The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2026-05-26 Parks and Recreation Commission Agenda PacketPARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Council Chambers & Hybrid 7:00 PM Parks and Recreation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas and minutes are available at https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Community-Services/Other- Services/Commissions/Parks-and-Recreation-Commission. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/join) Meeting ID: 999 3789 9745 Phone: 1(669)900-6833 PUBLIC COMMENTS Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to ParkRec.commission@PaloAlto.gov and will be provided to the Commission and available for inspection on the City’s website three days before the meeting. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line. Multiple individuals who wish to speak on the same item may designate a spokesperson. Spokespersons must be representing five or more verified individuals who are present either in person or via zoom. Spokespeople will be allowed up to 15 minutes, at the discretion of the presiding officer. Speaking time may be reduced if the presiding officer reduces the speaking time for individual speakers. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Speaking time may be reduced by the Chair to accommodate a larger number of speakers. PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to ParkRec.commission@PaloAlto.gov at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted. Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting. TIME ESTIMATES Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public. CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. APPROVAL OF MINUTES CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s) 1.Council Liaison Report – 5 minutes 2.Department Report – 20 minutes – Staff Presentation 3.Ad Hoc Committees and Liaison Updates (Discussion) – 15 minutes BUSINESS ITEMS 4.Pickleball Facility Usage and Expansion Evaluation – 75 minutes – Staff Presentation COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s) ADJOURNMENT OTHER INFORMATION The materials below are provided for informational purposes, not for action or discussion during this meeting’s agenda. Written public comments may be submitted in advance and will be provided to the Commission and available for public inspection on the City’s website three days before the meeting. A.Public Comments PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1.Written public comments may be submitted by email to ParkRec.Commission@PaloAlto.gov. 2.Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. ◦You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in- browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. ◦You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. ◦When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. ◦When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3.Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions B-E above. 4.Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 999 3789 9745 Phone:1-669-900-6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329-2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@PaloAlto.gov. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION DEPARTMENT REPORT May 26, 2026 PaloAlto.gov Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 4 of 536 RECAP: MAY FETE PARADE & COMMUNITY FAIR Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 5 of 536 UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 6 of 536 BRYANT STREET COMMUNITY CENTER Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 7 of 536 CUBBERLEY UPDATES Project Webpage: www.PaloAlto.gov/CubberleyProject Scan the QR Code to sign -up for the project newsletter City Council Meeting 5/18/26 Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 8 of 536 SLUICE GATE - Update Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 9 of 536 EXISITING TIDE GATE STRUCTURE – Built in 1957 1.Palo Alto Flood Basin (PAFB) provides critical flood protection for Matadero, Barron, and Adobe Creeks 2.The gates hold high-water out and allow the basin to drain and low -tide, operated by Valley Water. 3.Tide Gate Structure bridges between PAFB levee as part of the SF Bay Trail 4.One gate was converted to a Sluice Gate in 1978, operated by City of Palo Alto Photo Credit: Valley Water Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 10 of 536 Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 11 of 536 SLUICE GATE - Background •1975: City Council agreed to one -year trial period for creating salt marsh area in a small portion of flood basin as mitigation for extending the Palo Alto Landfill (since closed in 2011) •1978: City installed motorized sluice gate for mitigation project to allow bay water into flood basin •1992: Emily Renzel Marsh and Salt Marsh established, providing new inflows into basin (1 -1.5 MGD) •2018: Valley Water Tide Gate Replacement Project Planning Begins; includes new sluice gate •2020: Sluice Gate no longer operable through manual cranking due to marine build up. •2024:Valley Water Tide Gate Replacement project deferred until 2060; focus shifts to extending service life and seismic reinforcement; Sluice Gate inspected and confirmed not leaking. •2025: Valley Water Tide Gate Seismic Retrofit and Rehabilitation Project Begins Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 12 of 536 SLUICE GATE - Update •CDFW Permit Application initiated in 2025 for Sluice Gate Cleaning and Conditions Assessment; work planned for Fall 2026 •Work will evaluate sluice gate condition, attempt to restore manual operability; repairability of motorized system TBD •Valley Water's Tide Gate Seismic Retrofit & Rehab project resumes in September 2026 to repair 6 flap gates Next Steps/ Considerations for Future Planning: •Water level trends and sensor calibration •Renzel & Salt Marsh inflows may be supporting original goal of sustaining limited area of salt marsh habitat and water level management Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 13 of 536 IRRIGATION BUDGET CUTS/NATURAL GRASS PILOT Budget Cuts: Systemwide irrigation reductions for non- functional turf areas Natural Grass Pilot: Testing sampling conducted at Greer Park Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 14 of 536 GSI CERTIFICATION TRAINING - Bioretention Rehabilitation Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 15 of 536 BOWDEN PARK – Spring Native Planting Complete Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 16 of 536 RAMOS PARK – Pathway Improvements before after after Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 17 of 536 THANK YOU - San Francisco Recreation and Parks Commission Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 18 of 536 Item 2 Item 2 Staff Presentation Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 19 of 536 Parks and Recreation Commission Staff Report From: Community Services Department Meeting Date: May 26, 2026 Report #: 2605-6361 TITLE Pickleball Facility Usage and Expansion Evaluation RECOMMENDATION Staff and the Ad Hoc Committee recommend that the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) support the recommendation to not increase inventory of City of Palo Alto (City) Pickleball courts including conversion of additional City tennis courts at Mitchell Park based on analysis of operational, parking, noise, and user conflict concerns. BACKGROUND Pickleball participation has steadily increased in Palo Alto over the past several years. In response to growing demand, the city has incrementally expanded pickleball access and facilities since 2018. Initial modifications included updating City policy to allow pickleball use on Mitchell Park Courts 5, 6, and 7 on a first-come, first-served basis and adding temporary pickleball court striping. In 2019, the city redesigned courts at Mitchell Park, which resulted in creating two new pickleball courts, converting tennis court 5 into four designated pickleball courts and designating tennis courts 6 and 7 as multi-use courts. The new courts opened in 2020, lighting was installed at the two standalone dedicated pickleball courts in 2022, and revised priority hours were approved in 2023 to provide pickleball priority access on both courts 6 and 7 expanding pickleball access. Today, Palo Alto has 15 public pickleball courts, all of which are lighted. The city also maintains 27 City-owned tennis courts, including 10 lighted courts, and Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) provides an additional 27 tennis courts that are generally available to the public during evenings, weekends, and non-school days. Mitchell Park currently serves as the City’s only pickleball location with designated pickleball courts. Staff also reviewed pickleball facilities and operational practices in neighboring jurisdictions, including Foster City, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Menlo Park, Redwood City, and Los Altos. Many neighboring agencies continue to evaluate or expand pickleball opportunities in response to growing demand. Mountain View recently expanded priority hours, while Sunnyvale has approved additional funding for future court striping and expansion efforts. Item 4 Item 4 Staff Report Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 20 of 536 ANAYSIS Court Usage Observations At the April 22, 20251 PRC meeting, representatives from the Palo Alto Pickleball Club presented information regarding court demand, overcrowding, and player wait times at Mitchell Park. During that meeting, the Palo Alto Pickleball Club requested to convert two tennis courts in Mitchell Park into eight designated pickleball courts. Following that meeting, staff conducted observational spot checks at Mitchell Park to better understand court usage patterns. Based on initial findings, during the August 26, 20252 PRC meeting recommended that staff conduct a broader citywide review of court usage and operational impacts. Over a seven-month period, staff conducted spot checks across 68 days, primarily during weekday evenings and weekend mornings when court demand is highest due to lighted court availability and peak recreational use periods. Observations found that pickleball courts at Mitchell Park consistently operate at or above capacity, with waiting groups ranging from approximately 5 to 60 players during peak periods. Weekend mornings experienced particularly high demand, with large groups regularly waiting for court access. Tennis court availability varied throughout the city. Palo Alto High School courts were most frequently available during observation periods, while Mitchell Park tennis courts were the least available. During the 68 observation periods, staff identified an available tennis court at Mitchell Park only 15 times. While tennis activity remained strong citywide, courts were generally available at several other locations throughout Palo Alto during the same periods that pickleball courts at Mitchell Park were fully occupied. Staff also monitored parking conditions at Mitchell Park during peak use periods. Weekend mornings created the greatest parking demand due to simultaneous activity associated with the Library, Community Center, playground, athletic fields, and courts. Parking was observed to be fully occupied during only one observation period, which coincided with a large community center rental event. During all other observations, parking remained available, most commonly near the East Meadow entrance. Any additional parking demand would likely impact on the availability of parking. Mitchell Park Operational Constraints Mitchell Park is the only City park with dedicated pickleball courts. Staff’s analysis identified several operational and site constraints associated with further expansion at the facility. 1 Parks and Recreation Commission, April 22, 2025; Agenda Item #4; https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=f7712f01-a357-442b-9e19-dacb1b001998 2 Parks and Recreation Commission, August 26, 2025; Agenda Item #5; SR #2508-5086, https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=0&type=8&uid=85e80b37-8c2e-4cf8-b645-067578c6a80f Item 4 Item 4 Staff Report Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 21 of 536 Additional pickleball activity would likely increase parking demand, noise impacts, and overall park congestion within an already heavily utilized community park. Additional court conversions would also affect nearby recreational amenities and users, including the Magical Bridge Playground, picnic areas, athletic field users, tennis users, library visitors, and community center operations. Item 4 Item 4 Staff Report Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 22 of 536 Finally, staff evaluated development of new dedicated pickleball facilities at alternative locations, including the Palo Alto Baylands sports complex. While identifying appropriate sites has proven challenging, development of new facilities represents the most balanced long-term strategy for expanding pickleball opportunities while minimizing impacts on existing recreational users and surrounding neighborhoods. Recently approved nearby housing development near the Baylands site may also create compatibility concerns related to the proximity of residential uses to future pickleball courts. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW ATTACHMENTS Item 4 Item 4 Staff Report Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 23 of 536 Locations 30-Oct 3-Nov 4-Nov 5-Nov 11/23/2025 Mitchell Park Thursday - 7pm Monday - 6:30pm Tuesday- 6:30 PM Wednesday- 6:30pm Sunday 10:45am Court 1 0 4 2 2 2 Court 2 2 3 4 2 0 Court 3 2 3 2 2 4 Court 4 0 2 4 2 2 -pickleball waiting 0 0 0 0 0 Pickle Ball A and B 8 8 8 6 8 Pickleball 30 52 58 50 52 playing waiting 6 28 17 15 28 Rinconada 7:10pm 6:45:00 PM 6:45:00 PM 6:45 PM 11:15 AM court 1 0 2 4 4 4 court 2 0 2 4 2 4 court 3 2 2 2 4 4 court 4 0 2 2 2 4 court 5 0 0 2 3 4 court 6 0 4 2 2 0 court 7 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0 court 8 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0 court 9 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0 waiting 0 0 0 4 0 Paly high School 7:20pm 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 11:25 AM court 1 2 5 8 2 2 court 2 2 0 0 0 2 court 3 0 5 5 2 2 court 4 2 2 2 3 2 court 5 0 0 2 2 2 court 6 2 2 2 4 2 court 7 2 0 2 0 0 waiting 0 0 0 0 Cubbeerley 1 2 2 4 Item 4 Attachment A Court Counts Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 24 of 536 3 2 4 2 5 4 6 0 Item 4 Attachment A Court Counts Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 25 of 536 Locations 1-Dec 2-Dec 4-Dec 5-Dec 12/13/2025 12/15/2025 16-Dec 12/17/2025 12/19/2025 Mitchell Park Monday 7:15pm Tuesday 6:30pm Thursday 6:30pm Friday 9pm Saturday 9:40am Monday 6:30 Tuesday 6:30 Wed. 6:30pm Friday 9pm Court 1 3 4 2 2 2- L 0 0 0-wet 2 Court 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 Court 3 2 2 2 4 2 3 2 2 2 Court 4 2 2 4 2 2 2 3 1 2 waiting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pickle Ball A and B 3 6 8 2 4, 0 8 5 5 2 Pickleball 40 52 52 52 52 48 48 42 (some wet courts)46 waiting 6 16 20 7 10 20 11 16 7 Rinconada 6:45:00 PM 7:00:00 PM 7:00:00 PM 9:15:00 PM 10:10 AM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:15 PM court 1 2 4 4 2 0 2 4 0-wet 0 court 2 0 4 4 4 1 0 4 2 0 court 3 2 2 2 4 0 2 2 3 2 court 4 2 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 1 court 5 0 0 2 2 4 0 2 4 0 court 6 0 3 3 4 4 2 2 2 0 court 7 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark court 8 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 4 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark court 9 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 2 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark waiting 0 1 2 7 0 0 0 0 0 Paly high School 6:30 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 9:55 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM court 1 0 3 0 2 2 2 3 2 0 court 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0-Wet 0 court 3 0 2 2 2 3 3 0 0-wet 0 court 4 4 3 3 2 0 2 2 2 0 court 5 0 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 court 6 0 4 2 2 0 3 0 3 2 court 7 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0 2 0-Dark 0-Dark (wet)0-Dark waiting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cubbeerley 1 4 2 4 3 4 4 4 5 4 6 4 Item 4 Attachment A Court Counts Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 26 of 536 Locations 6-Jan 7-Jan 8-Jan 9-Jan 12-Jan 13-Jan 14-Jan 16-Jan 20-Jan 21-Jan 22-Jan 23-Jan 1/25 26-Jan 27-Jan 29- Jan 30 - Jan Mitchell Park Tuesday 6:30 PM Wed 6:30 PM Thursday 6:30 PM Friday 8:15 PM Monday 6:30 PM Tuesday 6:30 PM Wed 6:30 PM Friday 9 PM Tuesday 6:30 PM Wed 6:30 PM Thursday 6:30 PM Friday 8:30 PM Sunday 9:45 AM Monday 6:30 PM Tuesday 6:30 PM Thursday 6:30 PM Friday 8:30 PM Court 1 2 2 4 2 2 1 2 2 1 3 0 3 2 3 1 0 5 Court 2 4 3 3 3 2 3 2 1 0 3 5 2 0 4 2 2 4 Court 3 0 2 4 2 2 2 3 6 3 4 3 2 4 4 3 2 2 Court 4 2 2 2 0 4 5 2 4 4 4 2 4 0 2 2 3 5 waiting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pickle Ball A and B 8 4 7 8 8 5 8 4 6 8 8 5 5 8 3 8 8 Pickleball 52 52 48 48 52 52 52 52 50 52 52 42 52 52 50 52 52 waiting 28 13 14 21 5 25 35 15 14 28 36 19 30 19 11 30 19 Rinconada 7:00:00 PM 7:00:00 PM 7:00:00 PM 8:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM 10:25 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM court 1 2 2 3 4 2 2 2 4 4 4 2 4 1 3 4 2 0 court 2 4 4 4 0 2 4 4 2 3 4 4 2 3 4 3 4 0 court 3 2 4 4 2 2 3 3 0 4 4 4 2 3 0 2 4 2 court 4 2 2 2 0 2 2 4 0 3 2 4 2 2 2 4 1 2 court 5 4 2 2 0 2 2 1 3 2 5 4 2 4 0 3 0 3 court 6 2 2 2 0 4 2 6 0 2 6 3 2 4 5 2 2 0 court 7 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 4 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark court 8 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 4 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark court 9 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 4 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark waiting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Paly high School 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 8:45 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:45 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM 10:15 AM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM court 1 0-Wet 2 2 3 2 2 0 0 0 4 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 court 2 0-Wet 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 0 court 3 0 3 2 3 0 2 2 0 0 3 3 1 0 4 2 2 2 court 4 3 2 3 2 2 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 3 5 3 2 0 court 5 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 3 0 court 6 2 2 4 3 0 3 3 2 3 3 4 2 1 2 2 3 2 court 7 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 3 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0 0-Dark 2 3 0-Dark waiting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 \0 0 0 0 Cubbeerley 9:40 AM 1 2 2 0 3 1 4 0 5 3 6 0 Item 4 Attachment A Court Counts Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 27 of 536 Locations 2-Feb 3-Feb 5-Feb 6-Feb Mitchell Park 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM Court 1 4 2 2 3 Court 2 1 2 3 5 Court 3 4 2 4 3 Court 4 2 2 4 4 waiting 0 0 0 0 Pickle Ball A and B 8 7 7 8 Pickleball 52 52 50 50 waiting 26 12 30 12 Rinconada 19:00 19:00 19:00 9:00 PM court 1 4 2 3 4 court 2 4 2 4 2 court 3 4 2 4 4 court 4 2 3 2 0 court 5 0 2 3 2 court 6 5 2 6 2 court 7 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark court 8 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark court 9 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark waiting 0 0 0 0 Paly high School 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM court 1 2 4 3 2 court 2 2 4 4 1 court 3 2 0 4 2 court 4 1 3 2 1 court 5 2 0 2 0 court 6 3 2 3 2 court 7 0-Dark 0-Dark 2 0-Dark waiting 0 0 1 0 Item 4 Attachment A Court Counts Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 28 of 536 1 2 3 4 5 6 Waiting Item 4 Attachment A Court Counts Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 29 of 536 Locations 3/1/2026 3/4/2026 3/5/2026 3/6/2026 3/9/2026 3/10/2026 3/12/2026 3/13/2026 3/16/2026 3/17/2026 3/18/2026 3/19/2026 3/20/2026 3/23/2026 3/24/2026 3/25/2026 3/27/2026 3/30/2026 3/31/2026 Mitchell Park 10:15 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM Court 1 2 2 0 2 2 4 2 2 2 4 2 3 3 4 2 2 4 2 2 Court 2 2 2 2 4 4 0 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 0 2 3 2 Court 3 2 2 0 4 4 4 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 2 0 4 Court 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 4 4 2 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 4 0 0 waiting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pickle Ball A and B 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 8 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 Pickleball 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 46 52 44 50 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 waiting 35 18 26 44 12 40 37 50 12 25 21 15 60 22 31 40 51 23 22 No Parking Rinconada 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM court 1 2 4 4 0 2 4 3 2 2 4 2 4 4 2 2 2 0 4 2 court 2 4 4 4 0 2 2 2 0 3 4 4 4 2 2 4 4 4 2 2 court 3 4 4 4 0 2 2 2 4 2 0 3 4 3 4 2 2 2 2 2 court 4 2 0 4 0 1 2 4 0 2 0 2 4 4 2 2 4 2 2 2 court 5 2 2 2 2 0 0 3 3 2 0 4 2 2 2 2 0 0 2 4 court 6 4 4 3 2 6 0 4 4 2 2 0 4 2 1 4 0 0 2 3 court 7 4 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 2 2 0-Dark 2 0 2 2 0-Dark 2 0 3 0-Dark 2 2 court 8 4 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0 3 0-Dark 0 0 0 2 0-Dark 0 0 0 0-Dark 0 2 court 9 2 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 0-Dark 2 2 0-Dark 3 0 2 2 0-Dark 2 0 2 0-Dark 2 0 waiting 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Paly high School 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:15 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:15 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:15 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM court 1 2 2 5 2 2 3 0 0 2 4 4 2 2 0 4 4 3 2 4 court 2 0 4 2 2 2 2 2 0 2 3 4 3 0 0 2 2 0 3 4 court 3 2 2 3 2 0 2 2 1 1 3 2 2 0 5 2 2 1 2 2 court 4 2 3 3 4 3 3 3 0 2 3 2 2 0 3 3 2 2 4 0 court 5 2 0 0 3 0 2 2 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 court 6 0 2 0 2 1 2 4 2 4 2 2 2 1 3 3 3 3 3 2 court 7 2 2 3 0-Dark 1 2 0 0-Dark 0 0 2 2 0-Dark 2 2 0 0-Dark 0 2 waiting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cubbeerley 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 1 2 2 2 2 0 2 2 3 2 2 4 4 2 4 0 5 2 0 0 6 0 2 0 Waiting 0 0 Item 4 Attachment A Court Counts Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 30 of 536 Locations 4/1/2026 4/2/2026 4/4/2026 4/5/2026 4/13/2026 4/14/2026 4/15/2026 4/16/2026 4/17/2026 4/22/2026 4/23/2026 4/25/2026 4/26/2026 4/27/26 4/28/26 4/29/26 Mitchell Park 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM Weekend (8:30 AM)Weekend 9:30 AM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM Court 1 2 4 4 2 2 3 3 5 4 (pickleball)0 7 2 4 3 4 2 Court 2 2 4 2 2 3 4 3 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Court 3 0 2 4 4 2 3 2 (pickleball)4 2 3 4 4 2 2 2 4 Court 4 2 3 4 2 4 2 0 2 4 1 3 2 4 4 4 2 waiting 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 Pickle Ball A and B 8 8 8 4 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 Pickleball 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 52 48 52 52 52 52 waiting 15 49 47 15 20 40 19 38 25 42 28 15 26 30 31 49 Light Rain in the AM Easter Rinconada 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:00 AM 9:30 AM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM court 1 0 2 2 4 2 2 4 2 2 4 4 4 4 0 4 4 court 2 2 4 4 4 2 2 4 2 2 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 court 3 4 3 4 2 2 2 0 0 3 2 2 4 4 4 3 4 court 4 2 4 4 4 4 2 0 2 2 4 2 4 4 2 4 4 court 5 2 3 2 2 4 1 2 0 3 2 4 3 4 2 4 4 court 6 0 2 4 2 4 2 3 5 0 6 5 3 0 1 2 4 court 7 0 2 4 4 2 2 2 2 0-Dark 1 2 2 0 2 4 2 court 8 0 2 4 2 2 3 0 2 0-Dark 1 2 2 0 2 2 4 court 9 0 3 2 2 2 2 0 2 0-Dark 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 waiting 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 Paly high School 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:15 AM 10:00 AM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:15 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:15 AM 10:15 AM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM court 1 2 2 0 4 3 2 2 2 4 0 2 2 3 4 4 1 court 2 0 3 0 2 2 2 0 2 2 0 2 2 2 2 2 0 court 3 0 2 0 2 2 2 2 5 0 0 2 2 3 2 0 3 court 4 0 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 2 0 3 2 2 2 2 0 court 5 0 3 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 0 court 6 0 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 0 0 4 4 2 3 3 3 court 7 0 3 0 4 2 2 2 2 0-Dark 0 2 0 2 2 2 0 waiting 0 3 0 0 0 7 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 Cubbeerley 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:45 AM 9:15 AM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:45 AM 9:45 AM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 3 2 3 0 2 2 2 0 2 2 1 2 4 0 2 1 4 2 2 0 4 2 3 2 0 3 0 4 2 0 4 2 3 2 4 0 2 4 4 0 3 5 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 5 0 0 3 2 4 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 4 6 0 0 4 0 1 2 0 3 0 0 2 4 0 0 4 Waiting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 Item 4 Attachment A Court Counts Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 31 of 536 Locations 5/4/2026 5/5/2026 5/7/2026 Mitchell Park 6:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM Court 1 2 4 3 Court 2 2 2 3 Court 3 2 3 2 Court 4 2 2 2 waiting 0 0 0 Pickle Ball A and B 8 8 8 Pickleball 52 52 52 waiting 23 29 18 Rinconada 7:15 PM 7:15 PM 7:15 PM court 1 2 4 2 court 2 4 4 2 court 3 4 4 4 court 4 2 4 4 court 5 4 2 4 court 6 4 2 2 court 7 0 3 0 court 8 2 2 0 court 9 0 2 2 waiting 0 2 0 Paly high School 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM court 1 2 2 2 court 2 2 2 4 court 3 4 2 3 court 4 2 3 3 court 5 2 3 0 court 6 3 2 4 court 7 4 2 0 waiting 0 0 0 Cubbeerley 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 1 2 0 2 2 2 2 0 3 0 2 2 4 0 0 0 5 0 2 0 6 2 2 2 Waiting 0 0 0 Item 4 Attachment A Court Counts Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 32 of 536 1 Vidal, Eric From:Karinna Hurley <kbhurley@ucdavis.edu> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 3:53 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:To Save the Palo Alto Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Council Members of Palo Alto, this is Stella Rae Rocca. I am in 5th grade at El Carmelo and enjoy and appreciate playing in the tennis courts of the City of Palo Alto. If you remove some of the tennis courts just so the pickleball players will have to wait a second less to get a court, the other tennis courts along the city will get crowded and full. As a result, people will have to wait longer to get a tennis court and how long one can play will decrease. Furthermore, tennis is my favorite sport and how I get most of my exercise. Albeit, please DO NOT REMOVE THE PALO ALTO TENNIS COURTS. Sincerely, Stella Rae Rocca Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 33 of 536 2 Vidal, Eric From:Satyajeet Salgar <salgar@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 2:31 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Opposition to converting Mitchell Park tennis courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear Parks and Recrea on Commission, City Council, and Palo Alto Pickleball Club, I am wri ng to express my strong opposi on to the proposed conversion of Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into addi onal pickleball courts. While I understand the growing popularity of pickleball, expanding these facili es at the expense of our exis ng tennis courts is detrimental to the local tennis community. It is already quite di ﬃcult to ﬁnd available tennis courts for community play in the area. Removing these courts at Mitchell Park will only exacerbate the problem, displacing players and making court me even harder to secure at both Mitchell Park and Rinconada Park. Given that there are currently 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts at Mitchell Park, removing half of the remaining tennis courts would severely impact local tennis players. I kindly urge you to consider alterna ve loca ons for pickleball expansion that do not eliminate our exis ng tennis infrastructure. Thank you for your me and considera on. Sincerely, Satyajeet Salgar Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 34 of 536 3 Vidal, Eric From:Hui Cen <huicen@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:17 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Fwd: URGENT: Protect Mitchell Park – Oppose Further Pickleball Expansion and Prioritize Palo Alto Residents CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Subject: URGENT: Protect Mitchell Park – Oppose Further Pickleball Expansion and Prioritize Palo Alto Residents Dear Mayor, Councilmen, and Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I am writing to express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 35 of 536 4 residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Implement strict operational restrictions, including limiting play hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Thank you for your time, leadership, and dedication to our community. Sincerely, Debra Cen 502 Lowell Ave. Palo Alto Sent from my iPhone Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 36 of 536 5 Vidal, Eric From:Amy Christel <amymchristel@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 9:33 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Limits to pickleball at Mitchell Oark CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Parks Commission, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Implement strict operational restrictions, including limiting play hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 37 of 536 6 Thank you, Amy Christel Midtown PA Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 38 of 536 7 Vidal, Eric From:vittorio fossati <fossativ@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 9:25 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Howard, Adam Cc:PATC Board Subject:Tennis courts availability CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To the Park and Recreations Commission: I have been a tennis player in Palo Alto for the last 40 years or so and I have always found that on peak hours I had to travel from one site to another to find open courts. This results in reducing the amount of time of play, and some times preventing the play. Therefore reducing the number of available tennis courts would create a significant problem. Pickleball is both a sport and a social gathering and people can afford waiting out a game knowing that after a short time they’d be able to go back playing on the court. This is not the case with tennis as you just don’t show up hoping to find someone random to play with. Also tennis games, by the nature of the sport, are much longer. If you make arrangements with one person to play a single game or with a few others to play doubles, not having an available court means that you would end up not playing in most cases. So I suggest that no more tennis courts be converted, and even that some at Mitchell be returned to tennis, especially because only Mitchell, besides Rinconada, has lights for evening tennis. For pickleball the city should consider different venues not conflicting with tennis, also taking into account the issues of noise and congestion pointed out in some other inputs messages that have been sent to you. Thank you for your consideration. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 39 of 536 8 Vittorio Fossati-Bellani 2651 Elmdale Ct. Palo Alto, CA 94303 Ph: 650-430-9469 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 40 of 536 9 Vidal, Eric From:Gilbert Wong <wong.gilbert01@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 8:49 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Palo Alto Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has been hugely impactful on my life and health. As I have entered my more senior age, I was looking for a structured activity to provide benefits on health and social interactions. This unique sport has provided this positive effect beyond my expectations as I now play approximately 5 times a week for about 3 hours a session (15+ hours per week) at Mitchell Park. I also play when travelling to other states (Hawaii, Arizona, other) but Mitchell Park is truly unique with the level of friendliness and camaraderie. Since beginning a year ago, Mitchell Park pickleball patrons have grown significantly in number and in real need of additional court space to extend these positive benefits to many others. Thank you very much for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Gilbert Wong, M.D. 940 Elsinore Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 41 of 536 10 Vidal, Eric From:Yong Guo <yong.guo@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 7:56 AM To:ParkRec Commission; city.council@cityofpaloalto.gov Subject:Save tennis courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. To whom it may concern: I am wri ng to strongly object further expansion of pickleball courts onto tennis courts #3 and #4 at Mitchell Park. First of all, Mitchell Park is a mul purpose park which serves many diﬀerent sports and events. It should not become a pickleball center of the Bay Area. Secondly, Mitchell Park is already suﬀering from overcrowding in terms of parking, as a result of which people’s normal ac vi es, such as going to the library, playing in the park, a ending events, get aﬀected. Adding more pickleball courts will make it much worse. Thirdly, when making the expansion request, the Palo Alto Pickleball Club(PAPC) always uses misleading informa on to support their claims. They always say that tennis court outnumbers pickleball court by 51 to 17. However, they ignore the fact that nearly half of the tennis courts belong to the school district. Not only these courts are not always available to the public, but also many of these courts are in very poor condi ons and are not playable. As for lighted courts, the number is actually 17 to 17. For normal working people, they need lighted courts to play a er work. Fourthly , Mitchell Park is the only park to the south of Oregon Expressway that has lighted tennis courts. With court 1 and 2 occupied by city tennis programs most of the evening me , court 3 and 4 are the only two courts that are open to the public in south Palo Alto in the evening. Conver ng these two courts into pickleball courts will make it very inconvenient for the local players. One argument from the PAPC is that they want the convenience for their players so they want to have all courts at Mitchell Park. Have they thought about the inconvenience for other people? So I strongly object further pickleball expansion at Mitchell Park. I am not against the growth of pickleball. I just don’t think it’s right to let pickleball take over Mitchell Park. Regards, Yong Guo Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 42 of 536 11 Vidal, Eric From:Karinna Hurley <kbhurley@ucdavis.edu> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 7:30 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Concern Regarding Proposed Reduction of Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Parks and Recreation Department and City Council Members, I am writing to express my strong concern regarding the proposed reduction of public tennis courts in favor of additional pickleball courts. My family has been actively involved in the city’s tennis programs for several years. My oldest daughter has participated in city-run tennis classes for the past three years, and this year my youngest daughter also began attending. I have also joined the adult tennis lesson program when I am able to secure a spot. Across all age groups, we consistently encounter waitlists. The city’s own programming clearly demonstrates sustained and even unmet demand for tennis. While I recognize and respect the growing popularity of pickleball, reducing existing tennis courts to accommodate it is short-sighted and does not reflect the demonstrated needs of the broader community. Tennis participation in our city is not declining; rather, it is constrained by limited programming capacity. I respectfully urge the city to consider solutions that expand facilities for both sports rather than reallocating existing tennis courts. Preserving balanced access will better serve the community and ensure that long-standing programs are not diminished in response to newer demands. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Karinna Hurley Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 43 of 536 15 Vidal, Eric From:Charlene Liao <xcliao@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:19 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Stop expansion of pickleball courts in Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Park and Recreation staff, Dear City Council Members, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, Ada's Cafe, and tennis courts (yes tennis courts are a feature of Mitchell Park). Many of us use the park for other recreation like tai chi and dance. One sport should not dominate the park and create unpleasant disruptive noise to both park goers and neighbors. Mitchell Park is a shared PALO ALTO resource. I doubt that the people trying to enjoy the park, listen to the birds and watching the stars (or movies in the summer organized by the City) want to hear the persistent and high- intensity noise of pickleball. Please leave the few remaining tennis courts alone. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made related to the expansion of pickleball courts: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 44 of 536 16 * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. The PAPC should have enough funds now to build their own PRIVATE CLUB instead of using City resources to continually support this single sport with many nuisances. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Implement strict operational restrictions, including enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. This proposal also hurts tennis players. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Charlene Liao Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 45 of 536 17 Vidal, Eric From:Peggy Yao <peggy.yao@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:07 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Stop expansion of pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Sir/Madam, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Implement strict operational restrictions, including limiting play hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 46 of 536 18 Vidal, Eric From:Srdjan Kovacevic <srdjank@ieee.org> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 11:12 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Cc:PATC Board; thomassarsfield@mac.com; marionparr@gmail.com Subject:Concerns About Tennis-to-Pickleball Court Conversion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I am writing on behalf of the Palo Alto Tennis Club (PATC) regarding the City’s consideration of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts – specifically, converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 pickleball courts. If this conversion proceeds, it would effectively displace all community tennis play from Mitchell Park, as the only two remaining tennis courts are primarily used for City-sanctioned lessons. Tennis players displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts would be forced to find alternative courts elsewhere in the City. Finding an available tennis court is already extremely difficult, if not impossible, during peak hours. This change would only exacerbate the difficulty. Additionally, Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park are among the very few public courts in the City that are lit for evening and nighttime play. Many working players rely on these courts to play after work. PATC supports community tennis in Palo Alto by organizing drop-in sessions open to the public, as well as junior tournaments. We believe this issue should not pit the tennis and pickleball communities against each other. Instead, we urge the City to explore expanding access to both sports through the construction of new courts rather than converting existing tennis courts, which would diminish valuable and already limited tennis resources. Thank you for considering our concerns. Sincerely, Srdjan Kovacevic President Palo Alto Tennis Club Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 47 of 536 19 Vidal, Eric From:Linlin Yang <linliny@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 10:33 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; harriet@magicalbridge.org Subject:Please Retain Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4 - Support for Magical Tennis CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear Parks and Recrea on Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Par cipants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has beneﬁted not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and par cipants work together on tennis skills, fun, conﬁdence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a signiﬁcant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Linlin Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 48 of 536 20 Vidal, Eric From:Unmesh Vartak <unmeshv@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 9:37 PM To:Council, City Cc:ParkRec Commission Subject:Strong Opposition to Further Pickleball Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Palo Alto City Council, As a Palo Alto resident, taxpayer, and voter, I am writing to express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It feels as though the park is being taken over by a single sport, which is actively stifling other recreational activities and dismantling the core functions of this essential civic space. Mitchell Park is a vital, multi-use nei hborhood hub anchored b the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: • Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 49 of 536 22 Vidal, Eric From:Jaeheon Jeong <jeong13978@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 9:23 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Conversion of tennis court CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello, I am writing this to strongly oppose the conversion of tennis courts to pickle ball courts at Mitchell Park. Thank you. Jaeheon Jeong 744 Mayview Ave, Palo Alto, CA94303 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 50 of 536 23 Vidal, Eric From:James Gong <jgong8811@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 9:17 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Can you keep the tennis courts at Mitchell Park? CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear managers, Can we expand the pickleball courts in places other than the current heavily-used tennis courts? My family like both tennis and pickleball. Tennis courts at Mitchell park is very busy, and it is much harder to build a tennis court than two pickleball courts. Why don't we keep the current tennis courts and build some pickleball courts nearby? Pickleball field is small and the speed of pickleball is much slower, so it is much easier to find suitable locations to build a few courts here and a few there. James Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 51 of 536 24 Vidal, Eric From:Cheryl Chen <xcherylchen@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 9:17 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Re: Mitchell Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I hear that the City of Palo Alto is again considering converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 Pickleball courts. This will only leave 2 tennis courts in all of Mitchell Park and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I'm very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto goes through with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4, there will be many very negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts, please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. Negative impacts of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts includes: • Tennis Players will be displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts and need to find other tennis courts in the City to play on. On peak days/times of day it is already nearly impossible to find tennis courts in the City. This will make that even worse. • In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has allowed more tennis courts to be used for Kids Summer Camps, making it extremely difficult for adult residents to play tennis for entire weekdays in Palo Alto over a 2+ month period during summer. This makes that issue worse. • There are currently 15 pickleball courts in Mitchell Park and so many people come from neighbor communities to use those courts, there is no available parking for Palo Alto residents who want to use the park in other ways --- go to the library, use the playground, attend a summer concert, picnic, play catch etc. More Pickleball courts will mean more even more people come to play Pickleball and an already bad parking problem will be made even worse. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 52 of 536 25 • The Magical Bridge Playground is an amazing inclusive area of the park that is used by neurodivergent people and the loud noise created by the pickleballs hitting the racket and large groups of people standing around cycling on & off courts can trigger severe discomfort, distress, and anxiety in neurodivergent people. The new 50-unit housing complex at 525 Charleston is geared towards neurodivergent folks & is only a 6-minute walk from the Mitchell park tennis courts. Given the proximity of this new development, more not fewer people going forward will be going to Mitchell Park who are very sensitive to the kinds of noise that pickleball makes & adding 6-8 more courts to the already 15 will greatly increase an already distressing sound. • Neighbors of Mitchell Park gave feedback in 2025 that they could hear the pickleball noise at their homes which could in the long run reduce their property values - and result in lower property tax revenue that the City receives. There is a need, OK, but let's not "rob Peter to pay Paul". Please look instead for a location where pickleball courts could be newly built instead of taking existing services from residents --- tennis courts, parking, library access, park enjoyment for all. Thank you, X. Cheryl Chen Palo Alto resident. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 53 of 536 26 Vidal, Eric From:Haeyeon Jeong <cbelt1004@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 9:12 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Oppose to Pickle ball expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi, I live on mayview ave. I oppose to expand pickle ball court because of noise and parking lot crowded. Thank you. Sincerely Haeyeon Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 54 of 536 27 Vidal, Eric From:Mark Chen <mark.mh.chen@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 8:55 PM To:ParkRec Commission CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi, I am a Palo Alto resident lived near Mitchell Park. I play tennis and pickle ball. There are only 4 tennis courts left, those close to magic bridge had been converted to pickle ball courts to accommodate local and neighboring city pickleball players. I strongly suggest to keep the 4 tennis courts which are always full in the morning and other times. Pickle ball games are relative short and the waiting is about 10-15 mins a game as my experience. It is not fair to the tennis player because more people playing pickle ball. I will suggest to keep the 4 tennis court as is Don't convert or draw court lines which will create argument even rule is set. Thank to consider all different group of players. Mark chen Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 55 of 536 28 Vidal, Eric From:ART <tananlacs3@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 8:30 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; Harriet Stern Subject:Please Retain Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • Similar name as someone in your company. • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. My son has been playing tennis there for a few years, and this activity has become part of his routine. We live in Palo Alto, so this location is very convenient for us, and he is familiar and comfortable with the area. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Cherie (Parent of a 15-year-old participant) Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 56 of 536 29 Vidal, Eric From:Amy <amysarahmeyer@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 7:26 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Tennis courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • Similar name as someone in your company. • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello there, We frequently play tennis at Mitchell park for many years and just learned there may be some idea to convert the remaining courts into pickle ball. There is already a huge shortage of tennis courts at Mitchell park and it's frequently full / at capacity. We are writing to express how important these courts are, for residents to play. Amy Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 57 of 536 30 Vidal, Eric From:Julie Du <julie.du@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 6:45 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; Stern Harriet Subject:Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My son James, a 16 years old autistic teen, has participated in this program for two years. He has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Julie Du Sent from my iPhone Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 58 of 536 31 Vidal, Eric From:Jennifer Main <jenniferschmidt097@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 6:24 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, I live in Palo Alto and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has become an important part of my weekly routine, not just for exercise but for the sense of community it fosters. It brings together people of all ages and backgrounds in a way that few other activities do. I’ve seen friendships form, neighbors connect, and new residents feel welcomed through this simple, accessible sport. However, the current demand far exceeds the available court space. Long wait times between games make it difficult for many residents to participate regularly, and it limits the broader community benefits that pickleball offers. Expanding the number of courts would allow more people to stay active, reduce congestion, and make better use of an already popular public space. Investing in additional pickleball courts is a relatively low-cost way to significantly enhance community well-being, promote physical and mental health, and strengthen social connections across Palo Alto. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 59 of 536 32 Thank you for your consideration. Jennifer Schmidt San Jude, Palo Alto Sent from my iPhone Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 60 of 536 33 Vidal, Eric From:Mary Lee <mklee808@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 6:04 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; harriet@magicalbridge.org Subject:Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3&4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. Growing up in Palo Alto, I always enjoyed all the public spaces Palo Alto offered and now that I no longer live in Palo Alto, I cherish all the opportunities to visit and enjoy the spaces it offers. We now travel from the East Bay so my autistic son can learn tennis from the amazing volunteer coaches at Magical Tennis and also to enjoy the amenities offered at Mitchell Park. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. The proximity of the courts being located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe allows my son and other families to have a well rounded, accessible, and inclusive experiences. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Mary Lee (parent to Benji, 12 year old participant at Magical Tennis) Sent from my iPhone Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 61 of 536 34 Vidal, Eric From:Hong Cong <cindycong@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 5:25 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Please DO NOT convert tennis court into pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Cindy Cong, Parent of a 17-yr-old participant Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 62 of 536 35 Vidal, Eric From:Olenka S. Villarreal <olenka@magicalbridge.org> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 5:05 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Please help make Mitchell Park MAGICAL FOR ALL again! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • The sender's email address couldn't be verified. • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast May 18, 2026 Hello Commissioners and Council Member Lythcott-Haims, For over a decade, Magical Bridge has served as a sanctuary—designed intentionally for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, and other disabilities. For many families, this playground is more than just a play area—it's the only place where Palo Alto families with a disabled family member come to enjoy community connections, play and a welcoming space. The pickleball courts adjacent to the playground have significantly changed that experience. Pickleball generates a sharp, repetitive sound that carries far beyond the courts. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, this type of noise is not just a nuisance—it is overwhelming, disorienting, and distressing. We are hearing from families who can no longer stay, who are cutting visits short, or who have stopped coming altogether. This is not about being anti-pickleball; we respect the value it brings to the community. However, placement matters. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 63 of 536 36 The AbilityPath building closest to the pickleball courts serves disabled adults with the highest needs. My daughter Ava is in one of these programs and the increased car activity moving through this private parking lot is dangerous. Ava and her peers walk (and roll) to Magical Bridge often and the stress of a busy parking lot, coupled with excessive noise, has changed what used to be a magical corridor into the very opposite. Last week, one student was nearly hit by an eager pickleball player in a big hurry to park. This particular pickleball club directly conflicts with a space specifically designed to support vulnerable populations, displacing those who have the fewest alternatives. Magical Bridge was created to fill a critical gap— to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has a place to belong. The Mitchell Park pickleball courts have compromised this promise. I respectfully ask the Commission to halt further encroachment of these pickleball courts within the Mitchell Park area and encourage their players to find to a more compatible setting. This is an opportunity to uphold Palo Alto’s leadership in inclusion—not just in intention, but in practice. