others may need for their emergencies. Get a restraining order on him and ban him from the park. This is beyond overkill drama and these protesters aren’t going to win. 

    • KT October 18, 2023 (6:39 am)

      This man is exciting his constitutional rights.  Restraining order for what?

    • TM October 18, 2023 (5:26 pm)

      Alki Resident, “beyond overkill drama” sums up your post

  • Jeff October 17, 2023 (1:43 pm)

    lol this is getting ridiculous. I don’t want it either but there has to be a better use of our time as a society.

    • Annoyed Brown Girl October 17, 2023 (3:54 pm)

      Thank you, Jeff! I’m going to get on my soap box for a hot minute… there are literally people dying on the other side of the world, a whole genocide is happening, and this is what WS people are concerned with? I usually don’t play the “my problem is worse than your problem” card, but I am 100% going to play that card here because this shouldn’t even be an issue. Literally who cares?! I want to know if any of these white WS people have given the same energy and effort to what is happening in Gaza or other parts of the world where there are REAL problems. Have they protested? Talked about it with their friends? Donated? As a brown person, this is peak white people behavior. This is embarrassing to society and y’all need to get a life. Sorry, not sorry. 

      • Cat Girl October 17, 2023 (6:56 pm)

        I’m so glad we live somewhere peaceful enough that people can take the time to show they care about a local park. I’m grateful that my neighbors are safe enough that they can take the time to speak up about protecting natural spaces, something that is increasingly important right now. Yes, awful things are happening in the world and I’m sure everyone here is aware of the situation in the Middle East. I have family in Israel, and it’s terrifying, but that literally has nothing to do with this. 

        • Teri October 17, 2023 (9:06 pm)

          Well said

        • Ryan October 17, 2023 (9:44 pm)

          Always going to be opposite views. However this situation reminds me of road rage.at the end of the day if someone cuts you off how far are going to go to make sure you are vindicated… let it go, except, and try and find happiness.

      • midlife crisis October 17, 2023 (7:37 pm)

        You took time away from more important things to criticize other people for taking time away from more important things…and to make their shortcomings and your superiority about race.

      • Priorities October 17, 2023 (8:09 pm)

        Agreed!! Let’s be so serious about priorities. But sad to say, not so surprised. WS is overall a great place to live and I’ve met many wonderful people, but as a WOC I have experienced microaggressions even when walking through my own neighborhood. I’ve witnessed microaggressions against others as well. Would love if some more WS folks put just as much energy protecting and welcoming Black and brown neighbors as much as they do wildlife!

      • Pelicans October 17, 2023 (9:57 pm)

        Annoyed Brown Girl, How in the world did you skew this over to the color of people’s skin?  If ever there was a sport available to almost everyone, it would be pickleball.  For just the price of a paddle and a ball, you’re in. The only limits I can think of are physical ability and the availability of courts.And no, I don’t play pickleball.  And, I am not in favor of those courts in LP.  The city is trying to circumvent their own processes the same way they tried to slide in ziplines in LP a few years ago. Many of us have been and are doing something about “…what is happening in Gaza and other parts of the world” by contributing our money, time and/or prayers.But that has never been and never will be a prerequisite to act for and support whatever local causes we choose. Except maybe in your own opinion, to which you are entitled.

        • The Other Guy October 18, 2023 (7:05 am)

          Well said, Pelicans. This disagreement over preserving the qualities and character of green space (Team Leaves) versus increasing recreational opportunities (Team Paddles) versus government overreach (Team Democracy) is intended to improve the quality for life of all residents, now and future generations. For All.  People are going to feel passionate about places, and healthy lifestyles, and their lines of work, all of which this park-pickleball conversation touches. Luckily we aren’t one-dimensional and can care and do something about multiple issues at once on local and world stages. Being the comment section of a local news outlet, it makes sense that conversations here center local issues. There is so much pain and chaos in the world, so many ways to tear us apart as societies, cultures, and individuals. I hope everyone who’s hurting today can find a moment of peace and belonging and compassion. Throughout this entire discussion a fight for “the other guy” has been evoked. Admirable, perhaps, but can we agree to aim for the good without destroying it? 

      • mary October 18, 2023 (12:57 pm)

        Exactly. And this is where we come to escape thinking about all of that, yes we are privileged enough to have this and shouldn’t be reprimanded for wanting to keep it what it is: peaceful. 

      • Marie October 22, 2023 (10:31 am)

        I have done both. 

    • Zipda October 17, 2023 (7:24 pm)

      Seriously. The world’s on fire with so many military, political and social issues and pickle ball courts draws such robust responses? I’m bit confused.

      • KT October 18, 2023 (6:38 am)

        Google pickle ball noise law suits and you will see other communities across the US are now faced with exoensuve lawsuits due to the noise these courts inflict on the community.  This protestor, if successful, could actually be saving the City’s lot of money in future legal fees.

        • Candace October 19, 2023 (9:58 am)

          Yes! Would anyone know where and how I can join the occupation? Thank you!

          • Teri October 19, 2023 (6:42 pm)

            You can show up at the decommissioned tennis court/Storage are for compost, vehicles/etc. for more info on how to support the anti- pickleball court protest. Here is petition which has the facts and data regarding why so many are against upgraded these decommissioned, cracked, tennis courts.  https://www.change.org/p/preserve-lincoln-park-s-natural-balance?redirect=falseThis

          • Marie October 22, 2023 (10:34 am)

            Go to petition at change.org and sign. Look for Lincoln park in Seattle with pic of owls. Sign and make sure to mark the box that says you want updates. also just go down to the courts during the day

  • TJ October 17, 2023 (1:44 pm)

    Sorry, but Lincoln Park is a urban park in a densifying city that is meant for human recreation. It is big enough to fulfill lots of activities. For the nature walkers, no trails will be removed. And what enjoyment are park users getting currently from that spot? The park was not envisioned or set up as a wildlife refuge. Birds will simply move to another spot if the noise indeed does bother them, but some, like Ravens (I didn’t know there are ravens in Seattle unless we are talking about a crow) are scavengers and are attracted to human activity. Occupying the space and trying to interfere with park workers is a silly tactic that I don’t know how someone could look themselves in the mirror doing. What a waste of time for something that isn’t changing the park at all.

    • WSB October 17, 2023 (2:08 pm)

      Yes, we have ravens! I’m not an expert birder but I know the difference in their calls. We’ve had photos of them in WSB bird galleries before:
      https://westseattleblog.com/2020/06/west-seattle-birds-9-views-of-your-winged-neighbors/

      • Mark Ahlness October 17, 2023 (5:01 pm)

        Seattle had no nesting Ravens for decades, until a pair nested in Lincoln Park in 2014. Regular park visitors almost take them for granted these days, but it is remarkable that they have returned. We are lucky to have them.  Here’s a video of Ravens and their voices in Lincoln Park from 2015:  https://youtu.be/4V4BLszUhuc?si=pHp9mZXqnxR5kIS4
        And yes, they hang out in the north end of the park – for now.

      • Teri October 17, 2023 (9:09 pm)

        There is a family of ravens that hangs out in the meadow and a big tree right next to the proposed Pickleball court 

    • Disappointed October 17, 2023 (3:34 pm)

      “move to another spot if the noise indeed does bother them,” to where, TJ? This argument has a logical end to it when there are no more places for birds to go to escape from sound. why do you think in urban settings we mostly hear loud, raucous birds? birds are sensitive to noise, plain and simple, and if we incrementally remove their habitat we will no longer get to live with them. why is the focus on animals having to change for us? look around at abandoned homes, vacant parking lots, and ask yourself why we can’t use those unused by anyone locations? we just have to put something else in that will negatively impact the nature around us? it’s wild the empathy that was given to the tennis players using solstice park about having to share (oh no, the more lines) and the noise impacting them is not extended to birds, mammals, and folks that want a quiet respite from the city. in the end, the folks that benefit the most are the most privileged, and the least privileged have to bear the brunt while they are the ones decried as NIMBYs…

      • Duwamesque October 17, 2023 (6:21 pm)

        I’d like to see some evidence to support these claims by “environmentalists” that pickleball will seriously disrupt wildlife habitat. It seems much more likely this is a red herring to distract from people’s personal dislike of the sport (and sense of entitlement to dictate appropriate public recreation).

        • Cat Girl October 17, 2023 (7:56 pm)

          Here are a couple articles on the noise issues around pickelball. If you google Pickleball and Loud you’ll see that noise from this sport is causing a lot of issues all over the country. If the sound bothers humans it bothers wildlife even more. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/30/sports/pickleball-noise-complaints-lawsuits.htmlhttps://www.npr.org/2023/06/09/1181246866/pickleball-noise-problem-courts-bats-play

          • Orcakid October 18, 2023 (12:52 am)

            Thank you for advocating for wildlife.

          • Resident October 18, 2023 (10:19 am)

            Those stories are about pickleball next to residential neighborhoods.  That is not the case here.  People don’t live in the park, they visit for a short time and then they leave.Before you go to wildlife.  This is not a wildlife refuge.  It is a city park for people.  It always has been.  While I appreciate the passion being displayed for the wildlife, this is first and foremost a public park designed for recreation for the citizens of a growing, densifying city.Taking these things into account these are not good arguements.

        • Dee October 17, 2023 (8:10 pm)

          D a Krystal. If they were so concerned about noise and not just the pickle ball game itself they would be protesting, baseball games, asking for removal of the children play equipment and wading pool, picnics, dogs barking and the many other numerous loud activities that have occurred in the park for generations.

        • JustSarah October 17, 2023 (8:36 pm)

          There’s no actual science behind it. This is already a very “human” part of the park. Yes, there are crows, ravens, bald eagles, squirrels, and other “hardy” wildlife. They will continue to hang out with pickleball. The more fragile species in the park are not right there, because there’s already so much human activity, noise, off-leash dogs… If they’re in Lincoln Park, they’re further south in the “deep woods” where the sound just will not be an issue. 