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your commitment to all members of our community. Please make that Magical Bridge corridor magical again. It is the only community hub for many of our families. Thank you and see you on the 26th. Olenka S. Villarreal | Founder and Chief Executive Officer Magical Bridge Foundation | a 501(c)3 non- profit 650-380-1557 | magicalbridge.org Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 45 Packet Pg. 64 of 536 38 Vidal, Eric From:Matthew Nagle <matthewcnagle@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 5:02 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Enhance, do not reduce, our PA tennis courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Adam, council folks, and parks and rec: Do NOT reduce any further the number of, or condi on of, our tennis courts in Palo Alto. If anything, enhance our tennis courts with maintenance, signage, and leadership, something that has been sorely lacking for years in Palo Alto. Though the recent growth of pickleball is compelling, so, too, is the growth of tennis, though it is more subtle. The tennis community is not nearly as vocal, uniﬁed, or visible on and oﬀ the court, but the reduc on of tennis courts in the past few years and squeezed more of us onto fewer courts. There has been marginal relief in kicking out United States Tennis Associa on league teams, and pos ng mediocre le er-sized printouts reminding paid tennis instructors that they cannot use our courts without a permit, but at the end of the day, tennis players have to be strategic in a emp ng to secure a court for an hour of tennis, even though our matches and prac ces realis cally need more me. Local and USTA tennis tournaments add to our community as well, but they stress the availability of courts as well. I play on all city and school courts in Palo Alto, as well as every city in the Bay Area over me, because I par cipate in USTA tournaments and leagues. We had to abandon our USTA league team at Cubberly this year because we did not have enough Palo Alto players. This rule of Palo Alto-ﬁrst players, as unseemly as it is, should also be applied to pickleball as it has been reported repeatedly that many, if not most, players do not live, or pay taxes, in Palo Alto. I have brought up my two children on Palo Alto tennis courts, and I s ll play with young and old tennis players on all the courts, when we can ﬁnd a free court. Do not forget that city tennis instructors take up two of the four tennis courts at Mitchell Park. They run good programs for our youth, but because the city took away the four tennis courts at the other end of Mitchell Park, many of us head over to Cubberly and other parks. Taking any courts from Mitchell because they might not be as used as pickleball courts would be like taking away the new basketball courts at Boulware Park in order to install new pickleball courts. Those courts are not used that much at all, and there are even lights, but no one would suggest taking over those courts. Except the pickleball community if they ﬁnd out about them. Ma hew Nagle Park Blvd, Palo Alto Former PAUSD Principal Current member of USTA Schools Commi ee Current member of USTA NorCal Community Program Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 46 Packet Pg. 65 of 536 39 Vidal, Eric From:LW comcast <ljwickstrom@comcast.net> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 4:34 PM To:PlayingFields; Howard, Adam; Council, City; ParkRec Commission Subject:NO more pickle ball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Commission Members, As Palo Alto residents who often visit Mitchell Park, the Mitchell Park Library, and Ada’s Cafe, I oppose the addition of multiple, concentrated pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. The loud, continuous cracking of pickleballs on paddles as well as the voices of crowds waiting to play, is hard on visitors like myself and my disabled son: people who are sensitive to loud noise. Visitors to other facilities in the community center will also face decreased parking space as a result to adding pickleball courts to accommodate out-of-town players as well as residents. In addition, the additional courts are adjacent to the Ability Path Arts Center, Mitchell Park Place, and Magical Bridge Playground—all of which welcome children and adults with developmental disabilities. Having a son with disabilities, I have been active in this community and know that many disabled individuals deal with sensory overload issues, particularly with loud, repetitive noises. The proximity to pickleball courts is a problem for this neighborhood, with the noise of the paddles and balls and the loud calls of participants and those waiting to play. Pickleball may, as proponents say, "deliver more of the much-needed social wellness benefits to the Palo Alto community.” But please be aware of what ill-placed courts might also take away from the social and emotional wellness of residents and guests alike. Linnea Wickstrom Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 47 Packet Pg. 66 of 536 40 Vidal, Eric From:peter maresca <pmaresca@comcast.net> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 4:11 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts to Pickleball CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To those concerned - As a 40-year Palo Alto resident and a 25-year tennis player, I am naturally concerned about the loss of tennis courts to pickleball use. But the proposed changes at Mitchell Park affect more than just those who wish to use the park for tennis. There are the noise and parking issues that affect nearby facilities for many Palo Alto residents, as well as those from other communities, who are drawn to what Mitchell Park has to offer. Noise issues are well documented, here I will look at parking. Our family regularly visits the Mitchell Park Library, Magical Bridge, and Ada’s Cafe. It has become increasing difficult to find parking there due in part to the large number of pickleball players. Pickleball, particularly as it is played at Mitchell Park, invites players to gather and wait to rotate into play (something that does not often happen in tennis) which could mean three to four times as many players parking their cars than might be there for tennis. I would side with pickleball players in lobbying the Parks and Recreation Commission for construction of new, dedicated pickleball courts in a suitable location with adequate parking. The city has spent millions on recreational structures that have far less usage than new pickleball courts would receive. In order to best serve all Palo Alto residents, re-purposing existing tennis courts at an already crowded site is not the answer. Peter Maresca Monroe Park Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 48 Packet Pg. 67 of 536 41 Vidal, Eric From:Tiffany Lin <tiffany.i.lin@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 3:58 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:Olenka S. Villarreal; Harriet Stern Subject:Please keep Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 for Magical Tennis CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My daughter, Saoirse Hanley, has attended this camp and has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. Our family travels from Hillsborough to Mitchell Park because this program offers something truly special for neurodiverse children. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. The program meets on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe, making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Tiffany Lin & Patrick Hanley Parent of Saoirse Hanley https://www.facebook.com/tiflhme/posts/pfbid0t93SyJuHFU9zQizUZoarbxLXxKTSCvJPQmKvmdp486tw tU42e8ECkHA4FpBM3kQyl Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 49 Packet Pg. 68 of 536 42 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 50 Packet Pg. 69 of 536 43 Vidal, Eric From:Yael Uziyel Naveh <yaeluziyel@hotmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 2:55 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:Olenka S. Villarreal; harriet@magicalbridge.org Subject:Tennis courts 3 and 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. There are very few if none recreational activities specifically tailored for residents with disabilities provided by the city of Palo Alto - beyond those provided by the Magical Bridge team. Please enable them to continue to provide their wonderful programming. My son has really enjoyed the tennis in particular. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Yael Uziyel Naveh, Palo Alto Resident Parent of a 20 year old participant Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 51 Packet Pg. 70 of 536 44 Vidal, Eric From:Yanling Wang <ylw.design@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 2:03 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; harriet@magicalbridge.org Subject:Please keep Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 for humanity! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, I have two teenage boys who live in Palo Alto. While my 15-year old neurotypical boy can easily enjoy many of the great programs in our local community, my 13-year old with special needs has far fewer options. It's almost impossible or very hard for children with special needs to access sports and activities without the right support. Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is one of the very few and an absolutely wonderful program that does that. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe, which makes the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families like ours. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely heavily on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 for humanity! Sincerely, Yanling Wang Residence in Barron Park Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 52 Packet Pg. 71 of 536 45 Vidal, Eric From:Lan Liu <wanersmile@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 2:03 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Concerns About Proposed Tennis Court Conversion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, I am writing to express concern regarding the proposal to convert Mitchell Park tennis Courts 3 and 4 into additional pickleball courts. My son currently takes tennis lessons at Mitchell Park, and these courts are an important resource for youth sports, recreation, and community activities. Reducing the number of tennis courts would directly impact children and families who rely on this facility for lessons, practice, and regular play. Currently the tennis courts at Mitchell Park are currently fully occupied, making it hard to find an available court. I understand and support the need for recreational opportunities for both tennis and pickleball players. However, Mitchell Park already has significantly more pickleball courts than tennis courts. Eliminating additional tennis courts would make it much harder for young players and community members to access court time and participate in tennis programs. I respectfully ask the Commission to consider alternative locations for pickleball expansion that would not further reduce existing tennis access at Mitchell Park and nearby parks. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Lan, a Palo Alto Resident (951-907-578) Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 53 Packet Pg. 72 of 536 46 Vidal, Eric From:Anne Johnston <annelyonsjohnston@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 1:46 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Harriet Stern; Olenka Villarreal Subject:Please Retain Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, My son Axel is 21 years old and has autism. For most of his life, finding community here in Palo Alto — real community, where he feels welcomed and seen — has been one of our family's greatest challenges. Magical Tennis changed that. Through the program at Mitchell Park, Axel has built friendships, grown in confidence, and found something he genuinely looks forward to every week. The coaches understand how to meet participants where they are, and the culture they've created is rare: joyful, patient, and truly inclusive. When Axel comes home from Magical Tennis, our whole family feels it. The program's location matters too. Courts 3 and 4 sit right alongside the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada's Cafe — a cluster of spaces that already serve our community well. Magical Tennis belongs there. Losing this program would mean losing far more than a tennis class. For families like ours, it would mean losing one of the few places where our kids get to just be kids — connected, capable, and part of something. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Anne Johnston -- To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Anne Lyons Johnston Creative Executive and Strategist Linkedin | Website Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 54 Packet Pg. 73 of 536 47 Vidal, Eric From:Vivi Chen <chenvivi2013@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 1:46 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; Harriet Stern Subject:Please Retain Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4 for Magical Tennis CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a truly valuable and important program for our community. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming and supportive community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together to build tennis skills, confidence, friendship, and joy. The program provides a rare opportunity for neurodiverse children and teens to participate in a structured activity where they feel included, understood, and encouraged. The Mitchell Park location is especially important. Courts 3 and 4 are ideally situated near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe, making the experience more accessible and inclusive for families. These nearby amenities help create a comfortable environment that supports participants’ needs before, during, and after lessons. My child started in the program barely able to hold a tennis racket. Over time, with patient support from the coaches and volunteers, he has progressed to being able to rally and play small games with others. Just as importantly, he has built meaningful relationships with the coaches, which has helped him develop important social skills and confidence interacting with others. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and for the many families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 for Magical Tennis. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 55 Packet Pg. 74 of 536 48 Best Regards, Vivi Mom of a 10-year-old participant with ASD Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 56 Packet Pg. 75 of 536 49 Vidal, Eric From:Xuan Li <lixuanpku@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 1:44 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; harriet@magicalbridge.org Subject:Opposing the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Xuan Parent of a 9-year-old participant Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 57 Packet Pg. 76 of 536 50 Vidal, Eric From:Sue Duffek <sueduffek@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 12:36 PM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:request for additional pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I began playing pickleball at Mitchell Park in 2021. I truly enjoy par cipa ng in the compe ve and friendly events, learning opportuni es, and social ac vi es that PAPC provides on a regular basis. I love the excitement and look forward to playing pickleball several mes a week at Mitchell Park. For my friends, neighbors, and those who I meet oﬀ the courts who are unfamiliar with pickleball, I tell them about the accessibility and aﬀordability of pickleball. More so, I let them know that everyone is welcome at Mitchell Park and it’s normal to be hesitant at ﬁrst. The “beginner courts” and “players without partners” courts were though ul addi ons to Mitchell Park. The many “Ge ng Started” clinics, all staﬀed by club volunteers, are a great introduc on to pickleball and also provide an opportunity to meet new players of similar skill levels. Interest in pickleball is increasing rapidly in our community. This email is in support of crea ng eight addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Sincerely yours, Sue Duﬀek Palo Alto resident Charleston Gardens, South Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 58 Packet Pg. 77 of 536 51 Vidal, Eric From:Hiroko <piroko785@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 10:29 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Mitchell Courts Attachments:20260518.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear, I hope this email finds you well. I am a Palo Alto resident and an avid tennis player. Please find the attached. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, Hiroko Ohtsuki Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 59 Packet Pg. 78 of 536 52 Vidal, Eric From:Namita Joshua <namitajoshua@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 9:07 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Palo Alto Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Good evening, My name is Namita Joshua and I am a Palo Alto resident, living at 1210 Newell Rd, right by some of the Rinconada tennis courts. I am writing this in response to the request to convert some of the Mitchell Park tennis courts into pickleball courts. What this would do is increase the number of tennis players at the already crowded courts in Rinconada. I would like to request you to not go ahead with this proposal. As it is, courts are in high demand in Rinconada. We live within earshot of 9 courts, and usually have to wait for courts to play on in the evenings. Additionally even the tennis wall is frequently in use. There are many times when I have had to wait to get a turn. I also use the park for my hour-long evening walk and I daily see these courts full in the evenings. Players wait patiently on the stands for their turn. I am just saying this to testify that those courts are already in high demand, with the number of players interested in playing at this location. You can drive by any evening to see that these courts are at full occupancy till the lights go off around 10PM every night. To close the Mitchell Park courts would drive more tennis traffic to Rinconada, to an already busy set of courts. This will only make the current situation worse, and increase wait times, while reducing available play times. I humbly request you to consider the high demand for these tennis courts in Palo Alto, and not close/convert tennis courts. Thanks, Namita M Joshua (607) 379-2581 namitajoshua@gmail.com Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 60 Packet Pg. 79 of 536 53 Vidal, Eric From:Blake Smith <besmith@sportwhirl.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 8:10 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Please save the Mitchell Park Tennis Courts because they are s ll o en in use and the pickleballers have enough courts for the Palo Alto community. Sent from my iPhone Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 61 Packet Pg. 80 of 536 54 Vidal, Eric From:Subu <subuone@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 5:11 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Reckdahl, Keith; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lauing, Ed; Burt, Patrick Subject:Please do not convert Mitchell Park Tennis Courts to Pickle ball courts anymore Attachments:MEMORANDUM - Coversion of Tennis Courts.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Mayor, Palo Alto City Council Members, and Parks and Recreation Commission Members, Please find the attached memo opposing the conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts. As a Palo Alto resident of over 25 years and an avid tennis player, I frequently use the Mitchell Park courts. Due to recent conversions, only four tennis courts remain available at this location. It has become increasingly difficult for my family and me to secure playtime, particularly during weekends and outside of standard work hours. This policy effectively forces South Palo Alto tennis players to seek facilities elsewhere. I request that you stop converting existing tennis courts and instead focus on building new infrastructure for pickleball. Additionally, I ask that you consider restoring the dual-use courts at Mitchell Park to tennis-only use, as the overlapping lines are confusing, especially for children. While I support the pickleball community and their access to facilities, converting existing courts is an inadequate solution. Both Cubberley and Mitchell Parks have sufficient space for new construction. Furthermore, I urge you to require new real estate developments in South Palo Alto to include the recreational facilities necessary to support our growing community. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, Subu Govindaswamy Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 62 Packet Pg. 81 of 536 56 Vidal, Eric From:Harriet Stern <harriet@magicalbridge.org> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 5:06 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com; Howard, Adam Cc:Olenka S. Villarreal Subject:Visitors affected by Pickleball at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • The sender's email address couldn't be verified. • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commission, Thank you for the opportunity to share my concerns regarding pickleball expansion at Mitchell Park. I have been a Palo Alto resident since 2010 and currently serve as Curator of Community Kindness for the Magical Bridge Foundation. Mitchell Park is one of Palo Alto’s most treasured public spaces because it serves so many different people and purposes. Over the years, my family and I have enjoyed the playgrounds, library, Ada’s Café, sports fields, community events, concerts, and countless gatherings there. Through the City’s Enjoy Catalog, I also took pickleball lessons at Mitchell Park when portable nets were still used on shared tennis courts. I appreciate pickleball and understand its popularity. However, Mitchell Park does not need additional pickleball courts. In fact, for Magical Bridge Playground visitors, the existing 15 courts are already too many. When Magical Bridge was founded 11 years ago to provide a sanctuary for people with disabilities, no one anticipated that a loud, high-turnover racket sport would operate right next door from sunrise to 10:00 PM. As pickleball has expanded, I have personally witnessed a decrease in playground visitors. The extreme parking shortage deters disabled visitors who lack handicap placards. Furthermore, the constant, high-pitched pop-pop-pop triggers individuals with sensory sensitivities. Recently, while working with Scouts on their Disability Awareness Merit Badge, the pickleball noise completely drowned out their presentations on the Magical Bridge stage. Attaching a recording. Additionally, we host "Magical Tennis" for neurodiverse youth on courts 3 and 4, serving close to 200 participants in three years. This program relies on the existing tennis infrastructure, as well as the neighboring bathrooms, lawns and playground. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 63 Packet Pg. 82 of 536 57 Magical Bridge is the only playground intentionally built for our most marginalized citizens. Pickleball is directly compromising their access to a space Palo Alto created specifically for them. It also strains shared resources. Parking is so impacted that I regularly must reserve spots at 5:00 AM or 10:00 PM for our volunteers and community partners on event and tennis days. Unlike the Pickleball Club, which can mobilize thousands of members with a single email, individual residents, tennis players, library patrons, and families cannot organize in the same way. The disabled community is constantly fighting daily battles for basic access, support, and education; they cannot easily attend Parks and Recreation meetings. Magical Bridge was built as a sanctuary. Now, due to triggering noise and crowds, many families stay away. Mitchell Park must remain a balanced space that serves everyone. It is a beloved community asset, not a regional pickleball center. Please do not create more pickleball courts. Mitchell Park for All. Sincerely, Harriet Stern Curator of Community Kindness Magical Bridge Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit) www.magicalbridge.org To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 64 Packet Pg. 83 of 536 58 Vidal, Eric From:Aleks Totic <atotic@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 1:30 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi, I live in Palo Verde, and I do not support more pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I've played at Mitchell during Covid for a few months, and I think that pickleball is amazing in how it brings everyone together. The reason I oppose the expansion at Mitchell is because pickleball should be spread out to more Palo Alto parks, not just have it concentrated in one spot. Mitchell is a multi-use park, and parking can be difficult with so many pickleball players driving in. It'd be better if other Palo Alto parks had courts, so that everyone can have their local court. Greer has lots of open space, or build some when new housing gets built near San Antonio. Best, Aleks Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 65 Packet Pg. 84 of 536 59 Vidal, Eric From:Wensi Yin <ywsstan@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 10:33 AM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Strong Objection to the Proposed Additional Tennis-to-Pickleball Court Conversions at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council, My name is Wensi Yin. I am writing as a Palo Alto resident living near Mitchell Park (3727 Grove Avenue) to formally voice my strong objection to the proposed conversion of two additional tennis courts into pickleball courts. One of the primary reasons I purchased my home in this neighborhood back in 2024 was having Mitchell park and library in walking distance and the ability to utilize Mitchell Park's tennis facilities. I went to Mitchell Park a couple times a week with family and neighbors and my whole family really enjoys time there. While I understand the popularity of pickleball, the current proposal creates a severe, unfair disadvantage for local tennis players and neighborhood taxpayers. If this conversion moves forward, Mitchell Park will be left with only two tennis courts. This creates two critical issues for South Palo Alto residents: 1. Complete Elimination of Nighttime Tennis: Mitchell Park is the only public park in South Palo Alto with lighted tennis courts. The remaining two courts are already heavily booked for city- sponsored and private lessons. If these tennis courts are converted, residents who work during the day will have absolutely nowhere to play tennis at night in our half of the city. 2. Unfairness to local taxpayers: Furthermore, it is widely observed that a large percentage of the players utilizing the current Mitchell Park pickleball courts are non-residents traveling from neighboring cities. While Palo Alto has always been welcoming, our neighborhood park infrastructure and local tax dollars should prioritize the recreational needs of Palo Alto residents first. This further conversion will severely impact local neighborhood access to our own park, causing increased traffic and parking congestion, all while displacing the resident tennis community. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 66 Packet Pg. 85 of 536 60 Public parks must serve a balanced ecosystem. I urge the City to reject this conversion proposal and instead protect the unique, lighted tennis infrastructure that South Palo Alto residents rely on. Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to our neighborhood. Best, Wensi Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 67 Packet Pg. 86 of 536 61 Vidal, Eric From:Euginia Merken <euginia.merken@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:58 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I am an 18-year resident of Palo Alto, where I raised my two children alongside my husband. Two years ago, my husband of 33 years died unexpectedly. In the wake of that devastating loss, I found a powerful sense of community at Mitchell Park that helped me cope and heal. Living as a stay-at-home mom in the California suburbs can be profoundly isolating. Navigating that isolation as a 60-year-old widow with adult children felt incredibly bleak. While Palo Alto offers an array of services to strengthen community ties—and I have volunteered at our public schools, taken classes at the Pacific Art League, and used the community gardens—nothing came close to the profound connection I found at the Mitchell Park pickleball courts. Pickleball courts exist in many cities, but our local courts possess a unique magic: the sheer number of courts available allows people of all skill levels to play together. The only comparable local alternative is a private club called The Hub, which charges a staggering $40 daily drop-in fee. Because of our current municipal setup, Mitchell Park attracts players from far and wide, including advanced and professional athletes. In fact, I first learned about these courts from a high school friend living in Toronto, Canada, who had read about them. On any given day, I might play alongside retired football players, a reality show contestant, seniors, or teenagers. I even brought a young guest visiting from Germany to the courts; he had a marvelous time and still talks about how much fun he had. The success of this community relies entirely on having enough courts to bring people together. Expanding the number of courts will only make this vibrant community stronger, safer, and more inclusive for residents navigating difficult life transitions. The pickleball courts are truly the best thing about Palo Alto. I strongly urge the City Council to actively support the expansion and improvement of these courts, preserving and growing the vital community resource that has meant so much to me and countless others. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 68 Packet Pg. 87 of 536 62 Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Euginia Merken Palo Alto Resident Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 69 Packet Pg. 88 of 536 63 Vidal, Eric From:Christopher Turney <christopher.j.turney@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 5:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Palo Alto pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I'm a Palo Alto resident of 11 years. I learned pickleball when I visited my parents for the holidays this past winter, and couldn't wait to play more so I joined the Palo Alto Pickleball Club as soon as I got back and have been playing at Mitchell Park a couple times a week since then. I'm writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park at the prompting of the club leaders. The place always seems to be packed, even during the day on weekdays. More courts would definitely be great! Anecdotally Mitchell Park lines up with what I've observed all over, that pickleball courts tend to be full and tennis courts tend to be empty, so we don't seem to have aligned the courts ratio with the players ratio yet. I've had a ton of fun playing pickleball at Mitchell Park, it's been a great way to reconnect with organized sports in a way that I haven't since I was a kid, it's getting me outside and exercising more, and I've met a bunch of great people really quickly. The sport seems to attract a really nice and welcoming crowd. My guess is b/c it's so more accessible than tennis, both fitness wise (you can play even if you're old and not super mobile), and skill wise (you pretty much have to be taught how to to serve and hit topspin forehands in tennis to even play, whereas there's still plenty of room to improve in pickleball but you can actually play your first time), and b/c it's more social (much more focused on doubles and fun and camaraderie, and the players are closer to each other). Thanks! Christopher Turney, from Cowper St south of University Ave christopher.j.turney@gmail.com Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 70 Packet Pg. 89 of 536 64 Vidal, Eric From:Aspo Normantas <anyonefor10s@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 5:06 PM To:Howard, Adam Cc:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; PlayingFields; Hartmann, Chase Subject:Concerns about additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Adam, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing as a long-time Palo Alto resident of over 40 years and a dedicated tennis enthusiast who has been actively working to support and grow community-based tennis leagues. Over the years, I have also contributed to youth athletics in our city—working with middle school girls programs and had built traveling teams, and my family has remained deeply engaged in community sports. I am reaching out again regarding the ongoing discussion about reallocating tennis courts at Mitchell Park for pickleball use. As you know, many of us in the tennis community have worked hard to advocate for balanced and equitable access to courts. I attended the August meeting and many previous meetings discussing difficulties with tennis court availability in the city of Palo Alto. After years of discussions and decisions, with the city council and the Parks and Recreation at the city of Palo Alto changes were made. I want to sincerely thank you and the City for the recent improvements in scheduling, Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 71 Packet Pg. 90 of 536 65 particularly the effort to reduce USTA match play during peak community hours. That change has made a meaningful difference, and with some patience, it has become more manageable to find courts for regular play. I have witnessed how this small change has made a positive change to our community tennis play. With players that normally could not get a court reliably, have now returned to enjoy their neighborhood courts. Once again, we are facing a proposal that would significantly reduce available tennis courts at Mitchell Park, and I would like to respectfully share several concerns: 1. Use of Funds and Equity in Contributions The pickleball club has offered $100,000 toward converting tennis courts for their use. I respectfully ask why these funds are not instead being directed toward the maintenance and upkeep of the existing pickleball facilities that they have used with regularity to collect their fees. Palo Alto residents already bear the financial responsibility for court maintenance, staffing, and park operations through our tax dollars. Meanwhile, the pickleball club, which collects membership fees and includes many non- resident users, does not appear to contribute proportionally to the ongoing maintenance of these shared public resources. This raises important questions about equity and sustainability. 2. Impact on Nearby Educational Programs There is an education specialist school located directly adjacent to the courts in question. Many of these students have noise sensitivities, and the distinctive sound of pickleball can be highly disruptive. Expanding pickleball activity in this location would create an ongoing barrier to their learning environment. I have spoken to parents with Autistic children who suffer with these sensitivities and they expressed concerns. I strongly urge the City to consider the daily impact on these students and prioritize their educational needs over recreational play. 3. Access and Availability of Courts While total court numbers are sometimes cited, many courts included in Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 72 Packet Pg. 91 of 536 66 these counts are not accessible for tennis with asphalt surfaces and not reliably accessible to the public. PAUSD courts are often reserved for school use, including practices, matches, and tournaments, which significantly reduces availability for residents. If additional courts at Mitchell Park are converted, the resulting impact will further strain access across all Palo Alto facilities. 4. Resident Use vs. Non-Resident Demand Mitchell Park is a highly valued community asset. Increasing demand from privately organized clubs—particularly those with non-resident membership—places additional strain on a system already designed to serve local taxpayers. There has not been clear discussion about whether the Pickleball club and their non-resident pickleball users would contribute financially to offset this impact. The question becomes why are we entertaining a proposal from a private club to use public facilities? 5. Community Preference Many residents in the surrounding neighborhood have consistently expressed concern about increased congestion, noise, and reduced access resulting from expanded pickleball use at Mitchell Park. I respectfully ask that these voices be meaningfully weighed in to the decision-making process since they will be asked to fund resurfacing and other expensive long term maintenance costs. After many years of discussion, I had hoped this issue was largely resolved in a way that balanced access for all. I am concerned that revisiting these proposals will again create strain within the community and reduce access to already limited tennis resources. I respectfully ask that this proposal not move forward and that we instead focus on preserving equitable court access for Palo Alto residents while exploring solutions that do not come at the expense of existing facilities. Would it be considered reasonable for tennis players to demand to take over a well-used, state-of-the-art lighted basketball facility and continue to propose that it be converted into tennis courts? Most people would Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 73 Packet Pg. 92 of 536 67 instinctively say no—because it would displace an existing, active user group.” This is a relentless pursuit and frankly needs to be put to rest. Thank you again for your time, your thoughtful consideration, and your continued efforts to keep our community parks working for the community. Aspo Normantas Loving life in Palo Alto! Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 74 Packet Pg. 93 of 536 68 Vidal, Eric From:annecribbs <acribbs@basoc.org> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 8:55 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Nellis Freeman Subject:Pickleball in Palo Alto CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission I am a longtime Palo Alto resident and am writing in strong support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Over the past several years, I have watched pickleball grow from a sport enjoyed primarily by seniors into one of the fastest-growing sports in America for people of all ages. Today, youth in middle school and high school are embracing the game alongside adults and seniors, creating a wonderful multigenerational community. As a 1960 Olympian and lifelong advocate for sports and recreation, I know firsthand the tremendous value of sport in promoting health, fitness, friendships, mental well-being, and a sense of belonging. Pickleball offers all of these benefits. It gets people outdoors, enjoying exercise, fresh air, and camaraderie. I want to encourage the Palo Alto Tennis Club and the Palo Alto Pickleball Club to work together to maximize recreational opportunities and resources for our community. I believe tennis and pickleball can coexist successfully and provide outstanding opportunities for residents of all ages. This is an important investment in the health and vitality of our community and a wonderful opportunity to expand access to one of the most inclusive and popular sports in Palo Alto. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and your continued support of recreation in our city. Sincerely, Anne Cribbs Palo Alto Resident Since 1966 Former Three-Term Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commissioner 1960 U.S. Olympian 2450 Agnes Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 75 Packet Pg. 94 of 536 69 Ph. 650.323.9400 415.264.2067 - mobile Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 76 Packet Pg. 95 of 536 70 Vidal, Eric From:Tess Byler <tess.byler@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 8:27 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Mitchell Park Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Hello, I am a tennis player wri ng to object to a plan to take over more courts for pickle ball at Mitchell Park. There are not enough courts for tennis as is and we are biking all around town to ﬁnd open courts. Parking cars at the Mitchell Park library is diﬃcult as it is, and conver ng more tennis courts to pickleball will more quadruple the problem. Finally, you should be aware that many of the pickleball players are not from Palo Alto- Mountain View declined adding courts due to noise. I am not against pickleball but the sales job by the players seems to have pulled the wool over Palo Alto and will con nue to do so unless you turn down this underhanded proposal. Thank you, Tess Byler 355 College Ave Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 77 Packet Pg. 96 of 536 72 Vidal, Eric From:leovolpe@yahoo.com Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 3:00 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Mitchell Park Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department: I hear that the City of Palo Alto is again considering converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 Pickleball courts. This will only leave two tennis courts in all of Mitchell Park, and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I am concerned that if the City of Palo Alto goes through with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4, there will be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts. Please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. Negative impacts of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts include: • Tennis Players will be displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts and will have to ﬁnd other tennis courts in the City to play on. On peak days/times of day it is already nearly impossible to ﬁnd tennis courts in the City. This will make that even worse. • In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has allowed more tennis courts to be used for Kids Summer Camps, making it extremely diƯicult for adult residents to play tennis for entire weekdays in Palo Alto over a 2+ month period during summer. This makes that issue worse. • There are currently 15 pickleball courts in Mitchell Park and so many people come from neighbor communities to use those courts there is no available parking for Palo Alto residents who want to use the park in other ways --- go to the library, use the playground, attend a summer concert, picnic, play catch etc. More Pickleball courts will mean more even more people come to play Pickleball and an already bad parking problem will be made even worse. • The Magical Bridge Playground is an amazing inclusive area of the park that is used by neurodivergent people and the loud noise created by the pickleballs hitting the racket and large groups of people standing around cycling on & oƯ courts can trigger severe discomfort, distress and anxiety in neurodivergent people. The new 50 unit housing complex at 525 Charleston is geared towards neurodivergent folks & is only a 6 minute walk from the Mitchell park tennis courts. Given the proximity of this new development, more not fewer people going forward will be going to Mitchell Park who are very sensitive to the kinds of noise that pickleball makes & adding 6-8 more courts to the already 15 will greatly increase an already distressing sound. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 78 Packet Pg. 97 of 536 73 • Neighbors of Mitchell park gave feedback in 2025 that they could hear the pickleball noise at their homes which could in the long run reduce their property values - and result in lower property tax revenue that the City receives. Thank you, -Leo Volpe 4191 Donald Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 79 Packet Pg. 98 of 536 74 Vidal, Eric From:Francis Larkin <francis.larkin@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 2:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Preserve tennis courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners and City Council Members, I'm a Palo Alto resident writing to oppose the proposed conversion of additional Mitchell Park tennis courts into pickleball courts. Mitchell Park already has 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts. Converting half of the remaining tennis courts would effectively end community tennis play at this location...courts 1 and 2 are largely committed to lessons and classes. Displaced players would shift demand to Rinconada, where securing court time is already difficult, creating a ripple effect across the city's already packed tennis courts. I play 2-3 times per week and find the courts in Palo Alto are already tight for the number of people coming to play. I'm not opposed to growing pickleball in Palo Alto, but the answer shouldn't be taking capacity away from another community of players who also depend on these public facilities. The existing 15-to-4 ratio at Mitchell Park already heavily favors pickleball. I'd urge the Commission to explore alternative sites for pickleball expansion and to preserve Palo Alto's already limited number of public tennis courts. Thank you for considering this perspective. Sincerely, Francis Larkin Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 80 Packet Pg. 99 of 536 75 Vidal, Eric From:Robert Rozak <robertrozak@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 2:49 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Greetings, I am a resident of Greenmeadow. I am writing in support of adding the proposed 8 additional pickleball courts in Mitchell Park. Probably at least 4 times a week, I walk over to the courts at Mitchell Park and play pickleball at the courts there. Although my first love is tennis (and the tennis courts at Cubberly are even closer for me), the organizing principle of pickleball makes it so much more accessible. The games are relatively short, so I know if I show up and the courts are full, I'll be able to rotate in quickly to play (where I might have to wait a long time for occupied tennis courts to open). Also, it has much more of a 'basketball pickup game' vibe than the tennis courts, where I can walk over as a single and rotate into games at the 'players without a partner' courts. I don't need to coordinate with anybody else to get some games in. But, I also go over to the courts with my wife and sometimes others from Greenmeadow to play, so it also has a community/social aspect. Regarding accessibility, the Palo Alto Pickleball Club is where I got introduced to the game, learned the rules, developed my skills, and met people to play. I hope that anybody out there who might have an interest in playing, but sees a bunch of courts occupied with people who already look like they know what they are doing, signs up with the club and takes the introductory lessons to get kickstarted. All in all, the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park are a great asset for us in Greenmeadow, and I hope the city chooses to expand them. -- Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 81 Packet Pg. 100 of 536 76 Best Regards, Robert Rozak Greenmeadow, Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 82 Packet Pg. 101 of 536 77 Vidal, Eric From:Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 2:22 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Agenda for Mar 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi, I am hearing that the Parks and Rec Commission will be discussing the Pickleball Conversion at Mitchell Park at the May 26 meeting, and is asking for public feedback by May 18. However, I can't find the agenda: https://www.paloalto.gov/Events-Directory/Community-Services/Parks-and-Recreation-Commission- Meeting Can you confirm the exact topic being discussed? Thanks, Robert Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 83 Packet Pg. 102 of 536 78 Vidal, Eric From:zhen <zhenfang@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 1:50 PM To:Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com; ParkRec Commission Subject:Opposition to Further Tennis Court Conversions at Mitchell Park and City Parks CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Palo Alto City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission, I am writing as a Palo Alto resident and parent to express my strong opposition to any further conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts at Mitchell Park or any other city park. While I respect pickleball as a sport, the pattern of incremental conversions has gone far enough. Continuing down this path would be a disservice to the tennis-playing community and to the principle of balanced public resource allocation. Mitchell Park originally had nine tennis courts, including seven full-sized and two junior courts. Today, only four remain. Five courts have already been converted into 15 pickleball courts. Of the four surviving tennis courts, two are reserved for city tennis programs, leaving just two courts available for general public use. The Palo Alto Pickleball Club's proposal to convert Courts 3 and 4 into yet another eight pickleball courts would effectively eliminate open public tennis access at Mitchell Park altogether. Across the city, pickleball already has eight dedicated courts and seven dual-use courts where pickleball players receive scheduling priority. Palo Alto provides more pickleball courts per capita than Mountain View, Menlo Park, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, or Los Altos. We have been more than generous. The question is no longer whether pickleball deserves accommodation. It already has it, in abundance. I also want to flag a fairness concern. A significant portion of the Palo Alto Pickleball Club's membership, reportedly over 40%, consists of non-residents. Palo Alto taxpayers are funding and sacrificing park amenities to serve a regional demand that neighboring cities have been slow to address. Converting more of our courts only relieves pressure on those cities to build their own facilities and further entrenches Mitchell Park as a regional pickleball destination, with all the associated noise, parking congestion, and traffic that residents in the surrounding neighborhood already endure. The right path forward is investment in new, purpose-built pickleball facilities rather than continued cannibalization of existing tennis infrastructure. Tennis remains a widely played sport with strong demand, and the city's own data shows that all tennis courts at Mitchell Park are regularly in use. The city Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 84 Packet Pg. 103 of 536 79 should explore new construction at underutilized sites, partner with neighboring jurisdictions on shared facilities, or identify alternative locations that can absorb pickleball growth without displacing another sport. Our family, like many in Palo Alto, values access to quality tennis courts. Our children are active in tennis, and we rely on well-maintained public courts for regular play. Every conversion further reduces availability for the thousands of residents who depend on these facilities. I urge the Council and Commission to draw a firm line: no more conversions. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Zhen Fang Palo Alto Resident Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 85 Packet Pg. 104 of 536 80 Vidal, Eric From:James Darpinian <jdarpinian@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 11:46 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Opposing loss of tennis courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast I want to register my opposition to the conversion of two more tennis courts to pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. My wife and I have been playing at those tennis courts every weekday morning and all four remaining courts are in use every day, even just during the hour or two we are there. If the pickleball club wants to fund construction of new pickleball courts instead then I would support that, if a location can be found that is a bit farther from special education schools that would be disrupted by the extra noise of pickleball. But I do not support the loss of even more tennis courts that are in active use every day. Thanks, James Darpinian Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 86 Packet Pg. 105 of 536 81 Vidal, Eric From:Ron Campbell <campbelrc@pacbell.net> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 10:06 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for expansion of Mitchell Park pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and the Palo Alto City Council: I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at MP. I’ve lived in south PA for almost 40 years, about 2 blocks from Mitchell Park. My family has enjoyed MP as our neighborhood park for years and years. A few years ago, we were exposed to pickleball through the CPA ‘Enjoy’ pickleball classes and then followed those with a PAPC “Just Beginning” introduction to pickleball at MP. I’ve been playing regularly since with hundreds of players of all ethnicities and backgrounds, and age ranges from less than twelve to the mid-eighties. As a result, I’ve met and developed new friendships with dozens. We’ve also developed a group of local neighbors that are now playing regularly. Pickleball at MP has become a major part of my physical activity and social engagement. A unique benefit that MP pickleball offers is that it’s a welcoming, physical activity with extensive social engagement and is available on a drop-in basis. Most other physical activities require advance scheduling and logistical coordination. While I can always find a game at MP, due to its recent popularity there are now sometimes extensive waits and most of the clinics/events offered are over-subscribed. Having taken advantage of the many offered PAPC events has also helped me to get engaged with the volunteer opportunities and increased my engagement in the community. I encourage you to please support the expansion of this wonderful facility and these capabilities at Mitchell Park. Thank you for your consideration, Ron Campbell Ashton Ave Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 87 Packet Pg. 106 of 536 82 Vidal, Eric From:Lisa Steinback <lisasteinback@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 8:06 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Concern about proposed conversion of tennis courts to pickleball at Mitchell park Attachments:Pickle courts at Rinconada park.jpg CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I hear that the City of Palo Alto is again considering converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6-8 Pickleball courts. This will only leave 2 tennis courts in all of Mitchell Park and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I'm very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto oes throu h with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4, there will be many very negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts, please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities (see attachment) Negative impacts of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts includes: • Tennis Players will be displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts and need to find other tennis courts in the City to play on. On peak days/times of day it is already nearly impossible to find tennis courts in the City of Palo Alto. This will make that even worse. • In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has allowed more tennis courts to be used for City Sponsored, Kids Summer Tennis Camps, making it extremely difficult for residents to play tennis for entire weekdays in Palo Alto over a 2+ month period during summer. More court conversion would make that issue worse. • There are currently 15 pickleball courts in Mitchell Park and so many people come to use those courts there is no available parkin for Palo Alto residents who want to use the park in other ways --- go to the library, use the playground, attend a summer concert, picnic, play catch etc. More Pickleball courts will mean even Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 88 Packet Pg. 107 of 536 83 more people come to play Pickleball and an already bad parking problem will be made even worse. • The Magical Bridge Playground is an amazing inclusive area of the park that is used by neurodivergent people and the loud noise created by the pickleballs hittin the rackets and lar e roups of people standin around cyclin on and off courts can trigger severe discomfort, distress and anxiety in neurodivergent people. The new 50 unit housing complex at 525 Charleston is geared towards neurodivergent folks and is only a 6 minute walk from the Mitchell park tennis courts. Given the proximity of this new development, more not fewer people oin forward will be oin to Mitchell Park who are very sensitive to the kinds o noise that pickleball makes and adding 6-8 more courts to the already 15 will greatly increase an already distressing sound. • Neighbors of Mitchell park gave feedback in 2025 that they could hear the pickleball noise at their homes which could in the long run reduce their property values and result in lower property tax revenue that the City receives. Please look instead for a location where pickleball courts could be newly built (see attachment) instead of taking away existing services that the City of Palo provides its residents --- tennis courts, parking, library access, park enjoyment for all. Thank you, Lisa Steinback, 299 Creekside Dr., 24-year resident of Palo Alto and avid tennis player Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 89 Packet Pg. 108 of 536 84 Vidal, Eric From:Zhang Cheng <zhangcheng.bio05.zju@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 8:03 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Please Keep the Tennis Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, My name is Felicity, and I am a 3rd grade student at Fairmeadow. I love playing tennis with my family. My sister, my mom, my dad, and I all play together at Mitchell Park tennis courts. Tennis is one of the favorite things our family does together. I understand that many people enjoy pickleball, and I think it is good for the city to support different sports. But I hope you will not convert more tennis courts into pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. There are already many pickleball courts there, but only a few tennis courts. If more tennis courts are removed, it will become very hard for kids and families like mine to find a place to play tennis. Tennis helps children exercise, learn discipline, make friends, and spend healthy time outdoors. Please consider finding another location for more pickleball courts instead of removing more tennis courts. I hope both sports can grow without taking away spaces from tennis players and families. Thank you for listening to my thoughts. Sincerely, Felicity Zhang Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 90 Packet Pg. 109 of 536 85 Vidal, Eric From:Jin Pan <hijinpan@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:49 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Mitchell Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I hear that the City of Palo Alto is again considering converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 Pickleball courts. This will only leave 2 tennis courts in all of Mitchell Park and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I'm very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto goes through with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4, there will be many very negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts, : please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. Negative impacts of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts includes: • Tennis Players will be displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts and need to find other tennis courts in the City to play on. On peak days/times of day it is already nearly impossible to find tennis courts in the City. This will make that even worse. • In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has allowed more tennis courts to be used for Kids Summer Camps, making it extremely difficult for adult residents to play tennis for entire weekdays in Palo Alto over a 2+ month period during summer. This makes that issue worse. • There are currently 15 pickleball courts in Mitchell Park and so many people come from neighboring communities to use those courts there is no available parking for Palo Alto residents who want to use the park in other ways --- go to the library, use the playground, attend a summer concert, picnic, play catch etc. More Pickleball courts will mean even more people come to play Pickleball and an already bad parking problem will be made even worse. There is a need, OK, but let's not "rob Peter to pay Paul". Please look instead for a location where pickleball courts could be newly built instead of taking existing services from residents --- tennis courts, parking, library access, park enjoyment for all. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 91 Packet Pg. 110 of 536 86 Thank you, Jin Pan Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 92 Packet Pg. 111 of 536 87 Vidal, Eric From:Shane Lunny <shane@lunny.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:07 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Need MORE Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park‼ CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Clearly there is a disconnect between what the Community wants and what is available. Once again today I did not get to play Pickleball due to lineups wai ng on Courts while ALL the Tennis courts while EMPTY! Time for Change! Shane Lunny Stelling Drive Palo Alto Sent from my iPhone Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 93 Packet Pg. 112 of 536 88 Vidal, Eric From:Cheryl G. Kushida <cherygal@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 2:07 PM To:papc.secretary@gmail.com; ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Please do not convert remaining 4 tennis courts into pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • The sender's email address couldn't be verified. • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear sir or madam, My kid (high school varsity) enjoys playing with their Palo Alto resident friends at these tennis courts. But as it is, getting on the courts is impossible because there's a long line most of the time. And some people get angry sometimes, and ask as if we're residents. The point is, you're allowing a brand new viral sports to just take over pre-existing already overburdened facilities. Why not help our pickleball friends find a good home for them -- they're so many, so noisy, causing so much traffic and parking woes -- I am sure our friends can find underutilized blacktop at public schools on weekends, or church parking lot on weekdays, build new facilities for their use. They don't have to take over tennis - - we've been around since the 12th century, we have history, grand slams, and kids going to D1 colleges on full athletic scholarships. Pickleball has none of that -- but let's invite our friends to build somewhere that doesn't encroach on another well loved sport. Kind regards, Cheryl Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 94 Packet Pg. 113 of 536 89 Vidal, Eric From:Liu Helen <helen081225@hotmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 1:37 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Regarding to proposal to convert Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 into pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To the Palo Alto City Commission, I am player of both pickleball and tennis ball. I writing to formally oppose the proposal to convert Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 into pickleball courts. Currently, Mitchell Park has 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts. Converting two more would create a staggering imbalance, effectively eliminating community tennis at this location. This decision disproportionately harms our youth, who are the primary demographic learning and practicing tennis. For adolescents, tennis is a vital vehicle for physical health and social development; reducing these spaces directly limits their opportunities for growth and healthy engagement. Furthermore, tennis courts offer superior versatility. While pickleball players can utilize tennis courts for practice, pickleball-specific courts are physically unusable for tennis. Converting these multi-use assets into single-use facilities is an inefficient and irreversible use of public land. Finally, this conversion will trigger a displacement effect. Forcing Mitchell Park tennis players to Rinconada Park will cause systemic overcrowding, making it difficult for all residents to find court time. We support the expansion of pickleball, but it must not come at the expense of our youth or the balanced development of our recreational community. There are alternative locations for new courts that do not require dismantling existing, essential tennis infrastructure. We urge the Commission to reject this conversion and preserve these courts for the benefit of the entire community. Sincerely, Helen Liu Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 95 Packet Pg. 114 of 536 90 Vidal, Eric From:Cen Guo <emmas0507@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 12:59 PM To:ParkRec Commission; city.council@cityofpaloalto.gov Subject:against Mitchell Park pickle ball court expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Officer: I am writing to express my objection to the expansion of pickleball court in Mitchell park. It creates a lot of noises and traffic for the schools and people nearby. Parking is extremely hard for library activities and people using other facilities such as soccer field, tennis courts and magical bridge. Best Emma Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 96 Packet Pg. 115 of 536 91 Vidal, Eric From:Edgar Ugarte <eougarte@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 12:37 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Citi.Council@paloalto.gov Subject:Mitchell Park - Tennis court conversion. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I hear that the City of Palo Alto is again considering converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 Pickleball courts. This will only leave 2 tennis courts in all of Mitchell Park and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I'm very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto oes throu h with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4, there will be many very negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts, : please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. Negative impacts of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts includes: • Tennis Players will be displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts and need to find other tennis courts in the City to play on. On peak days/times of day it is already nearly impossible to find tennis courts in the City. This will make that even worse. • In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has allowed more tennis courts to be used for Kids Summer Camps, making it extremely difficult for adult residents to play tennis for entire weekdays in Palo Alto over a 2+ month period during summer. This makes that issue worse. • There are currently 15 pickleball courts in Mitchell Park and so many people come from neighbor communites to use those courts there is no available parking for Palo Alto residents who want to use the park in other ways --- go to the library, use the playground, attend a summer concert, picnic, play catch etc. More Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 97 Packet Pg. 116 of 536 92 Pickleball courts will mean more even more people come to play Pickleball and an already bad parking problem will be made even worse. • The Magical Bridge Playground is an amazing inclusive area of the park that is used by neurodivergent people and the loud noise created by the pickleballs hitting the racket and large groups of people standing around cycling on & off courts can trigger severe discomfort, distress and anxiety in neurodivergent people. The new 50 unit housing complex at 525 Charleston is geared towards neurodivergent folks & is only a 6 minute walk from the Mitchell park tennis courts. Given the proximity of this new development, more not fewer people oin forward will be oin to Mitchell Park who are very sensitive to the kinds o noise that pickleball makes & adding 6-8 more courts to the already 15 will greatly increase an already distressing sound. • Neighbors of Mitchell park gave feedback in 2025 that they could hear the pickleball noise at their homes which could in the long run reduce their property values - and result in lower property tax revenue that the City receives. There is a need, OK, but let's not "rob Peter to pay Paul". Please look instead for a location where pickleball courts could be newly built instead of taking existing services from residents --- tennis courts, parking, library access, park enjoyment for all. Thank you, Edgar Ugarte eougarte@gmail.com Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 98 Packet Pg. 117 of 536 93 Vidal, Eric From:Jenny Lin <0jennylin0@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 11:23 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:pickleball conversion at Mitchell Park: opposition points CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast TL;DR: I oppose converting any existing Palo Alto tennis courts into pickleball courts, and I especially oppose the proposed Mitchell Park conversion next to AchieveKids because of the location’s noise, school-impact, traffic, parking, and tennis-access concerns. Dear Parks and Rec Commission: I am writing to oppose the proposed conversion of the Mitchell Park tennis court next to the AchieveKids Palo Alto campus into pickleball courts. AchieveKids is a specialized school serving children and young adults with complex learning, developmental, behavioral, communication, and mental-health needs, making the surrounding sound environment especially important. Pickleball is not simply a quieter or smaller version of tennis. It produces a sharp, repetitive paddle-ball “pop” that can occur hundreds of times per court per hour. In a location immediately adjacent to the school, that type of impulsive and repetitive noise is disruptive to children during the school day, particularly in classrooms, therapy spaces, outdoor areas, and settings where communication, attention, and regulation are important. The City should also consider the broader impact of converting tennis courts. Palo Alto tennis courts are already limited and in high demand, especially lit and publicly accessible courts. Removing existing tennis capacity to create more pickleball capacity shifts the burden from one user group to another rather than solving the underlying facilities issue. Other cities have faced litigation, settlements, restrictions, and reversals after pickleball courts were placed too close to sensitive uses and noise impacts were not adequately addressed in advance. Boise recently settled pickleball-related litigation and converted courts at two parks back to Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 99 Packet Pg. 118 of 536 94 tennis-only use. Newport Beach and Newport, Rhode Island have also faced lawsuits over pickleball noise from public courts. Palo Alto should not wait for similar conflicts before taking these concerns seriously. Converting one tennis court into multiple pickleball courts would also intensify use of the site, increasing the number of players, rotations, spectators, traffic, parking demand, and hours of continuous play. That intensification is inappropriate next to AchieveKids and is also inconsistent with preserving tennis access for residents. For these reasons, I ask the Recreation Department to reject the proposed conversion and preserve the existing tennis courts. If the City wants additional pickleball capacity, it should identify new or dedicated pickleball locations rather than converting existing tennis courts, particularly courts next to schools or other sensitive uses. Sincerely, Jenny Lin Appendix 1. Acoustical Society of America, “Cities Turn to Zoning to Stop Pickleball Noise Controversies” Describes pickleball’s sharp, impulsive sound and estimates approximately 900 popping sounds per court per hour. https://acoustics.org/cities-turn-to-zoning-to-stop-pickleball-noise-controversies/ 2. Acoustical Society of America, “Pickleball Noise Raises Health Concerns for Neighbors Living Near Courts” Discusses concerns associated with prolonged exposure to repetitive pickleball noise. https://acoustics.org/pickleball-noise-raises-health-concerns-for-neighbors-living-near-courts/ 3. World Health Organization, “Noise” Includes classroom-noise guidance stating that noise levels should be below 35 dB(A) for good teaching and learning conditions. https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/noise 4. Mallory & Keehn, “Implications of Sensory Processing and Attentional Differences Associated With Autism in Academic Settings” Discusses how sensory and auditory stimuli can affect engagement and educational performance for students with ASD. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8430329/ 5. Williams et al., “Prevalence of Decreased Sound Tolerance (Hyperacusis) in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis” Finds decreased sound tolerance is common among autistic individuals. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8349927/ 6. City of Boise, “City of Boise Settles Lawsuit, Pickleball Courts at Two City Parks Transitioning Back to Tennis Only” Boise states that, following a legal settlement, pickleball courts at two parks were closed and transitioned back to tennis-only use. https://www.cityofboise.org/news/parks-and-recreation/2025/september/city-of-boise-settles- lawsuit-pickleball-courts-at-two-city-parks-transitioning-back-to-tennis-only/ 7. Los Angeles Times / Daily Pilot, “Lawsuit claims pickleball is making Newport park’s tennis courts too noisy” Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 100 Packet Pg. 119 of 536 95 Reports that Newport Beach was sued over pickleball noise from public courts near a residence. https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/tn-dpt-me-0330-noise-lawsuit-20160330-story.html 8. Newport This Week, “City of Newport Sued Over Pickleball Noise” Reports litigation against Newport, Rhode Island regarding pickleball noise from public courts. https://www.newportthisweek.com/articles/city-of-newport-sued-over-pickleball-noise/ 9. City of Palo Alto, Parks and Recreation Commission materials, “Court Usage and Joint Use Courts,” Sept. 27, 2022 Notes tennis-user feedback that lit tennis courts are crucial and in high demand, and that Mitchell Park tennis courts are the only available lit courts in South Palo Alto. https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas- minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission/agendas-minutes/2022-agendas-and- minutes/09.2022/court-usage-and-joint-use-courts-staff-report-w-attachment-a-09.27.22.pdf Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 101 Packet Pg. 120 of 536 96 Vidal, Eric From:Thalia Anagnos <thaliaanagnos56@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 11:00 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Concerns about additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I am a 47 year resident of Palo Alto and a longtime tennis player. I have served as an officer of the Palo Alto Tennis Club, the coordinator of the Palo Alto Junior Tennis tournament for 4 years, and a captain of USTA teams for many years. You are well aware that the demand for tennis courts in Palo Alto is quite hi h, especially on weekends, after school, and in the evenings. My impression is that the popularity of tennis and the demand for tennis courts continues to grow. I play 3 to 4 days a week and see lots of young people and families out on the public courts learning the game, in addition to the long time regulars such as myself. It is also important to note that over the years the number of tennis courts in Palo Alto has gone down. Three courts at Mitchell Park were converted to pickleball. Four courts (2 at Rinconada and 2 at Mitchell) have been reserved for City sanctioned lessons and thus are not available during prime tennis demand. Two courts at Fletcher were converted to basketball courts when the school was reopened. Recent policy changes at the Palo Alto Unified School District has changed the availability of the high school courts for USTA, which then pushes demand onto the park tennis courts. one of the courts at Gunn High School is always looked and should not be included in any count. Sometimes all of the courts at Gunn are locked. I should also add that though tennis courts at Greene are listed in the count of total courts available in Palo Alto, they are unplayable. They are cracked blacktop (not proper tennis Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 102 Packet Pg. 121 of 536 97 court finish) and slippery, would need to be resurfaced to be available tennis courts for public use. I attended the August 26, 2025 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission at which the issues of managing the demand for tennis courts, particularly by USTA teams from out of town, as well as the request to add pickleball courts in Palo Alto were discussed. I applaud the Parks and Recreation Commission for developing a USTA policy that provides access to all tennis players in the Bay Area, but also builds in a priority for players from Palo Alto who are actually supported those tennis courts with their taxes. I am concerned that the City of Palo Alto is a ain considerin convertin tennis courts #3 and #4 at Mitchell Park into 6-8 pickleball courts. As was discussed in detail on August 26, 2025, this will only leave two tennis courts at Mitchell Park and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. It is unclear to me why Palo Alto is favoring one sport over the other. Any solution should consider the needs of and impacts on both groups. I have additional concerns that the offer of $100K by the Palo Alto Pickleball Club to add more pickleball courts, may be interpreted only as $100K to convert the courts at Mitchell Park, rather than $100K to build additional pickleball courts elsewhere in Palo Alto. I'm very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto goes through with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4, there will be many negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts. Please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. The parking at Mitchell Park is insane on a weekend. I usually have to park in the neighborhood across Middlefield Road one or two blocks from the park. Adding more pickleball courts will just increase the problem. Please look instead for a location where pickleball courts could be newly built instead of taking away existing services that the City of Palo provides its residents --- tennis courts, parking, library access, park enjoyment for all. Thank you for your consideration, Thalia Anagnos Palo Alto Resident Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 103 Packet Pg. 122 of 536 98 Vidal, Eric From:Don Chin <dondonchin@yahoo.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 9:42 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:In support of Pickleball CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear City Oﬃcials, I’m a Palo Alto resident. I’m wri ng in support of crea ng eight addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Since re ring in 2025, I found the sport of pickleball and the opportuni es oﬀered for volunteering and social engagement profoundly compelling. Not surprisingly, many others have as well. As a result the courts at Mitchell Park are brimming with a endees, resul ng in a demand for more court space. I hope the city oﬃcials can respond posi vely, by providing more courts at Mitchell Park. It is especially important to have the new courts located close to the exis ng ones, to let a endees move freely between the courts. This makes the many social beneﬁts possible. Thank you for caring about residents of Palo Alto. I live on Chris ne Drive in the Palo Verde neighborhood. -Don Chin Sent from my iPhone Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 104 Packet Pg. 123 of 536 99 Vidal, Eric From:a lee <adrienneleeod@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:46 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Need more recreation facilities!! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast hello Parks and Recreation commission of Palo Alto I’m emailing to ask you to consider creating a Tennis and Pickleball center over in the Baylands for Palo Alto residents. Non-Palo Alto residence should be charged a fee to help support the facility. The population of Paul Alto is changing . the demographics are shifting towards more retirees, young active retirees and they will need more recreation Space. it’s evident in the fight over Pickleball versus Tennis. Sunnyvale has a great Tennis and Pickleball center, so does Mountain View . why can’t Palo Alto create one ? even San Carlos has a great park for sports. Menlo Park has a huge Tennis and court facility relative to the number of residents. We are falling short in Palo Alto. Regards, Adrienne Lee 50 Morton Way Palo Alto cell 408-887-4491 office 650-326-1649 (Lee Optometrics Optometry) Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 105 Packet Pg. 124 of 536 105 Vidal, Eric From:Gem Fong <gemfong@rocketmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 3:08 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Re: Mitchell Park Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I hear that the City of Palo Alto is considering converting Tennis courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 Pickleball Courts. This will leave only 2 tennis courts which are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I am very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto goes through with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4, there will be many negative impacts to the residents of Palo Alto. Tennis players will be displaced from Mitchell Park and have to find other tennis courts in the city to play on. On peak days/times it's nearly impossible to find tennis courts in the city. Moreover noise pollution created by the pickleballs hitting the racket make neighboring residents uneasy due to its distressing sound. Thus I appeal to the City of Palo Alto please instead build new Pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. Thank you, Gem Fong Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 106 Packet Pg. 125 of 536 106 Vidal, Eric From:Cameron Lee <cameronlgh@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 11:46 PM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Please Preserve Mitchell Park Tennis Courts and Explore Dedicated Pickleball Alternatives CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I am writing as a Palo Alto resident to express my strong concern about the potential conversion of Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into additional pickleball courts. I am writing from the perspective of someone who enjoys both tennis and pickleball, and spend equal time playing both sports I recognize that pickleball is popular and that the City is trying to respond to demand. However, converting existing tennis courts is not the right solution. Mitchell Park already has a significant pickleball presence, and removing two of the remaining tennis courts would further reduce access for tennis players, worsen existing park congestion, and create additional impacts for nearby residents and other park users. Mitchell Park is one of Palo Alto’s most heavily used public spaces. It serves tennis players, pickleball players, families using Magical Bridge Playground, library patrons, children in camps and lessons, people attending summer concerts, and residents simply trying to enjoy the park. Adding more pickleball courts at the expense of existing tennis courts would intensify competition for parking and space in an area that already feels overburdened during peak times. The tennis courts are already difficult to access at many times of day, particularly when courts are reserved for lessons, camps, or organized programming. If Courts 3 and 4 are converted, only two tennis courts would remain at Mitchell Park, and those are often unavailable to the general public. This effectively displaces many resident tennis players and pushes them to an already limited supply of courts elsewhere in the City. I am also concerned about the noise impacts of expanding pickleball further at Mitchell Park. Pickleball generates a distinct and repetitive sound that carries differently than tennis. This is especially relevant given the proximity of Magical Bridge Playground, nearby homes, and the new housing development at Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 107 Packet Pg. 126 of 536 107 525 Charleston, which is intended in part to serve neurodivergent residents. For some individuals, persistent pickleball noise and the crowd activity associated with court rotation can be genuinely disruptive and distressing. I can speak from experience, that the presence of pickleball courts overwhelms the acoustic experience of being at the park. Expanding from the current number of pickleball courts to even more courts in this location risks making Mitchell Park less welcoming for other users. This should not be framed as tennis versus pickleball. Both are valuable recreational activities, and both deserve thoughtful support. But meeting demand for one sport should not come by eliminating access to another, especially in a park where parking, noise, and shared-use pressures are already significant. I urge the City to preserve the existing tennis courts at Mitchell Park and instead explore alternatives for pickleball expansion that do not require removing active tennis facilities. Dedicated pickleball courts in a more appropriate location, with adequate parking, buffering, and distance from sensitive uses, would be a more balanced and durable solution. Palo Alto should be expanding recreational access, not solving one shortage by creating another. Thank you for your consideration, Cameron Ghergherehchi - Palo Alto Resident, Tennis & Pickleball Player Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 108 Packet Pg. 127 of 536 108 Vidal, Eric From:John <jzedlee@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9:42 PM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission Subject:Save tennis courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. No more conversion of Mitchell Park tennis courts into pickle courts!!! Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 109 Packet Pg. 128 of 536 109 Vidal, Eric From:Ayla Bell <vironaut@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 7:25 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Say YES to Community with more Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. There is no better example of how to build community than the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I went from having a handful of long-term friends from college to having hundreds of friends I see every week not only on the courts but also in Palo Alto grocery stores, in restaurants, and at performances. Please say "Yes" to community! Sincerely, Ayla Bell Greenmeadow Way Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 110 Packet Pg. 129 of 536 110 Vidal, Eric From:Dave Claudino <claudino@pacbell.net> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 6:20 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. As you have heard many times before, Pickleball is much more than a sport – it is also a very social activity which integrates our community across cultural/ethnic backgrounds, age groups, etc. - people who otherwise would not naturally meet or interact. When I retired 2 years ago, I was fully prepared for my “life after work” with one exception: I had a blind spot regarding a replacement for my daily social interactions with work colleagues, many of whom were also close friends, and most of whom lived in other countries. One month after retiring, after hearing stories about Pickleball at Mitchell Park, I figured I’d give it a try… and the rest is history. On the first day that I showed up as a beginner, I was welcomed, embraced, and encouraged, with introductions to others who got me started in my first games. I’m a literal example of the motto “Arrive as a stranger, leave as a friend.” The physical and mental health benefits have far exceeded my expectations, and thanks to the open play at Mitchell Park, I have many new friends that I now spend time with off the courts - friends from diverse backgrounds who I otherwise would not have met, and I now lead volunteer efforts in giving back to our community (Senior Games, Rotary event, Getting Started sessions, Mitchell Park neighbor relationships, …). Pickleball has been an invaluable addition to my life, with significant physical and mental benefits, not to mention the overall positive community engagement and impact. This “Pickleball Magic” occurs as a result of having a sufficient number of courts at the same location, where one can show up alone and quickly rotate in games. This dynamic changes significantly during the peak playing hours with long wait times, or with a small number of courts in distributed locations. There should be no question that the number of Palo Alto residents served per unit space for Pickleball far exceeds any other activity, has tremendous physical and mental health benefits, and very effectively integrates our diverse community. Sincerely yours, Dave Claudino Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 111 Packet Pg. 130 of 536 111 40-year Waverley Street resident (Midtown Palo Alto) Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 112 Packet Pg. 131 of 536 112 Vidal, Eric From:Chenchen Irene Zhang <chenchen.zhang@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 4:32 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam Subject:Request for Parking and Infrastructure Audit Before Additional Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto City Council Members and Parks and Recreation Committee, I am writing to express concern regarding the proposal to convert two additional tennis courts at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. Mitchell Park was originally designed as a shared community space supporting a wide variety of recreational and community activities. The park currently serves residents through its library, soccer field, open grass areas, tennis courts, tai chi groups, dance groups, picnic tables used for family gatherings and birthday parties, and the Magical Bridge Playground to name a few. It is one of Palo Alto’s most important multi-use parks and is heavily utilized by residents of all ages. A few years ago, the City converted three tennis courts into 13 pickleball courts and also added two standalone pickleball courts. Since then, the increased concentration of pickleball activity has created substantial pressure on the park’s infrastructure, particularly parking and restroom capacity. During peak hours—especially Friday afternoons and weekend afternoons—I have frequently observed: - the parking lot reaching full capacity, - long lines of cars circling while searching for parking, - vehicles parked illegally near curbs and turns,(please see attached picture below) - increased congestion and unsafe navigation conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. The strain on park infrastructure is already visible today. Due to restroom capacity limitations, additional portable restrooms were added near the Magical Bridge Playground area. While appreciated as a temporary measure, they also illustrate that the current facilities are no longer adequately supporting peak park usage. During warmer months, odors and congestion around these temporary facilities further affect the overall park experience for families and visitors. These impacts affect not only pickleball users, but also families visiting the playground, library patrons, children attending sports activities, seniors participating in tai chi or dance groups, and residents using the park for community gatherings. Converting two additional tennis courts into 8 pickleball courts would likely intensify these existing problems significantly. In addition to ongoing concerns regarding noise, further expansion could create serious traffic flow, parking, and safety challenges that would negatively impact all other user groups sharing the park. Before any further court conversion is considered, I respectfully request that the City conduct a comprehensive audit and impact study of the current conditions at Mitchell Park, including: Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 113 Packet Pg. 132 of 536 113 - parking utilization, - traffic circulation and safety, - restroom capacity, - pedestrian safety, - and overall infrastructure strain during peak periods. In particular, observations should be conducted during: - Friday afternoons, - Saturdays, - and Sundays, when usage and congestion are at their highest. I believe it is important for the City to fully evaluate the cumulative impacts of the previous pickleball expansion before moving forward with additional conversions. Mitchell Park has historically been valued as a balanced and welcoming multi-use community space, and any future expansion should carefully consider how increased activity levels may affect the overall accessibility, safety, and experience of all park users. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued service to the Palo Alto community. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 114 Packet Pg. 133 of 536 114 Sincerely, Chenchen Zhang Sent from my iPhone Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 115 Packet Pg. 134 of 536 115 Vidal, Eric From:Evelyn Chan-Cox <echancox@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 2:57 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I have lived in Palo Alto for 35 years, and am writing in strong support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I tried pickleball for the first time about a year ago (at 60 years of age) and it is already hard to imagine now what my life would be without it. Pickleball is a sport where friends and strangers, young and old, beginner and advanced can have fun together. This new passion has brought a renewed sense of pride and belonging to a larger community. It is wonderful to experience! Additional pickleball courts are needed and will make a positive impact on our community and city. Sincerely yours, Evelyn Chan-Cox Old Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 116 Packet Pg. 135 of 536 116 Vidal, Eric From:Dave Garr <davegarr@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 12:50 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Thanks so much...and a request CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Council and Parks & Rec, I've lived 5 of my 6 decades in Palo Alto. Thanks for making it such a fantastic place to live and raise a family. I currently live at 561 Madison Way, Palo Alto, 94303. I am retired and find myself battling loneliness. Playing pickleball at Mitchell Park is perhaps the best way I've found to alleviate my loneliness -- both the camaraderie and the exercise. But unfortunately most of the time I go to play, there is a wait to get on the courts. And then, after one game, four people put their paddles down to take the court, and I have to find new partners and wait for another court to open up. I would love to have more pickleball courts at Mitchell. I would happily donate money to get them. Thanks for everything you've done, Dave Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 117 Packet Pg. 136 of 536 120 Vidal, Eric From:Pauline Marchon <ptmarchon@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 8:39 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Mitchell park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Mitchell Park Pickleball club has added a new dimension to my life. Having recently retired as a nurse at Stanford, it has afforded me the opportunity to get out there, meet and make new friends all while fostering a sense of community. There are not many places I know of in Palo Alto where one can experience this. Please do give this request your serious consideration. Sincerely yours, Pauline Tierney Marchon 1810 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 118 Packet Pg. 137 of 536 121 Vidal, Eric From:ceavalos.00@gmail.com Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 6:42 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Opposition to Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. I am wri ng to express my strong opposi on to the proposed expansion of pickleball courts at Mitchell Park at the expense of our community tennis courts. As a regular player at Mitchell Park, I am deeply concerned that conver ng two of the four remaining tennis courts into eight pickleball courts will essen ally eliminate community tennis play at this loca on. Mitchell Park is a vital resource for our local tennis community; both my daughter and I take classes there, and it would be a signiﬁcant loss for our family and many others if these facili es were further reduced. With 15 pickleball courts already available at Mitchell Park, the current balance is already skewed. Reducing the tennis courts to just two—which are heavily used for lessons and classes—leaves virtually no space for community members to play. Furthermore, this change will inevitably put more pressure on other local facili es like Rinconada Park, making it even more diﬃcult for residents to ﬁnd available court me. While I understand the growing interest in pickleball, it should not come at the cost of established tennis programs and community access. I urge the Commission to consider alterna ve loca ons for pickleball expansion that do not require the removal of exis ng tennis courts. Thank you for your me and for considering the concerns of the tennis community. Cris an Avalos Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 119 Packet Pg. 138 of 536 122 Vidal, Eric From:Steven Prothero <steven.prothero@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 4:49 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council: I'm a longtime resident of Palo Alto, and I strongly support creating additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball is good fun and exercise, and I've made some nice friends in the welcoming pickleball community at Mitchell Park. I was playing there regularly a few times a week. Sadly, I hardly ever play pickleball anymore, because the courts have become so overcrowded that one usually spends more time waiting for a court than playing. I don't mean to displace tennis players -- I used to be one -- but in Mitchell Park it is easy to see that while the pickleball courts are usually overutilized the adjacent tennis courts are usually underutilized. There are almost always empty tennis courts while the pickleball courts are overflowing. I think it would be a more efficient use of our limited space, and better serve more people, if we could convert two more tennis courts into eight more pickleball courts. Thanks for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Steven Prothero Midtown Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 120 Packet Pg. 139 of 536 123 Vidal, Eric From:Marion Parr <marionparr@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 3:00 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Howard, Adam Subject:Please preserve the remaining four Mitchell Park tennis courts for tennis CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast ParkRec.Commission@paloalto.gov parkrec.commission@paloalto.gov City.Council@paloalto.gov, papc.secretary@gmail.com Adam Howard (Adam.Howard@paloalto.gov) Dear Palo Alto Parks and Rec Commission, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the PA Pickleball Club’s proposal to convert two additional tennis courts at Mitchell Park into single-use pickleball courts. Currently, Mitchell Park has 15 pickleball courts and only four tennis courts. Reducing the tennis courts to two would effectively end any tennis playing for the community at Mitchell because, although the proposal suggests leaving Courts #1 and #2 for tennis, those courts are dedicated to lessons and classes, leaving no space or time for regular people to play tennis. Furthermore, Mitchell Park and Rinconada Park are the only public parks in Palo Alto with lighted courts (4 at MP, 5 for public use at Rinconada). So, this proposal would leave only seven lighted public tennis courts in the entire city, significantly limiting options for play in the evening for all Palo Alto tennis players. Rather than further reducing the number of tennis courts at Mitchell Park, I suggest the City consider the following alternatives for new pickleball courts: - Look at converting Mitchell Park utility spaces: Convert the handball courts (hitting wall), the Tai Chi space, and/or the area under the pergola; - Look at Cubberly Community Center courts: Convert two of the six courts at Cubberly into 6–8 pickleball courts. This would balance the player load across multiple parks and reduce the noise impact on residential areas, as Cubberly has fewer surrounding homes. Additionally, Cubberly is located right next to a fire station, which has a practical benefit given the higher rate of injuries associated with pickleball. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 121 Packet Pg. 140 of 536 124 I ask that the City preserve the remaining tennis courts at Mitchell Park and explore these alternative options to meet the growing demand for pickleball. Thank you, Marion Parr Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 122 Packet Pg. 141 of 536 125 Vidal, Eric From:Myo Thein <mthein@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 12:55 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Pickleball Courts expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto (in Charleston Garden), and am wri ng in support of crea ng eight addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I spent more than 8 hours every week at the Court and built friendship with numerous people over the last two years. I've met people from 15 to 85 years old, and the love for the sport is real. It truly is a community home for people who live in Palo Alto like me as well as ci zens from nearby ci es. Sincerely yours, Myo Thein Montrose Ave, Charleston Garden Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 123 Packet Pg. 142 of 536 126 Vidal, Eric From:Miller, Julianna <Julianna.Miller@Schwab.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 11:53 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello, I hope this message ﬁnds you well. I wanted to reach out and express my concerns regarding the recent proposal to convert two more tennis courts at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. As an avid tennis player who frequently enjoys playing at these courts, I ﬁnd this proposal particularly disappointing. Currently, there are already 15 pickleball courts available at Mitchell Park, while only four tennis courts remain. Further reducing the number of tennis courts would make it increasingly diƯicult for tennis players like myself to ﬁnd available playing time and continue enjoying the sport we love. I certainly appreciate the growing popularity of pickleball and understand the need to accommodate all community members. However, I hope you will consider the importance of maintaining a fair balance between the facilities for both sports. Preserving the remaining tennis courts is crucial for those of us who rely on them as one of the few accessible places to play. Thank you for taking the time to consider my perspective. Best regards, Julianna Miller, CFP®, AWMA™ VP- Financial Consultant | Menlo Park Branch NMLS # 1953198 CA Insurance # 4060227 Tel 650 614 2004 | Fax 800 934 4415 800 El Camino Real, Suite #100, Menlo Park, CA 94025-4875 Schedule a Meeting Your referral to friends and family gives me the opportunity to positively shape the financial future of someone you care about. Charles Schwab & Co. Inc CA Insurance Agency License #0B27845 Where applicable, investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by visiting Charles Schwab or calling Schwab at 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns will fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Unlike mutual funds, share of ETFs are not individually redeemable directly with the ETF. Shares are bought and sold at market price, which may be higher or lower than the net asset value (NAV). Investment Products: Not FDIC-Insured | No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 124 Packet Pg. 143 of 536 127 Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Trust Bank, and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. Investment products are offered by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. does not solicit, offer, endorse, negotiate or originate any mortgage loan products and is neither a licensed mortgage broker nor a licensed mortgage lender. Home lending is offered and provided by Rocket Mortgage, LLC, Equal Housing Lender. Rocket Mortgage, LLC is not affiliated with The Charles Schwab Corporation, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, or Charles Schwab Trust Bank. Deposit and other lending products and services are offered by Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, and Charles Schwab Trust Bank, Members FDIC. Unless otherwise stated, Schwab does not endorse third-party sites or the products and services you might find there. Warning: All email sent to or from the Charles Schwab corporate email system is subject to archiving, monitoring and/or review by Schwab personnel. Classification: Schwab Internal Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 125 Packet Pg. 144 of 536 128 Vidal, Eric From:Bullion, Shelby <Shelby.Bullion@Schwab.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 10:43 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council Members, I hope this message ﬁnds you well. As a dedicated tennis player and a proud resident of Palo Alto, I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed conversion of the Mitchell Park tennis courts into additional pickleball courts. I believe it is crucial to maintain a fair balance so that everyone in our community can enjoy access to their preferred sports. At present, there are 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts remaining in the park. Further reducing the tennis courts to just 2 would be a real tragedy for tennis enthusiasts. These courts at Mitchell Park are not only vital for those of us who play regularly, but they also contribute to the broad spectrum of recreational opportunities that make Palo Alto such a vibrant city. Losing more tennis courts would severely limit options for many residents who depend on these public facilities for exercise, social connection, and community engagement. I urge you to consider the needs of the entire community and to preserve the existing tennis courts at Mitchell Park. Exploring alternative solutions that accommodate both tennis and pickleball players—without sacriﬁcing one for the other—would help ensure that our city remains inclusive and supportive of diverse interests. Thank you for your time and your dedication to fostering a welcoming environment in Palo Alto. I look forward to seeing how the council approaches this important issue. Best regards, Shelby Bullion Best, _____________________ Shelby Bullion, AWMA™ Vice President - Financial Consultant | Menlo Park, CA NMLS ID #2405686 CA Insurance License #4258327 Schedule an Appointment with Shelby Bullion Tel 650 614 2017 | Work Cell 650 512 4036 Fax 800 934 4415 800 El Camino Real, Suite #100, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. CA Insurance Agency License #0B27845 NOTICE: All email sent to or from the Charles Schwab corporate email system is subject to archiving, monitoring and/or review by Schwab personnel. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 126 Packet Pg. 145 of 536 129 Where applicable, investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by visiting Charles Schwab or calling Schwab at 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns will fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Unlike mutual funds, share of ETFs are not individually redeemable directly with the ETF. Shares are bought and sold at market price, which may be higher or lower than the net asset value (NAV). Investment Products: Not FDIC-Insured | No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Trust Bank, and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. Investment products are offered by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. does not solicit, offer, endorse, negotiate or originate any mortgage loan products and is neither a licensed mortgage broker nor a licensed mortgage lender. Home lending is offered and provided by Rocket Mortgage, LLC, Equal Housing Lender. Rocket Mortgage, LLC is not affiliated with The Charles Schwab Corporation, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, or Charles Schwab Trust Bank. Deposit and other lending products and services are offered by Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, and Charles Schwab Trust Bank, Members FDIC. Unless otherwise stated, Schwab does not endorse third-party sites or the products and services you might find there. Warning: All email sent to or from the Charles Schwab corporate email system is subject to archiving, monitoring and/or review by Schwab personnel Classification: Schwab Internal Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 127 Packet Pg. 146 of 536 130 Vidal, Eric From:Meilani Hendrawidjaja <hendrawidjaja_m@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 8:35 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Meillani Hendrawidjaja Subject:Objection to Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To the Honorable Members of the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission, I am writing to express my concern regarding the Commission’s plan for the pickleball court expansion at Mitchell Park. My concerns centered on persistent issues of noise pollution, limited parking, traffic safety, and the incompatibility of a large sports facility with the surrounding environment—including a public library, a special education school, and adjacent residential neighborhoods. In addition to those concerns , I would like to highlight the growing scarcity of tennis courts in our city. Many residents rely on these courts for recreation, fitness, and community connection, yet access has become increasingly limited. The conversion of existing tennis courts to pickleball courts—without adequate replacement or expansion of tennis facilities— exacerbates this problem and creates unnecessary competition between user groups. A balanced and inclusive approach to recreational planning must consider the needs of all residents, not just the fastest-growing sport. In light of these issues, I respectfully urge the Council and Commission to: • Suspend all approvals until a comprehensive, independent study of noise and traffic impacts is conducted, with special attention to the library and neighboring residents and schools. • Provide a transparent and detailed rationale for supporting the expansion, specifically addressing the concerns raised by residents. • Commit to a more inclusive and deliberative process that considers alternative locations better suited for pickleball, without compromising existing quiet-use facilities, residential harmony, or access to tennis courts. Decisions of this scale must reflect thoughtful planning, community input, and a commitment to equity and transparency. Thank you for your attention and continued service to our community. Sincerely, Meilani Hendrawidjaja Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 128 Packet Pg. 147 of 536 131 Palo Alto Resident since 2010, near Mitchell Park Tennis Player at Palo Alto public courts since 2018 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 129 Packet Pg. 148 of 536 135 Vidal, Eric From:Daniela Betco <daniela.betco@turftank.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 5:59 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Friend you’re Invited: Turf Tank Field Day at River Oaks Golf Course CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi Friend, Ever wondered how robotic line marking could transform the way you maintain your fields week after week? Join us for a Turf Tank Field Day at River Oaks Golf Course, hosted in partnership with California Landscape Supply. You'll see firsthand how our robotic technology delivers precision and efficiency on the field. What you’ll gain from attending: • A live demo of Turf Tank in action and how it works on the ground • Insight into how much time and labor you could save on your own fields • Opportunities to network with fellow field managers and industry peers • Personalized advice from our experts based on your setup and budget • A clear understanding of how this technology can improve daily operations Lunch will be provided for all attendees, giving you extra time to connect and learn with others in the industry. Event Details: • Date: June 4th Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 130 Packet Pg. 149 of 536 137 Vidal, Eric From:Francesca Lieb <francesca.lieb@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 8:54 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:CONCERNS VOICED for Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Tuesday, May 26th 7pm Importance:High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, We are writing to express our strong concern regarding the proposal to convert Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into additional pickleball courts. Mitchell Park already has a significant allocation of space dedicated to pickleball, with 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts remaining. Converting Courts 3 and 4 into six or eight more pickleball courts would effectively eliminate Mitchell Park as a viable location for community tennis play. While Courts 1 and 2 may remain available for lessons and classes, that does not address the needs of the broader tennis community. Recreational players, families, seniors, and local residents rely on Mitchell Park for regular public play. Reducing the number of tennis courts from four to two would make it extremely difficult for community members to access courts, especially during evenings and weekends. This proposal would also create a ripple effect throughout Palo Alto’s tennis facilities. Players displaced from Mitchell Park will be forced to seek court time at other locations such as Rinconada Park, increasing competition for already limited tennis court availability across the city. We understand and appreciate the growing popularity of pickleball, and we support providing space for both sports. However, the current balance at Mitchell Park is already heavily weighted toward pickleball. Further conversion of tennis courts would disproportionately impact the tennis community and reduce recreational opportunities for many residents. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 131 Packet Pg. 150 of 536 138 We respectfully urge the City to preserve Courts 3 and 4 for tennis use and seek alternative solutions that maintain fair access for both tennis and pickleball players. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Francesca Lieb Gregory Lieb Sofia Lieb Tullia Lieb 1709 Waverley Street, Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 132 Packet Pg. 151 of 536 139 Vidal, Eric From:Chia-Ming Alex Chang <palex.chang@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 8:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Respectfully Urging Reconsideration of the Mitchell Park Court Conversion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Commissioners and Council Members, I am a Palo Alto resident who plays and values both tennis and pickleball. I am writing to oppose the proposed conversion of Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into eight pickleball courts. Mitchell Park already has 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts. Reducing tennis to just two courts would effectively end community play, push displaced players onto an already-crowded Rinconada, and severely restrict the youth lessons that my third-grader and many other local children rely on. I support pickleball's growth, but conversion is a zero-sum response to a growth problem. The right answer is to expand total capacity, not redistribute the existing shortage. Four additive alternatives the Commission should pursue instead: 1. Build new pickleball courts at underutilized sites. A pickleball court is roughly a quarter the footprint of a tennis court — it fits where tennis cannot. 2. Add tennis courts at Greer Park. This will relieve pressure on Mitchell and Rinconada and create a more geographically distributed network. 3. Upgrade lighting at existing courts. High-efficiency LED lighting will expand playable hours citywide for both sports without requiring new land. 4. Develop a 5-to-10-year Racquet Sports Master Plan. Rather than relitigating individual court allocations each cycle, the City needs a systemic forecast to address the growing demand for both sports. Mitchell's 15-to-4 balance already generously accommodates pickleball. Please vote against further conversion and direct staff to pursue these additive alternatives. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 133 Packet Pg. 152 of 536 140 Thank you. Chia-Ming Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 134 Packet Pg. 153 of 536 141 Vidal, Eric From:Edwin Ho <edwinkho@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 4:26 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for adding additional Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto and am writing in support of the proposal to create eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I am retired and have been playing at the Mitchell Park courts regularly since 2021. In my experience, additional courts are greatly needed to help relieve the daily overcrowding situation. Although the current 14 courts can accommodate up to 64 players at a time, there are often an additional 60 or more people waiting for a court during peak hours. The situation is further impacted when instructional classes occupy the two courts near the library. Adding eight more courts would significantly reduce wait times, improve access for current players, and allow even more residents to participate in Palo Alto’s growing pickleball community. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Ed Ho 905 Amarillo Ave Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 135 Packet Pg. 154 of 536 142 Vidal, Eric From:Barbara Tisdale <tisdale.barbara@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 4:18 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Additional Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I started playing pickleball when I retired a few years ago. It has enabled me to remain active, make new friends, stay physically and mentally healthy and have a sense of belonging in a wonderful community. Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular, and the creation of additional courts should be a priority for our community. Sincerely yours, Barbara Tisdale Roosevelt Circle Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 136 Packet Pg. 155 of 536 143 Vidal, Eric From:Ed Anderson <e.anderson@outlook.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 3:04 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Pickleball Club Palo Alto Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball Court Expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I am an 82-year-old resident of Palo Alto who has been playi ng pickleball at Mitchell Park for the last 5 years, and I am wri ng in support of crea ng addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Spending me at these courts has become an important part of my life as a re ree. It is a gathering place for people who want to exercise, socialize, compete, and volunteer. The Palo alto Pickleball Club organizes clinics, round robins, and other social events for players at every level, and those who beneﬁt from these events tend to eventually become volunteers themselves – a virtuous circle of social ac vity. As the courts have become overcrowded at certain mes of the day, and over weekends, crea ng addi onal courts on adjacent underused tennis courts just seems like a natural next step for the city to take for its residents. Sincerely, Ed Anderson Palo Alto, University South Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 137 Packet Pg. 156 of 536 144 Vidal, Eric From:Jason Peery <jasonpeery@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 3:01 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball courts! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec and City Council: I can't imagine better use of any additional Mitchell Park land than to create more pickleball courts. This game has proven incredibly powerful in terms of creating/strengthening bonds in this community, improving mental health, and improving physical strength among aging citizens. There is no single activity in Palo Alto, to my knowledge, resulting in more friendships and connections than the sport of Pickleball, due to the offering currently in place at Mitchell Park. Because of its popularity, there is a huge demand for more courts, which are badly needed. Many people end up having to wait to play due to so many trying to use the limited number of courts currently. This location is a perfect spot, shielding residents from noise and providing central access for players all over the city. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Dick Peery, Mimi Peery, Jason Peery, Lisa Peery 2200 Cowper Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 138 Packet Pg. 157 of 536 145 Vidal, Eric From:Keisuke Yamaguchi <keisuke.yamaguchi@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 2:18 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball/Tennis Court Proposal CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, I live in Palo Alto and am writing as a parent and local resident who values both tennis and pickleball. Our family benefits greatly from Mitchell Park. We play pickleball there, and we also use the tennis courts regularly. My son takes weekly tennis lessons at Mitchell Park with an experienced local coach, and the courts are one of our go-to neighborhood sports facilities, close enough for us to reach by bike. I strongly support the continued growth of pickleball in Palo Alto. Pickleball has created a wonderful community, and Mitchell Park has become an important gathering place for many players. At the same time, I am concerned about the proposal to replace two tennis courts at Mitchell Park with additional pickleball courts. My concern is not about tennis versus pickleball. Our family plays and values both. My concern is that further concentrating pickleball activity at Mitchell Park may not be the healthiest long-term path for the sport or for the broader community. Mitchell Park is already a well-known destination for pickleball. Adding more courts there will likely attract even more players from across the area, which may simply recreate the same capacity and crowding challenges at a larger scale. Instead, I would encourage the City to look for an alternative location where additional dedicated pickleball courts could be created. That would give players more choices, help develop local pickleball communities in other neighborhoods, and reduce pressure on Mitchell Park without removing tennis courts that are actively used by families, juniors, coaches, and recreational players. I appreciate the difficulty of balancing growing demand for pickleball with continued access to tennis. I hope the City can support pickleball’s growth in a way that expands access across Palo Alto rather than further concentrating demand at one already-busy site. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 139 Packet Pg. 158 of 536 146 Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Keisuke Yamaguchi 3247 Kipling St. Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 140 Packet Pg. 159 of 536 147 Vidal, Eric From:Samit Ranjan <samitranjan@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 1:07 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Time to hear us as it will effect our voting behavior in next elections CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. This is the best utilization of all the public space one can think off . We have about 5000 people playing at the pickleball court while all the 51 tennis courts do not have 5000 people playing . How is it fair that 5000 people get crammed into a small place while all the resources are given to the 51 unutilized courts . Please understand we represent about 7500 voters in Palo Alto and this will be our number one topic when it comes to voting in every election . Thanks Sincerely yours, Samit Ranjan Middlefield Road Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 141 Packet Pg. 160 of 536 148 Vidal, Eric From:Alison Vanegeren <alisonvanegeren@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 12:51 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:more Mitchell Park pickleball courts needed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast I live in Palo Alto and I strongly support creating more pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I play pickleball often at Mitchell Park, and it is very healthy for me physically and mentally. Unfortunately, I always have to wait for a court, sometimes for half the time I'm at the courts, which is a frustrating waste of time. I would play even more and enjoy it even more without all the wasted time. Please create more courts ASAP! -- Alison Van Egeren Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 142 Packet Pg. 161 of 536 149 Vidal, Eric From:Julie Baskind <julie.baskind@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 11:14 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Palo Alto Pickleball expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I joined the PAPC in December, 2025. It has been life changing for me (and I'm 79 yrs old). Joy and camaraderie are cultivated there. Who knew I could make so many new friends! Please take this request seriously and expand the courts for our community. Sincerely yours, Julie Baskind Palo Alto Orchards Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 143 Packet Pg. 162 of 536 150 Vidal, Eric From:Joe Lo <joeklo888@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 11:12 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Need more pickleball courts please CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I play pickleball at Mitchell Park twice a week. It is an important part of my life. I have made great friends there that I meet with outside of pickleball. I get great exercise. I have a lot of fun. The one thing that is annoying is that I often have to wait for a court to play. It would be great for the Palo Alto community to get more pickleball courts. Thank you! Sincerely yours, Joe Lo 952 Cowper St, Palo Alto, CA 94301 -- Joe Lo joeklo888@gmail.com 650-533-7044 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 144 Packet Pg. 163 of 536 152 Vidal, Eric From:Nicole Wang <nicolewang.oc@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 11:04 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Concern Regarding Proposed Tennis Court Conversion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Parks & Recreation Commission, City Council, and Community Representatives, I am writing to express concern regarding the proposal to convert additional tennis courts at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. Mitchell Park currently provides 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts. The proposed conversion of Courts 3 and 4 into six to eight additional pickleball courts would effectively eliminate Mitchell Park as a meaningful location for community tennis play, leaving only two remaining tennis courts primarily reserved for lessons and instructional programs. While I recognize and respect the growing popularity of pickleball, I respectfully ask the City to consider the importance of maintaining a fair and balanced allocation of recreational facilities for all residents. Tennis continues to serve a broad community of players, including youth, families, seniors, recreational players, and long-standing local tennis groups. Further reducing tennis court availability at Mitchell Park would not only impact players at this location, but would also place additional pressure on surrounding facilities such as Rinconada Park, where court availability is already limited. Many displaced players would have no practical alternative for regular community play. I believe there is room for both sports to coexist within Palo Alto’s park system without eliminating one community’s access in order to expand another’s. I respectfully urge the City to preserve the existing tennis courts at Mitchell Park and explore alternative solutions that support continued growth of pickleball while maintaining adequate tennis access for the broader community. Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued service to the Palo Alto community. Sincerely, Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 145 Packet Pg. 164 of 536 153 Nicole Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 146 Packet Pg. 165 of 536 154 Vidal, Eric From:Raj Bhargava <raj.mama@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:28 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I play regularly 4 to 5 times a week. There is a group that joins me. This is an incredible physical and social engagement activity. Currently the courts get too crowded and there is a waiting line. Please approve this request. Thanks. Sincerely, raj Mid-town Waverley Street Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 147 Packet Pg. 166 of 536 155 Vidal, Eric From:Cynthia Litchi <clitchi@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:03 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickelball Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I have lived in Palo Alto for 10 years and work from home, and it has often been hard to find ways to connect with the community. Growing up, I was an athlete in team sports, but as an adult—especially as a woman—it has been difficult to find a team sport that helps me meet people and stay active. Over time, I had stopped exercising altogether. That changed when I discovered pickleball. I learned to play in september 2025 and I’ve been going to Mitchell Park 2-3 times a week ever since. The PB community is incredibly kind, and the open dynamic of PB where you can just show up and there is always someone to play with is something that is very unique to this sport. The only draw back is sometimes there are so many people there that there is more waiting than playing. Having more courts would really benefit the community. Not only is it a great community, but the benefits it has had on my mental health is unbelievable. Mitchell park is now my go to place when I have hard days, it always changes my mood and makes my day better no matter how bad it is. The community + the excersise + the outdoors make it the perfect combination to help with my mental health. Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of our growing pickleball community. Sincerely, Cynthia Litchi Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 148 Packet Pg. 167 of 536 156 Heather Lane Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 149 Packet Pg. 168 of 536 157 Vidal, Eric From:J. Wong <jackiewongdmd@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 9:06 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:PIckleball Court Expansion Request CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I first joined the Palo Alto Pickleball Club at Mitchell Park about a year and a half ago, thinking it might just be another passing trend for me. I started at “Early Worm” session at 6am because it was the only time that worked given my parent drop-off duties. From the very beginning, the community was incredibly welcoming. I was a brand new player at the time, yet the more advanced players were patient, encouraging, and kind. To this day, I still remember how they made me feel. Over the past year and a half, I’ve not only made new friends, but also discovered something that truly helps me feel alive. I often tell people that the court is my "happy place". There are times when I feel trapped in the constant demands of motherhood and giving to others. When my bucket feels empty, pickleball and its community help refill it. Its impact goes far beyond being just a sport or recreational activity — for many of us, it is a source of joy, connection, and belonging. Please kindly consider our request for court expansion and the many lives this community will continue to touch. The more the merrier! Sincerely Yours, Jacqueline Wong Green Gables Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 150 Packet Pg. 169 of 536 158 Vidal, Eric From:Lynn HUNG <lynnhung68@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 8:59 PM To:ParkRec Commission Cc:Council, City Subject:Support to creat 8 courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 8 years, ever since I immigrated here. I’m currently a full-time housemother, and I almost play pickleball everyday. Since I started learning pickleball, I’ve met friends, built social connections, and begun to adjust to life in the United States. Our courts are also known throughout the Bay Area for their welcoming culture of equality, openness, and enthusiasm. People love coming here to play and socialize, so expanding the number of courts would be a very positive initiative. Sincerely yours, Lynn Hung your neighborhood Ruthelma Ave Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 151 Packet Pg. 170 of 536 159 Vidal, Eric From:Mark Hopper <markhopski@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 8:35 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:I urge you to add 8 Pickleball Courts in Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear Members of the Parks & Rec Commission of Palo Alto - I am an 9 year resident of Palo Alto along with my family. I am wri ng in support of crea ng 8 addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I started playing pickleball 4 years ago a er having been an avid cyclist for my ﬁrst 5 years here in PA. Cycling however was wearing on my neck and shoulders and further, I was concerned more and more about the safety of the sport on the roads here. Someone suggested trying out pickleball and now I cannot imagine not playing. A er lessons through the City Catalog with Sal - I was oﬀ and playing. I now play 3 mes a week for 2-3 hours each visit. Pickleball combines exercise and health with a wonderful and diverse community of people in Mitchell Park. The ability to go most any me of day and ﬁnd a nearly full (or many mes very full) 16 courts will picklers of all ages and levels is a wonderful thing and one of the reasons that I cannot think of moving away from Palo Alto. Every me I step through the entry gate at MP PB Courts - I feel like Norm from Cheers when he walks into the bar. MP PB is indeed THE LOCAL place where everybody knows your name!!! As the Pickleball community con nues to grow in Palo Alto and serve many levels of its popula on, the city must con nue to grow with it in terms of space to play. Adding 8 addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park would be a great step forward! I urge you to approve the proposed expansion in Mitchell Park. Thank you and best regards, Mark Hopper 1837 Mark Twain St Palo Alto, CA 94303 317-523-3988 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 152 Packet Pg. 171 of 536 160 Vidal, Eric From:mfan <mfan@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 7:05 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Adding More Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I have lived in Palo Alto for the past 20+ years, and I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at the Mitchell Park. I was forced into retirement about 3.5 years ago (laid off) and wasn't ready for it. During the first year, I led a very sedentary lifestyle that caused many negative impacts to my health. At the prompt of my doctors, I tried various sports activities, but didn't find anything motivating enough to get me off my behind on a regular basis. That is until I found pickleball!! Thanks to the free introductory clinic provided by the Palo Alto Pickleball Club, I learned to rules and strategies, as well as gotten to know many pickleball players. I have since ben a regular at the various free weekly events, such as Adv. Beginner Training, DUPRs, and round robins, held by PAPC. Now, I play 3-4 days a week. It's been a life changing experience for me! One obvious issue is the popularity of the sport. The Michell Park pickleball courts are always busy and often require substantial waiting time. This is especially true in the evenings and on weekends!! If the city can add more courts, it'll benefit MANY older, retired residents, like me. Sincerely yours, Mark Fan Duveneck / St. Francis neighborhood Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 153 Packet Pg. 172 of 536 161 Vidal, Eric From:Ben Davenport <bendavenport@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:40 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:More pickleball courts at Mitchell CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I started playing pickleball at Mitchell in the summer of 2023, after being introduced to it by my dad, who had been playing it for over a decade. What started as a once- or twice-a-week activity soon became a 5- day-a-week obsession. That first year, I lost 25 lbs due to pickleball, and 2 years later, I'm in better shape than I have been my whole life (I turned 50 this year). My wife, parents, father-in-law, and our 3 children all play at Mitchell at various times. I often bring friends there to introduce them to the sport, and of course I've made many friends at the courts. I've played at other places locally (Nealon, Red Morton, Rengstorff, YMCA), what we have at Mitchell is really something special, due to the number of courts and diversity and strength of players, as well as the ability to get a game any time of day. So, while other courts added elsewhere are always helpful, they would not get the same utilization as the same number of courts would at Mitchell. As the sport continues to grow, without additional courts being added, the wait times at Mitchell will also continue to grow, making it harder for new players to join the fun. While of course I understand the concern tennis players have over losing courts, I'm hopeful that accommodations can ultimately be made to make adding pickleball courts a net neutral impact to tennis. Sincerely yours, Ben Davenport Homeowner in Community Center https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpdavenport/ Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 154 Packet Pg. 173 of 536 162 Vidal, Eric From:Leon Leong <leonghomes@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:36 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:PIckleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Shortly before I retired, I started to play pickleball, and specifically playing at Mitchell Park. Playing pickleball has improved my health, and offered a level of increased social interaction that I seldom found in other recreational sports opportunities in Palo Alto. I experienced an inviting culture where as a newcomer I was welcome to play, and as I gained skill, other players would invite me to come join them. This unique system of open play at Mitchell Park, makes it easy to become a participant rather than a spectator. Through these interactions, I've met many people from different walks of life, young, middle age, seniors, players from diverse occupations and economic strata, and people from different cultures, all bonding together through playing pickleball at Mitchell Park. The popularity of the sport, however, is increasing the waiting time for people to play, so adding additional courts will help to reduce the wait time. Sincerely yours Leon Leong Downtown North nieghorhood of Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 155 Packet Pg. 174 of 536 163 Vidal, Eric From:Steve Gileno <stevegileno@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:33 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Please leave the tennis courts for tennis players CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello, Tennis players have lost enough courts to pickleball players as it is. Please don't take anymore! Steve Gileno Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 156 Packet Pg. 175 of 536 164 Vidal, Eric From:Eddie Gornish <gornish@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:28 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Eddie Gornish Subject:Pickleball in Palo Alto CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Since 2023, I've been playing pickleball 2-5 times a week. I first played at the OFJCC, where I am a member. Several times a week, they set up their gym for pickleball, and one day I was watching people play. Someone asked me if I wanted to play, and I said that I had never played. They told me to pick up a paddle and hit the ball - all pickleball players are friendly, not just the ones in Mitchell Park. I quickly realized that I preferred to play at Mitchell Park, as they are open all the time, and there are more players and levels to choose from. I have been working from home full time since 2020, and now my day is structured around pickleball. I start work around 7AM and finish around 6PM. But I'm still working around 8 hours a day, as I spend a chunk of the afternoon playing pickleball at Mitchell Park. I always see my "core group" in the afternoon - other people around my level, some older, some younger, all different ethnicities. We play hard, and we have fun. And we congratulate each other for making good shots. Sometimes, I go in the morning, and there's a different group of people - some folks that I might have seen for a month or so, and we'll immediately go and say hi to each other. I can't describe how great a feeling it is when I walk through the fence door and I hear people yelling from a distant court, "Eddie we need a 4th!" Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 157 Packet Pg. 176 of 536 165 Sincerely yours, Eddie Gornish South Court, Fairmeadow Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 158 Packet Pg. 177 of 536 166 Vidal, Eric From:Carol Mullin <carolmullin@mac.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 5:49 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball in Palo Alto CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I grew up in Palo Alto, raised my kids in Palo Alto, and have many memories of running around Rinconada while my parents played tennis 50 years ago. Most of their friends were “tennis” friends. We live behind the Hopkins courts and they are frequently empty now when I leave my house to go play pickleball at Mitchell park where every court will be in use. I have found an amazing community at MP - all ages, genders, nationalities- I love the diversity of MP- it is my happy place. My whole family plays now- kids, siblings, nieces and nephews. My brother is in a long battle w cancer and the question we always ask before every treatment- can he still play pickleball? Pickleball is not the medical treatment but it is certainly the best mental health treatment we have! Sincerely yours, Carol Mullin Community Center Neighborhood Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 159 Packet Pg. 178 of 536 167 Vidal, Eric From:Kevin Wu <kevinwu@alumni.stanford.edu> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 5:54 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Expansion of Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I have enjoyed playing pickleball at Mitchell Park for the past two years. During that time, demand for pickleball courts has increased steadily as the sport has exploded in popularity. Players usually need to wait for court time on the weekday mornings, late afternoons, and evenings as well as weekends. I started playing pickleball because it provides me with good cardiovascular exercise without being too demanding for seniors like me. The pickleball community is very friendly, and I have met several friends on the courts. Playing pickleball in Palo Alto would be more enjoyable if players spent less time waiting and more time playing. Palo Alto needs more pickleball courts to address the high demand. Sincerely yours, Kevin Wu Midtown Homeowner Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 160 Packet Pg. 179 of 536 168 Vidal, Eric From:Jack Jiang <jackcharm233@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 5:53 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Objections to Mitchelle park pickleball court conversion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi dear Palo Alto city members, My name is Jack, and I am a resident of Grove Avenue, adjacent to Mitchell Park. I am writing to formally object to the Pickleball Club's proposal to convert additional tennis courts to pickleball courts. The current court allocation is already severely imbalanced: Mitchell Park now has 15 pickleball courts compared to only 4 tennis courts. Consequently, securing a tennis court has become extremely difficult for residents, including families with children, who rely on this public resource. I urge the Council to consider the following concerns: 1. Disproportionate resource allocation. The existing ratio of pickleball to tennis courts does not reflect equitable access for all residents. Further conversion would effectively eliminate tennis as a viable option at this park. 2. Non-resident usage. A significant portion of pickleball court users are not Palo Alto residents. Converting additional public courts to serve players drawn from outside the city prioritizes non-residents over the taxpayers this park is meant to serve. 