    • TJ2 October 17, 2023 (11:12 pm)

      I agree with you TJ!! If anyone is so concerned with noise interfering with wildlife, then why are they not trying to protest to take away the playgrounds and swings in Lincoln where kids play, and are loud, and scream? Why are they not protesting during weekend soccer games on the field  put on by the ymca? What about the baseball games or the large gatherings for picnics? Lots of noise! Tennis courts have been there since I was a child, which was a very long time ago. They are just updating the courts and changing the lines for the popular and growing sport-Pickleball. Lincoln is a recreational park for ALL activities!! We also just happen to be blessed that we have wildlife to enjoy along with it in the Pacific Northwest. 

      • AMOSeattle October 18, 2023 (5:10 pm)

        There are many reasons the location is not a good one for pickleball.  It used to be a tennis court, but the site is so shady and on a slight slope, that it was slick and slippery.  It has not been used as a tennis court for many years and has been storage for the park.  We are in a climate and ecological emergency with the global temperature rising at an alarming rate and wildlife extinction as well.  Hottest July, August, September on record.  We need to be protecting natural spaces and depaving, not putting in an unnecessary pickleball court.  There are tennis courts nearby that can be updated to be shared with pickleball players as well.  

    • Marie October 22, 2023 (10:37 am)

      The noise will displace raptors and create noise that will destroy the serenity of the upper half of the park. Look at the video from yesterday on the wsb

    • Cindy October 26, 2023 (12:23 pm)

      Many people enjoy field next to court for picnics and recreation like frisbee. This would no longer be possible. There are very few places we can go to experience nature and relax. Please let’s preserve our natural spaces.

  • Rhonda October 17, 2023 (1:50 pm)

    Good for you, Lance. Not all heroes wear capes.

    • DC October 17, 2023 (4:10 pm)

      Interesting to see you taking a pro-crime stance here Rhonda. Wonder what makes you okay with some crime and not others.

      • Rhonda October 17, 2023 (5:38 pm)

        DC, Americans have a right to protest their local, state, county, and state governments. See the U.S. First Amendment if you don’t understand this. 

        • Jethro Marx October 17, 2023 (8:18 pm)

          I see. So if I don’t like the work public servants are doing in the course of their duties I can obstruct them and am covered by the bill of rights.

      • Eyeroll October 17, 2023 (7:53 pm)

        I agree with whoever said that it is a vocal minority trying to stop the new pickleball courts. I’m always excited when more recreational opportunities are added to our parks. I would way prefer a former court to be used as a court rather than used to store machinery. Lincoln Park is a city park meant for community gathering. If you want a hike with no noise, I suggest visiting the backcountry. 

    • Alki resident October 17, 2023 (4:36 pm)

      You’re right but Lance isn’t a hero. He’s a creeper who messaged me on FB messenger to harass me because of a comment for pickle ball. The conversations we have need to stay on public forum, NOT getting special messages so someone can tell you how they feel without being banned from a group. I’m a female and he gives major creep vibes. 

    • Alki resident October 17, 2023 (5:54 pm)

      You’re right and Lance is no hero. He’s harassing women on social media whom are speaking their likes for pickle ball court. 

  • Tired of the BS October 17, 2023 (1:51 pm)

    Now if we could only get young people involved in pickleball, maybe it would keep them from getting into trouble. Didn’t that work with basketball???

    • Jay October 17, 2023 (2:22 pm)

      Basketball is mainly a youth sport. Basketball courts in West Seattle have been largely abandoned, with cracked asphalt and the nets have rotted off the hoops long ago. Many only have one hoop. Pickleball is a less athletic sport that draws older players. You’re not going to get the youth interested in pickleball any more than golf, badmitton, etc. If you want to give young people things to do, we need to invest in basketball courts (even just refreshing the surface and adding nets to existing courts or adding a second hoop so kids can play proper games), skate parks (always overcrowded, not enough in our area), and BMX tracks / pump tracks / mini urban bike parks. Instead of trying to get youth interested in older people hobbies, accommodate the hobbies and sports youth are already interested in.

      • Alki resident October 17, 2023 (2:45 pm)

        Not sure where you’re getting your statistics from but my kids ages 20’s to 30’s play pickle ball with their peers their age group, all over Washington. My grandchildren will be learning pickle ball as well. Having it at Lincoln Park will definitely make it convenient. 

        • snowskier October 17, 2023 (5:21 pm)

          People in their 20’s and 30’s are adults.  Your children are playing games with other adults, not with kids.

          • Alki resident October 17, 2023 (5:55 pm)

            My grandsons have friends who play pickle ball. This isnt a new sport 

      • johnny October 17, 2023 (3:14 pm)

        Totally agree Jay!  You make a lot of sense!

      • WS Res October 17, 2023 (3:31 pm)

        People have complained about the “noise” of basketball courts as well, historically.

      • Chris October 17, 2023 (4:37 pm)

        This is so hilarious!  Ever seen pro pickleball? If you want to see just how old and non-athletic Pickleballers are, head up to Highpoint after work, jump into a game, and my guess is you’ll get run so ragged by 20 and 30 yr olds that you’ll be seeing your orthopedist the next day. You might even lose your teeth in the process. In 5 years, every kid will be playing in school. It’s not a fad, the nature of sport is changing.  PB is an unstoppable force because it’s fun, it’s inclusive, and it doesn’t require a big financial investment to get started. It’s for everyone, just like Lincoln Park.

        • John October 17, 2023 (7:55 pm)

          I’m gonna put this post in a time capsule

          • Eric October 17, 2023 (9:15 pm)

            Right?!  These people are profoundly ridiculous. 

      • mjc October 17, 2023 (5:38 pm)

        @Jay, I like your ideas of improved basketball courts, more skate parks and pump tracks. Hopefully you’ve ridden the new one at North SeaTac. The thing is, though, there are folks of all ages playing Pickleball. Last year, Anna Leigh Waters, 15, captured the first triple crown in her career at the 2022 National Championships, winning gold in the Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles competitions according to USA Pickleball. Now, we know not ever kid is gonna pick it up, but it is just another sport that they *could* explore and enjoy. Just as much as cyclocross, ultimate frisbee or snowboarding. Bottom line, in my mind, we need more resources, more unique resources to keep kids busy  and interested (more pump tracks please) and forget the notion that any one sport is “an old person’s game”.Back to our regularly programmed dramatic debate. See you on the trails, Jay.

    • 1994 October 17, 2023 (11:18 pm)

      Oh my heaven! Basketball makes way too much noise with that frequent thumping of the ball and human hollering that goes along with it! Just being snarky – I stand with the pickleballers and all ballers :)  I would imagine the Seattle Parks Dept has attorneys on staff, or on contract, who would know if an environmental review is needed or not. Just because some people think one is needed does not make it so. What did City attorney Anne Davison have to say about this? Wasn’t the lead protestor going to meet with Anne Davison?

  • Fabiano Caruana October 17, 2023 (2:14 pm)

    Please install chess tables next. Thanks!   

    • JustSarah October 18, 2023 (12:07 am)

      Oh, I actually love this idea for the grassy areas around the playground, shelter 5, and north of the zip line. I’d be all for six or so of those scattered around, and maybe a little chess piece library nearby! I’m working on a little puzzle and game library now for my house near the park. :-)

  • HS October 17, 2023 (2:16 pm)

    I watched a few interesting YouTube videos about the sound of pickleball. What I found super interesting is that the pitch of pickleball is a high frequency that is measurable at consistent levels a significant distance from the court. Of note, people begin to lose their ability to hear high frequency noise around age 30. Animals are more attuned to high frequency sound. Essentially, they said the sound is akin to the sound of a faucet dripping (irritating) with consistent high frequency noise levels that spanning a wide distance from the court. There are also active Reddit posts about neighbor noise complaints and lawsuits around existent Seattle pickleball courts. Here, the city is reusing the old tennis courts based on the Seattle Building Codes Use And Occupancy Classification (Seattle SDCI building codes chapter 3); however, I wonder if there may be an argument for “sound measurements” (Seattle SDCI Noise Abatement). USA Pickleball reported noise levels of 90 decibels which according to the SDCI Typical Environmental Noises
    Sound Levels and Human Responses is equivalent to an angle grinder and 10 decibels below a ‘very loud’ SDCI classification and 20 decibels above a “telephone difficult to use” classification due to noise. It may lead to the requirement of a ‘noise barrier’ for this site to host a non-tennis sport.

    • flimflam October 17, 2023 (5:49 pm)

      Interesting comment, thank you.

    • Duwamesque October 17, 2023 (6:24 pm)

      Ah yes YouTube, that peer reviewed scientific institution known for its impeccable research credentials.

    • Dee October 17, 2023 (8:18 pm)

      Yes, ironically the same decibels as tennis courts. Hmmm maybe they will be protesting tennis courts next??? Oh please let’s stop this insanity. It is a RECREATIONAL PARK, for goodness sake, meant for recreation!!!

    • Eric October 17, 2023 (9:18 pm)

      I saw that video too!  By the flat earth guy on Whidbey right? 

    • DemandCurve October 17, 2023 (10:48 pm)

      High frequency noise does not carry remotely as well as low frequency noise. Sound attenuates (gets quieter) with the square of the frequency. This is basic first year physics, or basic anything having anything to do with sound or sound recording. Please take your hokey youtube videos back to the depths of reddit. Your youtube pickleball complainers have tinnitus / nimbyism.

    • Marie October 22, 2023 (10:45 am)

      One of the most thoughtful, respectful and researched post here. Thank you!Yes noise is the biggest problem. I haven’t been able to find alot of research but what I have done so far indicates that it is not that effective and very expensive. Those of us protesting are not against pickleball. I actually would like to try it. The courts really ought to be inside in my opinion. thanks again for your respectful post

  • Fauntleroy Child October 17, 2023 (2:21 pm)

    My family moved to Fauntleroy in 1960.  I grew up playing in Lincoln Park.  As a child I played tennis at those old courts.  We were loud & silly & young.  It was great.  I believe we need to offer the same opportunity to kids today.  

  • Sh October 17, 2023 (2:22 pm)

    “Parks has contended it does not need environmental review to place a new overlay on the existing pavement for the court conversion” It should absolutely require an environmental review unless the new overlay is intended for tennis! The existing slab was designed for tennis. The environmental review was based on factors involving the game of tennis. Pickleball is an entirely different sport generating high decibel, far reaching noise with a much greater and far reaching impact  on the surrounding environment and also light pollution (if installed) which according to Rachel Schulkin, Public Affairs Manager : “Additionally, we are evaluating if lighting is feasible or appropriate for this site.”   Lighting should also require an environmental review .

    • SealthTennisTeam October 17, 2023 (3:35 pm)

      That is a ridiculous contention.  The old courts were paved a nearly a century ago.  Resurfacing, painting, adding lines are all things that have been done before in their history.  Lights existed there when I played tennis on the Chief Wealth Tennis Team in the late 1960s.  By Sh’s reasoning, SEPA review would be required to  paint the buildings and change the toilet paper in the rest rooms, or even mow the grass playfields.

      • Sh October 17, 2023 (4:14 pm)

        Feel free to refer to the SEPA checklist below Which in fact includes needing to review Noise, Nearby Wildlife, etc. based on what the project is being designed for. Parks is trying to skirt SEPA for all the new factors that come with installing 6 Pickleball courts. The original project at that time was evaluated for the factors of tennis not pickle ball. Pickleball generates significant high decibel noise with a far reaching impact. Also LED lights were not in use in the 60’s. They also have a higher impact on the surrounding environment. These new factors should  require a new SEPA process by Parks, not what was used to evaluate tennis in the 60s. …that’s funny, but this is not about toilet paper. https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SDCI/Forms/SEPAChecklist.pdf

        • Another Neighbor October 17, 2023 (6:20 pm)

          Environmental Planner here. Since the State Environmental Policy Act was put in place in 1971, and Lincoln Park predates that, I would be surprised if there has been any environmental review of the tennis courts. However, my professional opinion is that Parks is correct in their interpretation. This proposal is consistent with the existing use of the park. If they were proposing a new park, that would be a different story.

          • Sh October 17, 2023 (6:59 pm)

            Another Neighbor, Thanks for weighing in. I had wondered about that as well as far as tennis courts dating back to the 60s and a SEPA review. But wonder if “change of use” would apply in this instance since these were originally tennis courts deemed as fitting in with Lincoln park and now a change of use by resurfacing for 6 pickle ball courts that will generate excessive noise and light pollution.  All new factors that should be reviewed.In any case, it seems questionable that Park’s has come to its own conclusion based on their interpretation of SEPA and that there is not an outside entity that reviews Park’s conclusion that they are exempt

          • Another Neighbor October 17, 2023 (7:20 pm)

            Hi Sh, that’s how SEPA was written. For this decision, Parks is the lead agency. Just like Sound Transit is the lead agency for the environmental review of the light rail projects. If one disagrees with their determination, there is an appeals process. My guess is that Parks would come out on top of any appeal.

          • Sh October 17, 2023 (8:15 pm)

            If it were appealed, I’m guessing  the process would be slow going and likely not get underway until after the Pickleball courts have been installed and are up and running. I guess we shall see… Thanks for the sane and reasonable exchange Another Neighbor :)

    • Marie October 22, 2023 (10:49 am)

      Yes, the city says it won’t put lighting up but you know it’s going to happen down the road ” no lighting now but that could change at some point” is what one Parks staff member told me

  • Kyle Kyle Crocodile October 17, 2023 (2:31 pm)

    Platforming this guy is not cool. He was harassing, doxing, and threatening women in the Westside Connection Facebook group just for expressing support for the project. 

    Edit: I posted right as the update went up. Parks employees should be concerned for their safety. This guy is unhinged and made it clear he will go to great lengths to stop the work.

    • WSB October 17, 2023 (3:27 pm)

      I have no idea what happens on Facebook; we don’t have time to waste there. I would hope that the group you mention has rules about such things and doesn’t allow threats or harassment, or that a user can be reported for using a social-media service to convey such things. Anyway, this story is not “platforming,” it’s reporting of a newsworthy situation – TR

  • Melissa Westbrook October 17, 2023 (2:40 pm)

     Pickleball is a less athletic sport that draws older players. You’re not going to get the youth interested in pickleball any more than golf, badmitton, etc.”Probably stated by someone who has never played and absolutely false. There are new and younger players all the time. The top pros are younger. It’s a great and healthy sport that is only going to grow. 

    • JustSarah October 17, 2023 (5:55 pm)

      Correct! My tween is excited to have this option at the park. He and the neighbor friends love going to the park but are aging out of the playground, so they mostly ride their bikes or kick a soccer ball. This will be a great activity option!
      And for those keeping tabs, because there are many, I live close enough to the park to hear the track meet cheers, summer Thursday bagpipe ensemble, community orchestra performances… I doubt I’ll hear pickleball pings, but I won’t mind if I do.

  • Joe Z October 17, 2023 (2:47 pm)

    While this particular instance can be easily laughed off, people with too much time on their hands are doing similar things all over the place to subvert our city government from functioning and block progress of any kind. It’s amazing that anything gets done at all, and at the pace we’re headed eventually nothing will get done at all. 

  • Admiral-2009 October 17, 2023 (2:50 pm)

    Is this April 1st?

  • April October 17, 2023 (2:55 pm)

    Yeah for Lance!!! 

    • DC October 17, 2023 (4:17 pm)

      Another pro-criminal commenter. Interesting…

  • Jeepney October 17, 2023 (3:07 pm)

    Hopefully those who trespass in the work zone are arrested and charged.  This is too much ado about nothing.

  • Wseattleite October 17, 2023 (3:08 pm)

    Choose your battles people.  This is starting to look like a toddler screaming and stomping their feet because they don’t get to have a second helping of ice cream.  Aren’t their homeless to feed?

  • Quiz October 17, 2023 (3:10 pm)

    LOL. Are we living in a Portlandia skit?

    • sam-c October 17, 2023 (3:34 pm)

      Exactly what I thought.

    • JVP October 17, 2023 (3:47 pm)

      No kidding. Seattle is making a mockery of itself with this one.  You can probably scare these protestors away by trying to make eye contact or smiling at them. It works to scare most people I pass on the sidewalk these days. 

    • Anita B October 17, 2023 (3:47 pm)

      😂. Was just going to comment, this whole debate is the most Seattle thing ever, but the Portlandia reference is spot on. 

    • WS Res October 17, 2023 (8:42 pm)

      Maybe if they put a bird on the pickleball court??

  • redfolder October 17, 2023 (3:19 pm)

    When were the tennis courts last used for tennis in Lincoln Park?  

    • WSDAD October 17, 2023 (5:38 pm)

      Funny. I walk through Lincoln Park every other day and I have never seen a tennis court. I thinks its where they store all the construction equipment and sand in the middle of the park. I don’t think you would hear a thing being in the middle of the park. 

    • Teri October 17, 2023 (9:51 pm)

      The decommission tennis courts were last used at least 20 years ago

  • Actually Mike October 17, 2023 (3:22 pm)

    Good man, Lance! Thank you for taking a stand (or a sit) for what’s right. Parks & Rec are obviously doing everything they can to avoid hearing the significant numbers of us who do not want piggyball in Lincoln Park–there are none so deaf as a man with his fingers in his ears, hmm? Their own Website shows that there are already 12 p-ball courts at 3 Parks & Rec locations in West Seattle–how many are needed, really?? https://www.seattle.gov/parks/recreation/sports/pickleball

    • Disappointed October 17, 2023 (3:44 pm)

      wow, it’s so telling that the sports page on SP&R doesn’t even include a section for basketball. it just has a footer sending you to community centers for indoor. there’s at least 1 outdoor near Chief Sealth, so they exist. a section for tennis, section for “growing” sport pickleball, and 1 for golf. Shows that Seattle doesn’t care about the youth, and it’s no wonder they’d be more interested in stealing cars when there are so few basketball, volleyball, open and free places to walk and exist and exercise. governance has catered to an aging, capital gluttoned population for far too long.

      • Hughes Neighbor October 17, 2023 (5:31 pm)

        There are 3 basketball hoops at EC Hughes!  It’s often full with pickup games and people just shooting hoops!

    • DC October 17, 2023 (4:26 pm)

      Wow! Another pro-crime supporter in the comments. You see plenty of people accusing others of supporting crime for suggesting we don’t throw homeless people in jail. But the outright support of crime here is new. 

  • Peterman October 17, 2023 (3:43 pm)

    If the whiffle balls were coated with a thin layer of felt, or similar material, to dampen the sound, would this be okay with the bird folks?  

    • Canton October 17, 2023 (11:55 pm)

      Great idea, and angle, to mediate the situation. Maybe rubber dipped pickleballs as well?

  • Anon October 17, 2023 (3:47 pm)

    This is not a good guy. He was in a community Facebook group threatening women publicly and via PM just for expressing support for the courts. There was no prior confrontation. Someone said she liked the court location and he went off. I saw him at the site solo yesterday and steered clear because I truly believe he is unsafe, especially for women. There are many red flags just in this one comment. 

    • Lance October 17, 2023 (8:17 pm)

      Hello again, anon. I again will say that I stand by my abrasive statements regarding my judgements and opinions! Thank you for continuing to provide publicity! I have informed many people about this scenario, and how ridiculous the reaction was to my judgements of another person’s character.I agree this woman’s opinion that she thought it was a good idea, probably didn’t warrent me pointing out that she breaks laws, but again, we can leave that for the thinkers to consider. Meanwhile your government officials are blatantly ignoring policy set in place for very specific environmental reasons. All you have spent your day doing is trying to besmirch my name in a way that only makes you look petty, and cowardly. Again I stand by my remarks about the “woman” and if anyone would like to have a conversation about all of this in person, please, by all means, come to THE COMPOST DUMP at Lincoln park, tomorrow! I’ll be there all day enjoying the peace and quiet that the park provides, and will continue to provide in the future.

      • Admiral Neighbor October 17, 2023 (11:11 pm)

        You need to seek help, neighbor. You may have some sort of administrative law argument for your cause, but your messages suggest “loony” at best. Be an adult and consult an attorney on this manner, and stop DMing people with crazed rants.
        “Lesser humans”….you seriously stand by that? What a wild thing to permanently attach to your name.  

  • Value in quiet October 17, 2023 (3:48 pm)

    There is great value in a quiet swath of forest in a park enjoyed by the community. I am concerned that Parks is speeding this plan through, despite opposition and call for discussion. Parks seems to do almost everything else in a speed the opposite direction of fast, so why the mad dash now? At the tail end of October? Do people want to play pickleball outside in the rain in a place where the trees make it even darker in winter? While dead foliage quickly accumulates on the courts?  Why was the other plan scrapped to share some of the Solstice Park courts? Where is the funding coming from? In light of these and many more unanswered questions, I applaud Lance and Kersti and others involved who are using so much time and energy to try to make any of this make sense. Walking and running in a peaceful Lincoln Park has saved my mental health many times. I have a dog but don’t want a dog park in ‘LP. I don’t want the high-pitched loud noises of pickleball in the park either. Please keep upper Lincoln Park the place of quiet that it is.

    • WSB October 17, 2023 (5:22 pm)

      We’ve already reported on the funding.
      https://westseattleblog.com/2023/10/pickleball-in-lincoln-park-or-solstice-park-3-updates/

    • Resident October 18, 2023 (1:44 am)

      There is also A LOT of support for these courts. They will be used, and it will benefit many in West Seattle. You can’t just say you oppose it so it shouldn’t be.

      • Denise October 19, 2023 (10:14 pm)

        There are far more opposed to pickleball in Lincoln. The petition is close to 3500, and it is growing fast.People love this park. We don’t want it ruined. 

        • JustSarah October 19, 2023 (11:06 pm)

          Your petition was overly broad and misleading, unknown number of signers are not residents f Seattle, and Change.org petitions are meaningless, so no, that does not intimidate anyone.

    • Hope Barker October 21, 2023 (3:39 pm)

      Well said.  I live in Bellevue and we are facing a similar problem with our local government.  The City of Bellevue has decided to try to sneak in an Olympic Swimming Pool Sports Arena and 16 pickleball courts in my neighborhood on top of a meadow which used to be an old landfill.  The entire community benefits from this open space, and recently Bellevue residents passed a levy to preserve the environment and preserve open spaces.  We have started our own petition, saveairfieldpark.org.  Please sign if you feel so inclined.  In a time of severe climate change we need to save the environment, not destroy it.  We need to protect our quiet places for future generations.  Thank you to all the people who are volunteering to protect our natural resources for future generations.  We appreciate you!

  • IHeartBPP October 17, 2023 (4:11 pm)

    The central, undisputed issue is that a large group of citizens are being disenfranchised from this decision. 

    Here are the facts that should concern EVERYONE: 
    Seattle Parks and Rec committed to restripe the Solstice tennis courts for pickleball 
    Seattle Parks and Rec did an about-face when they received complaints from tennis players
    Seattle Parks and Rec misrepresented a storage lot as existing tennis courts in Lincoln Park to skirt SEPA review under the “existing maintenance” clause.   These haven’t been tennis courts for 25+ years
    Seattle Parks and Rec closed the door to receiving public input beyond the tennis players. 
    The City of Seattle Code of Ethics directs city agencies, officers, and employees to act in a fair, transparent, and equitable manner toward the citizens whom they serve.   That has not happened in the case and our representative government should be held accountable. 

    • Teri October 17, 2023 (10:08 pm)

      ThAnk you for your accurate post.

    • Resident October 18, 2023 (1:46 am)

      On the flip side there would be a lot of disenfranchised people if they restriped solstice. We can’t make everyone happy and dual use courts wouldn’t be a good solution. This will be much better.

  • EJ October 17, 2023 (4:14 pm)

    👏🏻 Big shoutout to Parks for investing in our neighborhood, even though there’s a vocal minority dead-set on keeping things stuck in the past (aka, in a run-down state). It’s kind of a bummer that Parks has to go the extra mile to secure the work area, and this might mean fewer cool projects for West Seattle down the line. So I guess it looks like the loud few might end up getting their way in the end. ☹️

    • Jackson K October 17, 2023 (7:51 pm)

      Yay! Pickleball in Lincoln Park! 

  • shufflerunner October 17, 2023 (4:15 pm)

    I think we all should brace for our neighborhood to be skewered in the national media. We are living in a surrealist comedy.

    • Cat Girl October 17, 2023 (8:00 pm)

      There have been issues with pickleball noise all over the country. This is not a Seattle only thing. Pickleball is loud and it will be incredibly disruptive to the wildlife and locals who enjoy the park. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-03-03/pickleball-noise-fueling-neighborhood-drama

      • Powerless October 17, 2023 (10:11 pm)

        This sucks and we are powerless to stop it. 

        • Jackson K October 18, 2023 (6:20 am)

          But what about me and all those in favor of these courts? I think it’s great and feel empowered that Parks is creating more activities for all to enjoy! I am also still looking for a doubles partner. Mine just moved to Tacoma for a new job. 

      • 1994 October 18, 2023 (8:01 pm)

        My neighbor had a pickleball court put in their large backyard. It was the scene of summer tournaments that went on for hours. I heard the noise but it was not driving me crazy. And, there remained plenty of fowl in the area, plenty of racoons, possums., squirrels….I am sure the creatures were not driven crazy either.

    • TM October 17, 2023 (10:55 pm)

      This is not an isolated case, at all. Google pickleball noise (or anything similar) and you will find countless articles and news/video pieces regarding the negative impacts. Seattle, and Seattle Parks are also having issues with significant pickleball noise complaints elsewhere in town. This may be part of their impetus for pushing through this project quickly and with no announcement before the plan had been “set”. Pickleball seems like a great fit for indoors. 

  • Alki resident October 17, 2023 (4:28 pm)

    I was private messaged by Lance Nelson after I commented on the post. He continued to harass me until I blocked him. I still have his conversation in my messenger. This guy is creepy and I’ll be notifying the police now that I’m putting two and two together. 

    • Anon October 17, 2023 (6:04 pm)

      Thank you, Alki resident. I saw that whole thing play out and he went off the deep end fast. The only reason I didn’t speak up is because I’ve been muted until 11/4, but at least many others were calling him out as well. I’m so sorry, it’s scary knowing someone like that is out there. 

      • Jethro Marx October 17, 2023 (9:21 pm)

        Bringing facebook bickering to the blog is like bringing your wet dog in to a crowded coffee shop. I think you unironically spoke of “red flags” in an earlier comment in which you posted a redacted clip of some messages you allegedly received or heard someone else received- that kind of posting is itself a red flag to most adults. There’s good reason hearsay holds no sway in a court of law.

  • Actually Mike October 17, 2023 (4:55 pm)

    Being a Facebook abstainer I wasn’t aware of any online or other threats, and wouldn’t want to feed into anything like that. The rest of my comment stands, particularly the question of how many p-ball courts are really needed in West Seattle if the existing 12 aren’t enough.

  • Use spaces that aren’t used? October 17, 2023 (5:04 pm)

    There are lots of under utilized parks that could be activated in west Seattle. While there is infrastructure, why not draw crowds to other spaces? What about myrtle reservoir park or Hughes ?

    • Hughes Neighbor October 17, 2023 (5:28 pm)

      E.C. Hughes isn’t under utilized.  The park is full of kiddies playing on the playground throughout the day. The 2 hoop and 1 hoop basketball courts are full after school with pickup games and families shooting hoops.  And the fields are used in the evenings for soccer practice and on the weekends for games.  Many folks also walk their dogs there.  Not sure where a pickleball court would even go at this park seeing as all the areas are currently being utilized for various activities.

      • TM October 17, 2023 (10:58 pm)

        Hughes neighbor, your points plus importantly you and your neighbors would have to deal with the pickleball noise, right?

        • JustSarah October 18, 2023 (12:15 am)

          E.C. Hughes does not have space and that would not be an “easy” project like this one. But besides that, yeah, if sound is an issue it would be much worse for homes surrounding that small park! Surrounding houses would have maybe 150′ of clearance on average. This Lincoln Park location has the absolute closest house at nearly 800′. But the petitioners claim it’s not about humans anyway. They actually love pickleball, supposedly… Just want it to be something they never see or hear in “their” park. 

        • Hughes Neighbor October 18, 2023 (7:41 am)

          I would imagine noise would be of concern.  However, it is a park so noise is to be expected.  It isn’t a library where we are expected to be quiet.  The addition of night time lighting would be a welcome addition especially around the 4th of the July when the hooligans set off fireworks on the basketball courts which is gasp! louder than pickleball and it leaves detritus behind that neighbors clean up.  The point I was trying to make is that EC Hughes isn’t an under utilized park and the infrastructure for a pickleball court isn’t already in place.  I have no stakes in this either way and really just come here with my popcorn to watch the absurdity of both sides.

          • JustSarah October 18, 2023 (9:47 am)

            I was with you until the part about basketball leaving detritus. Now confused. What kind of detritus does basketball leave? Or are you actually trying to comment on the types who play basketball?

          • Hughes Neighbor October 20, 2023 (3:57 am)

            The detritus is leftover by the fireworks each year that are set off on the basketball court. 

    • Josh October 18, 2023 (3:53 pm)

      There is a pickleball court one block away from Myrtle reservoir park.  I still dont get why they dont just repaint the solstice park, it is not used much by tennis people, even with their complaining.

  • Judy Sweeney October 17, 2023 (5:07 pm)

    I’d like to comment about young people playing pickle ball. I have grands ages16 to 18. Many weekends they are in my none too flat driveway playing pickle ball. My bed room is just off the driveway. They frequently set up lights to play. Occasionally I hear a shout or laughter but never the ping pong pong of the ball. I don’t think you need to worry about the birds or the environment. 

  • Honey October 17, 2023 (5:12 pm)

    Lots of comments here.  It is a perfect time to  have a discussion about what we cherish about West Seattle before it is too late.  The  upcoming impact/benefit of Sound Transit light rail plans will affect  Longfellow Creek and the Heron Rookery, but  also traffic, businesses, neighborhoods, multiple eco-systems.    According to Sound Transit all these things will be permanently damaged or disrupted  for at least 6 to 8 years.   Sound Transit is having and Open House to address all these issues at the Alki Masonic Hall.  Be there with your questions!  WEST SEATTLE LINK EXTENSION STATION PLANNING FORUM.   Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th Avenue SW.   Next Wednesday,  October 25th, 5:30-7:30pm.

    • Light rail supporter October 17, 2023 (7:59 pm)

      We have two young generations in this home and have seen cars and traffic destroy this community. We support the light rail. 

      • Scarlett October 18, 2023 (1:34 am)

        Light rail will do nothing to change that.   

  • snowskier October 17, 2023 (5:28 pm)

    While the noise is one thing, the plan to spend money and light the courts for night usage concerns me the most.  The interior of the park is supposed to close at dusk.  The animals do use the dark interior of the park for their natural activities.  Unless they plan to light the paths for night usage, I also picture older players stumbling and injuring themselves along uneven ground in the dark while trying to exit the courts then filing lawsuits against the city.   All of this when they could have put a few stripes on the tennis courts across the street and people would be playing already.

    • Alki resident October 17, 2023 (6:01 pm)

      Anytime I plan to be in the woods past dark, I carry a flashlight. Youve come up with all of the scenarios that are so far fetched. 

    • Jackson K October 17, 2023 (7:59 pm)

      Lights may get approved at a later date. But this is a good reminder to get a sign that says, “Older people, be careful exiting the court. Uneven ground in the dark is still uneven.” 

      • Jethro Marx October 17, 2023 (10:09 pm)

        We should also keep printing “CONTENTS MAY BE HOT AFTER HEATING” on coffee cups.

    • Resident October 18, 2023 (10:27 am)

      Lincoln Park is open from 4am to 11:30pm.  Not sure where you got closed at Dusk.https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/lincoln-park

  • Empm October 17, 2023 (5:49 pm)

    Why is this on the fast track while the playground at the south end of the park has been dismantled for years? 

  • flimflam October 17, 2023 (5:52 pm)

    The high pitched noise(s) can’t and shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand. It’s true that it is a city park and not a nature preserve BUT it’s also true that nature does thrive in our lovely wooded park. The lack of environmental review and the speed which this was rammed through is a little odd.

    • TM October 17, 2023 (11:00 pm)

      Agreed on all points

    • Resident October 18, 2023 (1:52 am)

      You don’t need a review if it is already there and the site is already designated as a public park.

      • flimflam October 18, 2023 (3:01 pm)

        In my mind the review would be for the noise levels not the slab that is obviously already there.

  • SeaWalk October 17, 2023 (6:02 pm)

    This is low hanging fruit folks! On Highpoint, sadly I can walk about seven blocks before I fill a large Hefty bag full of trash. Most of it is not found on the sidewalk either. So, if it’s pickle ball that gets folks outside, out of their cars, off their phones and away from social media, I’m all for it! Moreover, I can’t imagine a grumpy, angry or enraged pickle baller, same cannot be said about the before mentioned sedentary activities. 

  • John October 17, 2023 (6:53 pm)

    After following this truly amazing sequence of events, I had to go down to the park.  
    Yes there was Lance “legally occupying a public space”  with chair and his now sole presence blocking the road access to the tennis courts.  
    He was the only activist present.  
    We chatted,  exchanged arguments for twenty minutes and shook hands twice.  
    During that time we saw several dogs tearing up the “meadow” one off leash.
    There were none of his listed birds present. I saw an invasive squirrel and a crow eating some dog poop in the “meadow.” 
    Lance said he was not concerned about the damage to the environment, birds, squirrels and seals by dogs because he is a responsible dog owner.  While talking birds, I asked if he and the activists were supported by the National Audubon Society.  Incredibly, Lance had never heard of such a massive organization devoted to protecting birds for a hundred years!  He said he was, “kinda new to this.”   He said his beef is with the Parks not following policy when I pointed out SEPA was not involved and if it was every other pickleball striping of Seattle Park’s  courts would have also have to undergo SEPA.  He said that just painting the courts for another use kicks off SEPA, although he did not know act SEPA is.   

    • Dogs October 17, 2023 (8:05 pm)

      Yeah, since we’re claiming we care in any way about the park, maybe we could do something about all the dog sh@t, dog sh@t bags, and off leash dogs. If we’re talking environmental impact, the bad dog owner problem should be addressed. I’d like to see evidence about the pickle ball noise. It seemed like a weird NIMBY thing, but maybe there’s something to it. If no, I support the court. For the record, I do not support an off-leash area in the park. 

  • Ryan Caple October 17, 2023 (7:10 pm)

    Bring on the Pickleball!!! Have fun and live a little West Seattle. 

  • Max October 17, 2023 (7:34 pm)

    Thank you Lance for taking the time, and standing up to the people who are shoving this ridiculous thing down our throats. I  hope future generations of Lincoln Park users care as much about it as he does. 

    • Alki resident October 17, 2023 (8:16 pm)

      Lol read above comment about Lance. He’s not really sure why he’s sitting there in the first place. He stalks women online and berates them. Perhaps you or someone can bring him some reading material to bring him up to speed about a lot of things he’s ignorant about. Maybe remind him of the once used and loved tennis court that had lighting that’s simply getting a makeover. 

      • TM October 17, 2023 (11:07 pm)

        Pickleball is not the same as tennis, and thw impact is different. No one is protesting tennis around the country. Pickleball noise complaints are commonplace, including several sites in Seattle. If the only impact was fresh paint and nets, this would be a different story. Trust that other people have strong feelings about Lincoln Park too, feelings that may be different than yours, and maybe equally or more valid? 

  • Brandon October 17, 2023 (8:13 pm)

    Bottom line in my book, anything that can get people out to exercise and enjoy themselves, I’m all for supporting.  I walk along Lincoln constantly with my dogs and 6 year old. I can’t imagine in the craziest scenario that Pickleball will mess up the beauty of the beach or trails.  My kiddo will probably want to stop and watch.  The wildlife will be just fine, they adapt better than humans, as seen by the NIMBYS here freaking put over change and growth.  Its a park, its for everyone, not just a segment of us on this lovely island.  How about a happy medium of 10am to 2pm, then 4pm to 7pm.  Accomodates non working folks and working folks. Online sign up for slots.  There are a lot more people in WS than when I came 20+ years ago. Things change, accomodate within reason. Not that hard.

    • The wildlife will be fine October 17, 2023 (10:19 pm)

      Obviously you are not a biologist so why chime in on a topic you know nothing about. 

      • John October 18, 2023 (12:14 am)

        I  have yet to see any qualified biologist chime in on this protest.  

        Seattle Parks does employ such experts whose job it is to chime in.
        No reputable organization of biologists or the vast biological knowledge of actual organizations, i.e. the National Audubon Society which has been lobbying for birds for a century have joined the single low credentialed activist in this assault on evidence based science..
        But then, as Bob Dylan proclaimed,
        “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows…”
         

      • Orcakid October 18, 2023 (12:46 am)

        Thank you for advocating for wildlife. 🙏

        • Resident October 18, 2023 (10:28 am)

          This isn’t a wildlife refuge.  It is a public park.  While I can appreciate the passion for the wildlife, that is not the focus of a public park.

  • Tired of the BS October 17, 2023 (8:16 pm)

    @ VALUE IN QUIET and your comment “Do people want to play pickleball outside in the rain in a place where the trees make it even darker in the winter?” Some would say the same thing about bicycling in Seattle and the need for more bike lanes…

  • Lance October 17, 2023 (8:24 pm)

    I should probably clarify that the debris that was being left were by workers on Monday, not workers that were there at 6:45 am this morning.

  • George October 17, 2023 (8:25 pm)

    Can we have the court in Ravenna Park if it isn’t wanted there? It will be most welcomed over here because we use our parks. Any activity will bring strength our community and something fun for people to do. 

  • AndyHere October 17, 2023 (8:28 pm)

    Is it possible for the powers that be in this game of WhiffleTennis (I dislike the name pickleball), do something about the noise that comes from the whiffleball coming off the paddle? Perhaps a cushion type surface that would somehow quiet the hit of the ball from the paddle!BTW, the absurdity of this protest is minuscule to what’s happening in Israel!!My thoughts & prayers are with the innocent Israelis that are being held captive from those barbarians!

    • Resident October 18, 2023 (10:29 am)

      Changing the ball would change the game completely.  So while you could change the ball to make it quieter, it would also not be the same game.

  • Dee October 17, 2023 (8:34 pm)

    Thank you every other  sane person in West Seattle  besides Lance and the rest of the ones who flew over the Coo-coos nest  for sticking up for Pickleball and the recreational usage of our parks!!

  • Patty October 17, 2023 (9:14 pm)

    I am an avid pickleball player and against this idea! I did play tennis there growing up, and the court was rarely used. This will be way different, way more crowded and noisy. Owls live right near there! This is one of few large natural areas we have left in the city! Keep it natural. Remember the zip line idea?  Terrible. This is terrible too. Preserve Lincoln Park’s wildlife and habitat!

    • Resident October 18, 2023 (1:58 am)

      It’s a public park not a wildlife preserve. You live in a growing city not in the country.

      • Patty October 18, 2023 (8:33 pm)

        Yes, it is a growing city which makes it more important to have some natural parks, and habitat for wildlife. The tennis courts out on Fauntleroy make much more sense! There is parking, lights, public transportation, and plenty of room for tennis players to share with pickleball players.

  • Lou October 17, 2023 (9:34 pm)

    Schmitz park preserve is only a couple miles from Lincoln, if you want a natural preserve go there. Lincoln park has tennis, a massive public pool, football practice, a wading pool, play toys, softball/baseball games, etc…. And you want to take a stand against pickle ball? That seems strange.

    • Trite October 18, 2023 (8:01 am)

      there’s also a pickleball courts over at Chief Sealth. oh look, I used your own argument to dismiss what you said! clever me

      • Resident October 18, 2023 (10:33 am)

        You actually didn’t.  He pointed you to an area intended for the use you are looking to protect.  Public Parks are not wildlife sanctuaries, they are for the citizens to enjoy recreation of all kinds.You pointed him away from a public park, where sports are encouraged and supported.I appreciate the passion, but yours in not a strong argument.  You WANT to make Lincoln a wildlife preserve.  That doesn’t make it so.

  • Concerned Citizen October 17, 2023 (10:08 pm)

    I’m delighted to see that this discussion has finally brought some attention to the endangered wildlife that calls our parks home. Even if the parks department goes through with the pickleball courts, they can be easily decommissioned by upstanding citizens. Where we need to focus our efforts is on an equally grave threat to our animal neighbors: dogs! Even if kept on a leash, the sight, sound, and smell of even one dog is incalculably stressful for the delicate creatures that live in Lincoln Park. I suggest we rally together this Saturday, not only to fight against these absurd sports courts, but also against the scourge of dog walkers that befoul our beautiful parks.

    • Jackson K October 18, 2023 (6:30 am)

      And those runners that wear Hooka shoes! Have you seen the size of the footprints they leave? 

      • 1994 October 18, 2023 (10:57 pm)

        I am guessing you mean Hoka running shoes?

    • John October 18, 2023 (4:07 pm)

      Of course none of the Lincoln Park occupiers’ listed birds are on the  endangered list for  Washington State.  

      Most are non-native, some invasive and destructive to or compete with actual endangered animals.

      • Patty October 18, 2023 (8:59 pm)

        Hi John,Your statement that most of the birds are non-native is false. These listed on the sign are all native: merlin, great horned owl, raven, Cooper’s hawk, peregrine falcon, screech owl, bald eagle, and songbirds (most songbirds are native). The only one listed that’s non- native is the barred owl.

        • John October 19, 2023 (11:35 am)

          Patty, thank you for the correction.  
          I have long seen all of those natives in my Gatewood back yard.  
          Our parrot would alert to birds of prey!  
          They are common in the urban environment of Seattle.
          My main point, and notably not contested by Patty, is that none of these birds are on the Washington State Endangered List.

  • Tom October 17, 2023 (10:12 pm)

    Has any other topic brought more discourse? How is this possible? 

    • TM October 17, 2023 (11:13 pm)

      Other than crime in recent years, likely not.

      This topic does show how much love there is for Lincoln Park though. I appreciate the WSB for highlighting this situation. As a long-time WS and Fauntleroy resident, it’s important to me. 

  • Wseattleite October 17, 2023 (10:31 pm)

    City parks are for recreating. So many comments calling a concrete pad “nature” or “natural place”. Lincoln park is managed, weeded, and people complain if the trails are not groomed. Have these people actually seen natural places?

    • PDiddy October 18, 2023 (7:11 am)

      I think like the other nearby park where they removed the courts is what I am thinking people really want and it was a huge improvement. They should remove the courts altogether and just create a quiet space.

      • Resident October 18, 2023 (10:36 am)

        Why should they do that?  The courts are already there in a noisy part of the park with soccer fields, baseball fields, a wading pool and a play area.  This court will fit right in with all of the other sports and recreation activities going on.

      • John October 18, 2023 (4:11 pm)

        PDiddy.  
        Yes Parks removed the classic tennis courts at Lowman, but I don’t know that making that area a defacto off-leash park has been a huge improvement.  
        And one of the justification for removing those courts were the dedicated tennis courts at Solstice Park.

  • Canton October 18, 2023 (12:05 am)

    Can’t wait to see the WSB’s  top 10 most commented stories this year. Guessing Pickleball, will reign the top 3. Then power outages. Then down the list, local crime…

    • WSB October 18, 2023 (1:00 am)

      Without being a total spoiler .. only one of the pickleball stories is in the top 5 so far, at #4. And no power outages. #2 and #3 are crime-related. #5 is political.

  • Rob October 18, 2023 (12:20 am)

    A question to all here. Where is man’s natural habit?

  • Tbone October 18, 2023 (3:11 am)

    I really like that we are having a fairly civil discussion about the pickleball court I am against it because I do not want any more new developments or construction to occur in the park now or ever (less the south playfield) I did talk to lance in person and did not find him “creepy” just kind of eccentric? As to being a stalker that is just wrong if true…I have to say I am a true “NIMBY” and also a grumpy old fart who at least gets along with his wife! Lincoln park is a wonderful place and needs to be protected from development now and in the future!

    • Resident October 18, 2023 (10:38 am)

      It’s a park, not a preserve.  While I love the civil discourse, the fact that some think this is a place to preserve fully vs. serve the people of a growing city is just not fair.  Glad you recognize the NIMBY piece and guess that is your right, but progress is going to happen as will the densification of our city.

  • Mike October 18, 2023 (5:12 am)

    First it’s pickleball, next it’s table tennis…this is how it all starts.  You’ll be sorry when your kids are fit and addicted to athletics.  The capitalist patriarchal genocide in West Seattle MUST STOP NOW!!!

  • Neighbor October 18, 2023 (6:41 am)

    Dear Parks,Please create pickleball opportunities in location(s) that are unlikely to impact wildlife/disturb otherwise quiet areas.There can be pickleball for the pickleball inclined.There can be quiet, natural space for the quiet, natural space inclined.Thank you for valuing the diverse needs and opinions of our community :-)

    • JustSarah October 18, 2023 (10:39 am)

      …this is actually exactly what you’re asking for. There is plenty of quiet space in the park. This court is in an activity hub already. 

    • Plf October 18, 2023 (11:13 am)

      Yes your opinion but just as  many have voiced their approval it’s going in an area that activities already occur and it’s a urban parknot the back country of a national park

  • PDiddy October 18, 2023 (7:10 am)

    I am a no on this I want to have a park that is quiet.

  • Treegirl October 18, 2023 (8:01 am)

    I have a question – if pickle ball courts go in, will the surrounding tree canopy be removed or trimmed back? 

    • WSB October 18, 2023 (9:36 am)

      Parks says the overlay is going in over the existing paved pad.

  • Former WS Resident October 18, 2023 (8:53 am)

    This guy seriously needs something better to do. Speaking of noise, you could argue that the kids playground is worse. Are we going to protest that too??

  • Kdake October 18, 2023 (9:11 am)

    Is this related to why the north lot is still fully locked this morning?? Noticed they shut the lots two hours earlier than usual last night. One side of the south lot is still locked as well. 

    • WSB October 18, 2023 (9:38 am)

      Somebody texted about that; we’re checking. If it’s still locked when we go by in a bit, we’ll ask Parks.

      • JustSarah October 18, 2023 (10:40 am)

        That was me. It was still locked just before 10 when I was walking back home. 

        • WSB October 18, 2023 (10:53 am)

          Parks says it was a mistake and the gates are open now. We have to run to another story on the other side of the peninsula so won’t be able to verify that any time soon.

          • JustSarah October 18, 2023 (11:19 am)

            I can see the north lot from my street and yes, there are cars parked there now. 

  • Use October 18, 2023 (9:11 am)

    So let them build but make sure no one uses it … simple strategy 

    • Resident October 18, 2023 (10:41 am)

      Well, if you want to be arrested that is a great strategy!  Also you never know what kind of person you are antagonizing, so just be careful.  This is no reason to get hurt or worse.  You know what kind of people are out there if you read this blog enough.  

  • cwit October 18, 2023 (9:22 am)

    I wonder if anyone that lives near the Walt Hundley, Delridge park or any other existing pickleball courts could provide their input on the noise level? I know there are a lot more factors involved but curious about this from someone that has experience living near pickleball courts.

    • JustSarah October 18, 2023 (9:46 am)

      My son’s spring soccer practices and games were at Hundley and I truly didn’t even realize there were pickleball courts there until several weeks into the season, when I happened to park on the west edge of the park. 

    • Jeff October 18, 2023 (10:22 am)

      The noise is only annoying if you are outside. You can’t hear it in your house. People are overreacting. Per usual in Seattle. 

  • I Like Birds October 18, 2023 (9:54 am)

    Wow. This is a tough one. I love hearing the ravens at LP and love that it is “wild enough” to attract them, even within the city. But, this is a city we live in. This IS the place to concentrate our impact so we can keep other places wild. Do I like that the ravens, owls, and others might get displaced? No. But, in this case, it seems that we can minimize our overall impact by continuing to keep our noisy activities within the city. Peregrine falcons live in cities. They adapt. We all have to adapt a little, sometimes a lot, and I don’t like it either. Parks provide refuge for people in the city, a place to be outside and use their “outside voice”. Having an outlet for humans to let off steam, make some noise, and be in community seems like the overall win here. It is a city park, a refuge for people who live in the city; it is not a nature preserve. We can do things to minimize our impact, but people need outlets or they go crazy. As much as I dislike this, it seems a reasonable compromise to keep city noise within the city, and give city folk a place to recreate, let off steam, and maybe be a little less crazy. If the impact of recreating in a park is that the ravens and owls find another place to live, I will surely miss them. But my neighbors here in the city need advocacy too. Ugh. Im going to get torn up here, but that is my perspective. Maybe we can channel this passion towards coming up with sound buffering ideas?  (Insert weak smile emoji here!!)

    • TJ2 October 18, 2023 (3:40 pm)

      Well said!!

  • Terry October 18, 2023 (10:33 am)

    The fact that this is a story at all tells me, in West Seattle,  generally,  life is pretty good.

  • Peter Lemon Jello October 18, 2023 (10:48 am)

    This is a fascinating thread, that’s for sure with some good and some weird and disjointed arguments for and against coupled with bizarre ad hominem attack and race sprinkled in. Lincoln Park is an urban park and it accommodates many interests, but no kids playground. It apparently takes an act of Congress to get that and Congress ain’t approving playgrounds these days. It’s interesting to me how a public/private partnership can form so quickly to provide anything for a single use group, especially in a place that is so addicted to process. I guess money really does talk. This does have an interesting odor of impropriety. That said, I’ve not followed it too carefully, because I don’t find Pickleball to be worthy of my time and attention.As noted by someone else who’s involved with SEPA stuff, this court already existed, and continues to exist, though it’s currently being used for storing equipment and bunkers for soil. It had lights. The courts and lighting predated SEPA and I know of no requirement that would require a study to be done on using an existing site for a similar use. As far as the noise component, well, a sound deadening wall may come into play.Brown Girl, I don’t know why you feel it necessary to rail about all of the nonsense you did in your post. It’s not relevant to Pickleball. Pickleball has nothing to do with Gaza and it’s okay for folks here to not wring their hands about international injustice and worry about the injustice of Pickleball.  Your injection of race simply obscures issues and was completely unnecessary and peculiar.so, I hope that you all enjoy a nice game of Pickleball while sipping pickle juice. I won’t be there. I don’t care for pickles.

  • Wolf October 18, 2023 (11:18 am)

    A lot of people on here act like they are knocking down trees. There is already a tennis court there that NO ONE uses. They are simply converting it to a pickleball court. God forbid people have things to do in this gross city besides drugs and alcohol. I’m sure the bike riding and people walking is just as bothersome to the wildlife as a pickleball court would be. I mean you know those pickleballers are a crazzzzy group of people smh. 

  • BIG PEPSI October 18, 2023 (11:25 am)

    Every summer I go to Lincoln Park to clear my head of the dense urban sprawl of the Fauntleroy neighborhood. I cant handle the non-stop plodding of people walking their dogs. Every day is a waking migraine. The only place I can clear my head is Lincoln Park. I run as fast as I can with ear plugs crammed into my inner ear to the rocky shore and remove them hoping for relief and am hit in the face with the cruelty that is the colman pool. Splashing. Laughing. My skull aches. I look to the sky. An eagle cries. I look to my left, a song bird weeps. To my right, a squirrel writhes in pain. I whisper to them – brothers, sisters – we will get through this. The ferry sounds. I look down, a seal vomits and hurls itself into the rocks. Off in the distance preschoolers are being read to under the troll. A raven mistakes them for a tasty piece of bread and flies into the “art” and breaks its wing. Elsewhere, a cyclist rings its bell and a stellar’s jay shuts its eyes and flies head first into the spokes, praying for relief.If we’re going to commit to this effort, we must really commit. The colman pool MUST be removed. The troll MUST be removed. No pickleball courts. No Ferry. No Parking. No Humans (except for me). The entire space must be rewilded.

    • Erik October 18, 2023 (12:55 pm)

      EPIC!!!

    • 😅 October 18, 2023 (2:00 pm)

      🤣

    • Erik October 18, 2023 (2:54 pm)

      Epic! Love it!

  • Do NOT Win a Darwin Award October 18, 2023 (11:57 am)

    What a boring subject. First World Problems, big time. Save the grass, always.

  • Greystreet October 18, 2023 (1:09 pm)

    I love the comment about how “concerned citizens can decommission it”, so does that mean sign-wielding picketers will just destroy the courts when they’re created because let’s be honest folks, it’s happening despite this comical back and forth. I would hope that folks wouldn’t destroy something but after reading through all of this BS over repurposing an already activity-designed space I won’t put it past some of the NIMBYs and NIMPs to whoopsie-daisy some destruction. I will echo it again, this is a park NOT a nature preserve, if you want it to be one start petitioning for it to become one so then most of it will be cordoned off from public use–as it is said, may the odds be ever in your favor. In the meantime, anyone still want to organize that PRO-pickleball celebration on Saturday? I’ll bring cookies.

  • Pickled October 18, 2023 (1:16 pm)

    A shame our friends on Bainbridge didn’t have a rubber ball instead of a hard plastic ball and maybe add some rubber to their plywood paddles. Such an unnecessary obnoxious noise! There is a solution, maybe think outside the pickle!!!

  • Martin Duffy October 18, 2023 (1:49 pm)

    I play tennis and pickleball regularly and I love animals.  I support the planned conversion of the space into dedicated pickleball courts. 

  • Chris October 18, 2023 (4:28 pm)

    Point of interest that Seattle Parks tried to develop natural area guidelines (and identified natural areas – see map in the packet) several years ago but I believe that effort was shelved. https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/ParksAndRecreation/BriefingPapers/NA%20GB%20Supplemental%20Use%20Guidelines%208-4-15%20-%20highlighted.pdf

  • Max October 18, 2023 (4:32 pm)

    Lincoln Park is such a jewel of a park. No wonder there is alot of people who want to keep it as it is. 8 days out 10 there are no softball/ soccer games being played. The wading pool is only filled in the middle of summer. Most of the time it’s a peaceful place to be. That will all change if Pickleball is put in. 

    • Joe October 18, 2023 (5:28 pm)

      The pickle ball court will absolutely “RUIN” the entire park… people will be out there 7 days a week from open to close… the line will stretch around the block. Terrorists will attack and the sun will rise no more… Good God man… get over it. 

  • Admiral-2009 October 18, 2023 (4:38 pm)

    Wow too many people have to much time, pickleball players set up nets and play at Hiawatha Park all the time.  Frankly I do not know what the fuss is about, the kids playing in the park make more noise!

  • Rob October 18, 2023 (4:41 pm)

    All these folks here claiming we have to save this for the birds an what ever. An want to walk through  the park. Don’t they realize that being a human in the park is bad. You as a human  on your supposed nature walk has an Impact on wild life.  It may be low impact  but it is still an I’m pact.. so the best all the folks who want save this park for wild life the best thing you can do is as a human is stay out of the park.

  • Rob October 18, 2023 (6:00 pm)

    With the extremely high obesity rate in our country  and related high cost of health care why would you not allow a healthy activity .

    • CarDriver October 18, 2023 (7:34 pm)

      So building a pickleball court here is the solution to the “high rate of obesity”?

    • TM October 18, 2023 (7:46 pm)

      Try walking? Running? Or is pickleball the only option

  • Protect the Park October 18, 2023 (7:49 pm)

     Meant to post this here. The discussion board here.  SMH. So here is the deal. We can have both. We can keep Lincoln in its current state and play pickle ball. Right now in fact. Right now I can go and enjoy the relative quiet and calm of the forest and walk right across the street for an invigorating game of pickle ball. Pickle ball on a well lit court on a playing surface that is far superior to the asphalt being proposed for Lincoln. Heck, I can even reserve a picnic spot without the lights and sound of my favorite game and then follow that up with a court I reserved for some prime pickle balling. Heck, if the courts are full and I don’t have a reservation, I can drop in at Whale Tail, SWAC, Hiawatha, High Point etc. Let’s be crystal clear, there is no demonstrated need for this project. None. In a conversation with parks and rec, they freely admit they have no data to support the building of these courts. Zero. That’s a fact. Until they can collect that data and demonstrate a need, there is no reason to rush this forward. None. 

    • Patty October 18, 2023 (9:07 pm)

      Well said, PTP! I love pickleball and play it often. There is no need to put it in Lincoln Park when there are unused tennis courts all over the city that can be converted or shared. I agree – our natural spaces are rare in the city and need to be preserved!

  • Max October 18, 2023 (8:15 pm)

    What pickleballers don’t understand is that, we are not against physical activity or sports. It’s just that, there are so few places in our crowded city that are as beautiful, peaceful, and soul enriching as Lincoln Park. 

    • TM October 18, 2023 (9:44 pm)

      This is exactly it. We’re incredibly lucky to have Lincoln Park in our neighborhood, it’s stunning and rare for the city. And preserving Lincoln Park and creating more pickleball capacity elsewhere in Seattle are both possible, not mutually exclusive. 

      It’s odd that both the Parks and a number of commenters seem hell-bent on pushing this through quickly. If it was a great idea, everyone (or most everyone) would be on board. But that’s clearly not the case. So it deserves a closer look, or perhaps a closer look at other options and locations for pickleball.

      • Candace October 19, 2023 (9:53 am)

        Agreed. Where/how can I join the occupation? 

  • Melissa A October 18, 2023 (9:42 pm)

    I must be missing something here…aren’t there about a million other things worse for wildlife habitat and environment than pickleball? And aren’t there about a million useful things concerned people can do to help the environment that are not pickleball related? Trash pickup, clearing invasive plant species, supporting local marine life organizations…

  • ConcernedCitizen12 October 18, 2023 (10:03 pm)

    … if the birds are upset by the noise of pickle ball, wouldn’t they just fly the 3 miles to Vashon?

  • Orcakid October 18, 2023 (11:00 pm)

    Just in case some of you might be interested, here is a link to a King 5 News segment and accompanying article on this subject: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/activists-occupying-proposed-pickleball-courts-site-lincoln-park/281-c91308ca-0a4d-4033-8537-fb087fd1055aI especially wanted to post the link here because the article includes a link to a petition that explains concerns regarding the City’s current plans surrounding this subject.

  • Greystreet October 19, 2023 (7:36 am)

    Lincoln Park is no more rare than Discovery Park, Magnuson Park, Westcrest Park, and all of the other parks in the city. This argument is trying to make it seem like LP is the last bastion of natural habitat left in the city, simply not true. Went on a run at the park last night around 530pm and I can tell you that between cross country practice, soccer practice, canine tomfoolery and the cacophony of human presence–pickleball is the least of the worries of that park. But alas, the armchair environmental experts and “cause” heads will continue their march towards protesting something that benefits an entire community of individuals. A quick note on the obesity comment up above, pickleball is not the solution but it is an option and those struggling with obesity deserve every outlet they can, not everyone loves running and walking contrary to popular belief. 

    • TM October 19, 2023 (11:28 am)

      Respectfully, no one is claiming that Lincoln Park is the last bastion of natural habitat in the city. But it is a unique resource for a lot of people, in a city that has dramatically increased in population and density in the last 20 years.

      I’m sensitive to people needing exercise options, walking and running were basic examples. Personally speaking I dislike running! But America’s obesity problem is not a direct result of pickleball being limited from a public park.

      Re: “armchair experts and ‘cause’ heads- in this case people with dissenting opinions are essentially an ad hoc collection of folks who care about preserving Lincoln Park. Thrown together as a result of Parks’ unexpected announcement that a plan had been set, the work was about to commence on a short schedule, and “we’ll look at installing lights next”. The guy with the lawn chair, Kersti, myself, and many others are not the defining face of this. But collectively are a set of local stakeholders who don’t agree that this is a good idea.

      Hell, I have much better things to do than banter with folks for weeks in these comments. But I give a damn about it. The thing is there is not an imperative to place pickleball in the wooded park. Pickleball needs a footprint, a net, and fences (and in many cases sound-dampening walls and/or curtains). Plenty of places in our city that can be considered for sites, this Lincoln Park decision is not an existential threat to the the pickleball community. That said reviewing online these issues have been happening across the country, and pickleball organizations are organized and involved in a bit of a land grab understanding that the influence of the sport, while great for participants, may not be that great for others. If the activity’s impact was limited to the small court this would be a no-brainer. But it’s not. 

      Check out the attached pic from the Seattle.gov noise ordinance page. Pickleball sites note that at 100’, the typical decibel level is at 70. That puts it above “noisy lawn mower at 10 meters” (60db) and “bad risk of heart circulation disease at constant impact” (65db). And just below “un-silence wood shredder at 10 meters” (75db). 

      Again, if this was a great, widely-supported idea these comment threads would be silent. But it’s not, so here we are. I’m hoping as a community we can figure out a win-win.

      • Lee P. October 19, 2023 (12:28 pm)

        Just correcting the noise part: I’ve seen most sources state “up to” 70 dba at 100′ distance. Most real world analysis of typical play results in significantly lower readings. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wusa9.com/amp/article/news/verify/pickleball-neighborhood-noise-science-behind-the-sound/65-ba57280d-a46f-4de3-b51d-f6e630192f7chttps://news.northeastern.edu/2023/08/07/noise-from-pickleball-can-be-annoying-but-is-it-torture/

        Even the NYT article everyone cites says “pickleball whacks could reach 70 dBA.” Let’s stop saying that’s how loud it is when science says that’s how loud it can be. Then we need to remember that most news out there on pickleball noise is from people living very close to the courts. The closest houses to the courts are about 800′ away across Fauntleroy. Next closest are over 1500′ away at the north end of the park. So let’s go back to Kersti’s original argument about wildlife. That’s the only real valid argument, potentially, about the noise being hazardous. But I still have not seen any data, studies, ect to back up that claim. Several people have asked and she and Denise have deflected, like yesterday when someone asked Denise for data and she told her to find it herself. If she wants to push this issue as a biologist she should provide some scientific evidence. Or someone else can present some, I don’t care who. You’re correct that the dissenting side seems to have varied reasons to oppose the project but unfortunately the person who was first to start a petition and most vocal presented a muddled argument and misleading information. It’s hard to get out from under that. 

      • JustSarah October 19, 2023 (10:39 pm)

        Stop it. The articles cied by folks, alarmist as they are, peak at 70dBA at 100′. As in l, that’s as loud as it gets… So it’s disingenuous at best to claim 70 dBA as typical. It’s really not that loud. There are no houses nearby. Any wildlife is already very accustomed to humans: squirrels, crows, barred owls, bald eagles, and more… They hang out in this area because they can rely on humans for easy food. Promise they will not be bothered by pickleball. That’s not to say there aren’t fascinating species to view deeper in the park. I’ve personally encountered a red-breasted sapsucker pair, many varied thrushes, yellow-rumped warblers, and all the standards (chestnut-backed and black-capped chickadees, red-breasted nuthatch, Pacific wren, vireos, sparrows, etc.). But again, where the pickleball courts are going is an existing space in an existing recreation hub. The wildlife there is used to, if not dependant on, people.

        • TM October 20, 2023 (4:03 pm)

          Sarah, my intent with the db bit was to bring some data to ground some of this concern, not to confuse or charge matters. The 70db figure came from “the Pickler”, a pickleball-friendly blog. The noise ratings chart is from the Seattle.gov noise ordinance. I thought the bits were relevant, not inflammatory.

  • CD October 19, 2023 (10:43 am)

    I’m very concerned that the new pickleball courts will be too loud for the people launching fireworks at the park and blasting rap music in the shelters.  Don’t they have rights?

    • TM October 19, 2023 (11:44 am)

      Yeah but those folks’ activities are not sanctioned and funded by Seattle Parks. Whereas the pickleball bit would be.

      • Grateful October 19, 2023 (2:36 pm)

        That’s so great the Parks Department is doing that for our community!

        • TM October 19, 2023 (5:33 pm)

          Awesome! But we may be able to do even better- updated courts, especially if they had the sound-reducing walls, would make an awesome secluded late-night venue for parties, boom boxes and fireworks! “Place on hard, flat surface, light fuse and get away”. Everyone wins!

          • JustSarah October 20, 2023 (12:08 am)

            Confused. Are you actually trying to plant the seed that the pickleball courts are a literal den of iniquity?

          • TM October 20, 2023 (3:54 pm)

            No, of course not. Just riffing off of the initial bit re: folks in the park’s rights around fireworks and rap music. It’s gotten pretty silly in here, probably would have been best to leave it all be.

  • CD October 19, 2023 (4:53 pm)

    Hey, maybe we could get the Golden Bachelor to come visit the new pickle ball courts!

  • Admiral-2009 October 19, 2023 (5:05 pm)

    TM – the chart is missing the decibel level of the AMR response vehicles that is excruciating painful and needs to be addressed!  Yes they need to be heard but the decibel level needs to be lowered a bit.  The sirens on FT’s and SPD cruisers are at sufficient decibels to do the job without the excruciating pain of the AMR response vehicles!

  • Greystreet October 19, 2023 (8:37 pm)

    TM, respectfully, after reading through 226 responses, sorry but you are mistaken, people in MORE than one response cite how “rare” LP is, it’s just not the case…appreciate the decibel lesson though.The best part of all of this is I don’t play pickle ball at all, I just love playing devil’s advocate, must be my aggressive East coast nature. Oh well, the courts are going in regardless and I couldn’t be happier PB players will have a beautiful atmosphere to play their game ;-) 

    • JustSarah October 19, 2023 (10:26 pm)

      See you there Saturday at 11?

    • TM October 20, 2023 (3:59 pm)

      Hey, I was one of the ones who called it “rare”. I was responding to your “last bastion of natural habitat in the city” characterization, which I’m pretty sure no one in the thread claimed. Been trying to draw things down a bit but doesn’t seem to be successful. FYI I’m originally an East Coaster too, probably have some things in common communication-wise.

  • JustSarah October 19, 2023 (10:41 pm)

    But if you’re the type who thinks it’s important to feed baby raccoons or exult deer, you may disagree with my statement..

  • Scarlett October 20, 2023 (2:39 am)

    Flip a coin on the pickleball court tempest in a teapot, and lets get back to much more pressing matters in the world.  With the actions that your government is taking around the world in your name,  whether in Ukraine, Israel or elsewhere, you are first and foremost a world citizen.  One would think the first priority would be not whether a pickleball courts belongs at Lincoln Park but whether or not we should be sending billions in aid and weaponry to Ukraine, or what our policy should be vis a vis Israel.  Where are the  226 passionate, inflamed comments on these topics when they arise?  

  • Travis October 20, 2023 (8:41 am)

    As a long time skateboarder, and skatepark advocate I find this article and comments amazing. Sorry I was so late to the party. I raise a fist of solidarity to all the pickle ballers out there. Keep fighting the good fight. Someday people will find the value in your sport. “Pickle ball is not a crime” :) 

  • CD October 25, 2023 (2:59 pm)

    The other day I walked by a pickle ball court and observed two birds and one squirrel watching.  

Sorry, comment time is over.