3. Community trust. The collaborative spirit that has long defined Palo Alto's park community depends on fair and transparent stewardship of shared spaces. This proposal undermines that trust. I respectfully ask the Council to halt further conversions and evaluate court allocation policies that serve all Palo Alto residents equitably. I am prepared to speak at a public meeting, and I know many fellow tennis players and community members who share these concerns and are willing to speak at a public meeting. Jack Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 161 Packet Pg. 180 of 536 169 Vidal, Eric From:Yahoo Mail ! <lorettamichel@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 5:26 PM To:Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com; ParkRec Commission Subject:Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I have lived in Palo Alto for 37 years, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. In 2018, my neighbor invited me to play pickleball at Mitchell Park. I had never heard of this game but thought, well, my neighbor was excited about it so why not give it a try? What I discovered was a game that was simple, fun, good exercise, and that didn't take too long for a player to acquire and improve on the skills required to compete at increasingly higher levels. I had recently retired so it was perfect timing for me to discover this new activity and the friendly and enthusiastic members of the Mitchell Park pickleball community. Socially, this has improved the quality of living in Palo Alto: a positive experience for me and many others, like being a kid again, just go to the park and you will find people to play with, all hours of the day, all days of the week. I play several times a week during the day time, and on days when I can't play during the day, I will drop in during the evening hours. This community has been growing steadily since 2018 and its obvious by the usage of the courts and the growing wait times that we need more courts. Here are several unique characteristics of Mitchell Park: - Not close to residential neighbors who could be bothered by the noise - Existing noise level is buffered by closest neighbors like the Challenger School, Library, Dog Park, Magical Bridge Playground, Soccer and Baseball Fields - Additional parking, adjacent to the courts, has generously been made available to Palo Alto Pickleball Club by the Abilities United Organization I respectfully request that the City of Palo Alto approve expansion of pickleball at Mitchell Park by approving the conversion of two Tennis courts to create 8 more pickleball courts. Sincerely yours, L. R. Michel Loma Verde Ave, Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 162 Packet Pg. 181 of 536 170 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 163 Packet Pg. 182 of 536 171 Vidal, Eric From:Nihat Ali Isitman <ali.isitman@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 4:41 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Parks Hearing - Mitchell Park Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Letter to City Officials Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I recommend to halt plans to convert our city’s two public tennis courts at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. Pickleball’s rapid growth is impressive and deserves support. Its easy entry and social, fast-paced format have introduced many people to racket sports. However, popularity alone should not drive public recreation decisions. Our existing tennis courts are already overwhelmed by players from neighboring towns, heavily booked by USTA clubs, and used for unauthorized “pirate” lessons. Local families, juniors, and lifelong players struggle to find court time. Removing additional tennis courts would leave our own residents with virtually no public tennis access at Mitchell Park since Courts 1&2 are heavily allocated to paid lessons. This decision is like eliminating a public pool to build a soccer field simply because soccer is trending right now, ignoring lifelong health benefits, skill development, and recreational diversity. Tennis, like golf and other demanding lifetime sports, rewards the initial learning curve with decades of superior cardiovascular fitness, agility, endurance, and mental resilience. A smaller but dedicated community still deserves public space. Better path forward: Construct new dedicated pickleball courts to meet demand. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 164 Packet Pg. 183 of 536 172 Prioritize resident scheduling on existing tennis courts and limit outside overuse. Invite private entities to build pickleball clubs with dedicated courts. This would be fair, because if the city continues to eliminate tennis courts, residents would be even more pushed towards expensive private club memberships to pursue their life passion in the sport. Thoughtful planning supports both sports rather than sacrificing one. This will serve our community best and avoid resentment. I respectfully ask you to preserve our tennis courts and pursue inclusive solutions that value diversity and lifelong benefits, not just current trends. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Nihat Isitman 4170 Mackay Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94306 669-294-5176 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 165 Packet Pg. 184 of 536 173 Vidal, Eric From:Vincent Scheib <scheib@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 1:55 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Re: Supporting pickleball court expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello again from Barron Park. I'm writing again with encouragement to support creating additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. These continue to be my most valuable social connection with other neighbors, providing healthy exercise and fun. The community will benefit from using our public spaces to support more of this activity. On Wed, Sep 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM Vincent Scheib <scheib@gmail.com> wrote: Near neighbors on the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Barron Park and since the pandemic have enjoyed biking over to Mitchell Park to play Pickle Ball. I've build a community of friends. I most often arrive by myself, but I also enjoy bringing my children along on weekends. Palo Alto needs more courts. We could use them anywhere we can, e.g. at the schools, in neighborhood parks etc. However, having many at Mitchell Park increases the chances that one can find a similar skill level group and jump into a game. I've never felt drawn into the community in any previous city or even in Palo Alto this way until the last five years I found such a welcoming and accessible sport. See you around the neighborhood, where? Well, probably around the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park, - Vincent Scheib, Barron Park - Palo Alto. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 166 Packet Pg. 185 of 536 174 Vidal, Eric From:Bill Garvey <bgarvey3232@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 12:44 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for 8 Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Council and Parks and Rec Members, I live in Palo Alto and I am writing to urge you to vote in favor of adding eight additional dedicated pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Adding these courts will: - Meet growing demand: Provide necessary infrastructure for a diverse group of players, including seniors, families, and young adults. - Improve safety: Reduce conflict over court usage and minimize safety issues caused by overcrowding. - Create community: Foster social connection and community bonding, improving the quality of life in our city. Investing in this popular, low-impact sport is a proactive step to upgrade our public amenities and ensure Palo Alto remains a vibrant, healthy place to live. Sincerely yours, Bill Garvey Emerson St. -- Bill Garvey cell: 650-575-7779 Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 167 Packet Pg. 186 of 536 175 Vidal, Eric From:Sarah Mitchell <drsarahmitchell@hotmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 12:09 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball Expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. My name is Sarah, and I moved to Palo Alto with my elementary and middle school-aged children shortly after COVID — and after a divorce. Starting over in a new neighborhood, I struggled to find my community. Self employed and working from home didn't allow for everyday connections. School parents had well-established circles, and breaking in felt impossible. Then I found Mitchell Park and pickleball. What I discovered there was something I didn't even know I was looking for — people from all walks of life, of every age and background, who I never would have crossed paths with otherwise. Now I can zip over to the courts at almost any hour, get my body moving, shake off anxiety, and be greeted by friendly faces. There is no better feeling than arriving at the sidelines, sizing up the game, and hearing someone call out, 'Sarah,come play with us.' Pickleball is unique because it marries exercise and self-care with something deeper — the human need for connection and play. It gives me the same feeling I had as a kid being let out for recess. Pure joy. I urge you to consider expanding the number of courts at Mitchell Park. More courts mean more people can take care of their bodies, their minds, and their hearts — and maybe find their community too, just like I did. Sincerely yours, Sarah Mitchell Morton Way, Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 168 Packet Pg. 187 of 536 176 Vidal, Eric From:Meri Gruber <meri.gruber@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:58 AM To:ParkRec Commission Cc:papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for 8 additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, I live in Palo Alto. I am writing in support of adding eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball is an important part of my health and wellness in retirement, helping me stay active and socially connected. I’ve met people of all ages and backgrounds at the courts. It’s inspiring to see how this space brings the community together. Palo Alto has created something truly special at Mitchell Park, continuing its leadership in fostering recreation, inclusion, and community health. Please support creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Thank you for your service to the community. Best regards, Meri Gruber Greenmeadow Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 169 Packet Pg. 188 of 536 177 Vidal, Eric From:Anne Silverstein <anbrsil@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:41 AM To:ParkRec Commission; papc.secretary@gmail.com; Council, City Subject:Pickleball Changed My Life — Please Support Court Expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has truly transformed my life. It has given me exercise, laughter, friendship, and a strong sense of community. Before discovering pickleball, there were times I felt lonely and always searching for somewhere to go or something meaningful to do. Now, I feel happy and fulfilled right here in our own community because the people on the courts are so welcoming, kind, and supportive. I believe pickleball is one of the best things that can happen to people as they grow older. Instead of becoming isolated or inactive, I see people in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s staying healthy, social, and joyful out in the fresh air and sunlight. Few sports bring together people of all ages and backgrounds the way pickleball does. The demand for courts is growing because the benefits are so real — physically, mentally, and socially. More courts would greatly strengthen the health and happiness of our community. Sincerely yours, Anne Silverstein Barron Park, Palo Alto Resident Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 170 Packet Pg. 189 of 536 178 Vidal, Eric From:Matt Goldman <mattgoldman5850@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:30 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast I live in Palo Alto and after knee injuries ended my basketball career, pickleball has played an essential role in me being able to continue my athletic career giving me a real sense of purpose and ability to work toward a goal. It has also been key to my social life, forming a number of important life long friendships along the way including folks of very different ages and background I might not normally spend time with. I have been playing for four years and I want to call out that the change to pickleball priority on the Aux courts in (iirc) early 2023 was a key event that really accelerated the pickleball community at Mitchell. When courts are scarce, long wait times can create tensions in an otherwise harmonious community. I really hope that we can continue to expand pickleball court availability at Mitchell park to help this community grow even more so more folks can have experiences like mine. Sincerely yours, Matt Goldman Resident on Everett Ave in Downtown North Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 171 Packet Pg. 190 of 536 179 Vidal, Eric From:Califdan <Califdan@comcast.net> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 8:57 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:More Mitchell Park Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I am a Palo Alto resident who participates in Pickleball at Mitchell Park. Please expand the number of courts available for Pickleball. On a typical weekday midmorning there are 100 players vying for 15 pickleball courts while at the same time only one or two of the tennis courts are in use. For the Pickleball folks this results in long wait times between games, fewer games for residents with limited time, and less time actually getting the health benefits of actively moving around. And, the weekends are even worse with two to three times as much time waiting for a court than time actually playing which is why I don’t play on weekends. It’s ridiculous to have to wait 40 to 60 minutes for a court in between each 15 minute game. Sincerely yours, Dan Hartford Monroe Park neighborhood (Miller Ave.) Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 172 Packet Pg. 191 of 536 180 Vidal, Eric From:everett Hentz <evh0625@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 7:33 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Adding eight Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park Palo Alto CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: My name is Everett Hentz I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I would definitely support this initiative because I feel that Pickleball increases your mental health and well-being. It brings the community closer together to create new friendships and lasting moments that you can look back on and remember forever. I feel that there are a lot of beautiful benefits of physical exercise one of them being you have increased mood increases mental health in your life I have also have had a lot of positive experiences at Mitchell park whenever I have went and played Pickleball. And the people who I’ve played with there in the past, couple of years have been very friendly and help me understand rules whenever I messed up. Thank you very much Everett Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 173 Packet Pg. 192 of 536 181 Vidal, Eric From:Jennifer Antonow <jennifer.antonow@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:29 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for additional pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball in our town is an important social outlet for many, including me, and a great way ringer outside and move. This addition would make it accessible to more people. Sincerely yours, Jennifer Antonow Iris Way, Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 174 Packet Pg. 193 of 536 182 Vidal, Eric From:Jason Lauffer <jllauffer@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:29 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball Expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks and Recrea on Commission and City Council: I have been a resident of Palo Alto for 35 years and am wri ng in support of crea ng 8 more pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Since re ring 3 years ago, I have taken up pickleball and enjoy playing a few mes a week. I had really not been involved with sports since I was a kid, but it’s so easy to get started playing pickleball. It is so much fun and allows me to be more ac ve and socialize at the same me. I am able to walk to Mitchell Park but o en have to play with friends on courts in nearby ci es because the courts at Mitchell Park are usually crowded. There is such a feeling of community and inclusion at the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. People of all ages enjoy playing there. Please help address the strong demand by crea ng 8 addi onal pickleball courts. Sincerely yours, Jason Lauﬀer Bryant Street- Midtown Sent from my iPhone Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 175 Packet Pg. 194 of 536 183 Vidal, Eric From:Larry Hsiung <LarryHsiung@hotmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 11:13 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support to create eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am wri ng in support of crea ng eight addi onal Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. My neighbor and I were lifelong Tennis players un l a few years ago. A er my knee procedure and his knee replacement, we can only play Pickleball. Tennis courts were never busy. We used to play at Mitchell Park, Hoover Park, Peers Park, Cubberly, JLS, Paly High, etc. Now it seems Tennis courts are abandoned. Pickleball courts on the other hand are very high in demand. We make friends with strangers we meet on the court and catch up with friends we already made. My contact list has more people with Pickleball as a company than I ever had for Tennis or any other sports. It’s rare to be able to play for one whole hour. Pickleball is what’s keeping us from taking so many medica ons. Wai ng up to 20 minutes then playing for 15 minutes then wait again, some mes take toll on our bodies. Please consider more Pickleball courts so that we stay healthy both physically and mentally. Best regards, Lawrence Hsiung Midtown, Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 176 Packet Pg. 195 of 536 184 Vidal, Eric From:Abhishek Parmar <abhishek@orng.net> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:14 PM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. These courts have been a great source for recreation, physical activity and making new social connections for me and my family. Most days the best part of my day is time spent on the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Sincerely yours, Abhishek Parmar Greed Rd Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 177 Packet Pg. 196 of 536 185 Vidal, Eric From:Sabrina Lin <sabrinamylin@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:08 PM To:ParkRec Commission Cc:papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:How Palo Alto Pickleball has impacted my life CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I was introduced to pickleball by Palo Alto Pickleball Club volunteers a few years ago when I just repatriated back to the U.S. after 15 years abroad. I met friends and found a community to improve my physical health as well as my social life. Now at least once a week, I have coffee and snacks after playing pickleball with the ladies I met in my intro sessions and that has made a huge difference in my life. Additional courts would reduce wait times and improve the physical health and social life of even more residents. Best regards Sabrina Lin Bryant Street, Palo Alto Sent from my iPhone - apologies for spelling / grammar errors Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 178 Packet Pg. 197 of 536 186 Vidal, Eric From:Kathryn Shovkoplyas <kathryn0227@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:09 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Please keep tennis at Mitchell park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto Parks and Recrea on, Please do not add any more pickle ball courts at Mitchell park. There will be nowhere le for my local children to play tennis. While I enjoy both sports, there are already more than enough pickleball courts which are dominated by adults that drive in. Please keep a space for our local kids to stop and play a game of tennis with their friends on the way home from school and to have tennis lessons. I know the pickle ball club is much louder and more organized so they will send many more emails. Please listen to voice of reason from someone who plays both sports and leave the current setup which meets the needs of all. Thank you, Kathryn (Creekside drive) Sent from my iPhone Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 179 Packet Pg. 198 of 536 187 Vidal, Eric From:warren packard <warrenjp@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:05 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; PAPC Secretary Subject:In support of additional pickleball courts at Mitchell CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: Thank you so much for your service to our awesome city! Tricia and I live in Palo Alto and we're writing in support of the creation of eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. As you likely know, the pickleball courts at Mitchell are extremely crowded due to the popularity of the support. I often show up at 6 AM on Sundays to play in the weekly "Early Worms Ladder" mixer. Early Worms Ladder enables all players of any level of ability/experience to play in a fun pickleball mixer. Super social. The last time I went, there were 28 people there for the event (7 courts) at 6 AM. By 8 AM, all the courts were full. I played ten games on seven different courts with something like twenty-five different players. No one had to sign up for this. You just have to get yourself to the courts! Incredibly fun; incredibly social. I took a video of the courts on November 14 last year. It was 2 PM on a Friday. Eighty-four players were at the courts. It's truly an amazing community. Pickleball has been an amazing elixir for physical and mental fitness due to its patient game play and novel social qualities. Additional courts will be a great benefit to the community, especially and specifically at Mitchell Park. The social aspect of pickleball is maximized by concentrating courts in a single location since whenever we play pickleball, we move courts and partners/opponents regularly (about once every fifteen minutes). This is a significant divergence from tennis where the typical arrangement is to play on a single court with the same group of friends. Pickleball has this cool community aspect that favors more players in a single location to enable court rotation and shuffling of players. If you bear with us, we thought that it would be helpful to compare tennis to pickleball to elucidate why pickleball boasts a structure that is significantly more social and gains significant benefit from having all courts co-located. It's important to note that we support tennis, as well. It's just that the structure of tennis lends itself to working well if courts are spread out throughout a city, whereas pickleball is optimized by the constant movement of players among multiple courts in a single location. Indeed, both Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 180 Packet Pg. 199 of 536 188 sports have a ball, a racket/paddle, a net, and lines. Thus, one would think that both sports should be able to enjoy the benefits of social, interactive games such as the Early Worms Ladder and round-robins. However, practically speaking, tennis can’t…for three primary reasons: 1) As you get better at pickleball, you slow down your play and hit softer. This is in stark contrast to tennis where better players hit harder and move faster as they get better. As a consequence, experienced tennis players tend not to play with beginning or older/youth tennis players. They typically find opponents who are at their level. Thus, tennis players pre-arrange their playing partners to insure that their levels are relatively similar. Conversely, it’s easy (and fun) for experienced pickleball players to play with beginning or older/youth pickleball players. This is an opportunity for us to work on our “dinking” which is core to the advanced game. These are soft shots that are placed very strategically over the net. Advanced pickleball players know that driving the ball hard over the net is a poor strategy (whiffle balls slow down very quickly). It takes tennis players a while to realize this when they start playing pickleball…but they eventually catch on. 2) Eight pickleball courts fit in the same space as two tennis courts. Thus, the ability for four players on a single pickleball court to interact is much easier than four players on a tennis court. Pickleball players can carry on conversations with their inside voices and tennis players have to use their outside voices to be heard. Combine this with the prior point about playing slow and methodically, and it becomes clear that we’re not huffing and puffing (nor speaking loudly), so we can carry on conversations through entire matches with relative ease and without bothering players on other courts. This is key to the social underpinning of pickleball. 3) Finally, the close proximity of multiple pickleball courts next to each other means that social, interactive games can be coordinated by a single person with a watch. In our Early Worms Ladder event at 6 AM on Sunday, there was one player who could alert us all to finish our current matches and move to the next set of courts. Indeed, she had to use her “outside voice” to communicate to all seven courts, but that is an easy accomplishment on pickleball courts and a feat that could not be accomplished across the expanse of seven tennis courts. In summary, the major differences between pickleball and tennis stem from the difference in the size of the courts and the difference in the way that these two sports are played by players at different levels. This latter point is the most important point since it means that any individual pickleball player can play with any other individual or group at any time. In the final analysis, adding eight more courts at Mitchell will have a significant impact in relieving the crowded conditions at the courts AND deepening the awesome community that flourishes at this location. Displacing two tennis courts will have negligible impact on the availability of tennis courts that are already in abundance throughout the city. Without a doubt, this is a win-win arrangement for Palo Alto! Cheers, Warren Packard and Tricia Chang University South Neighborhood 1019 Waverley St., Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 181 Packet Pg. 200 of 536 189 Vidal, Eric From:Sean Fee <seanfee@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 9:10 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support of More Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, I'm writing to support adding pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Actually, come election time, I'm pretty much a single issue voter on elected officials' positions on this issue. Pickleball has become essential to both my physical fitness and social wellbeing. The sport provides excellent cardiovascular exercise while fostering a welcoming, multi-cultural community that's impossible to find elsewhere. However, the current lack of courts creates significant frustration. I regularly arrive at Mitchell Park only to find all pickleball courts occupied, while the a majority, if not all, of the tennis courts are empty.. This mismatch between demand and supply means I often leave without playing, wasting my time. Weekends are especially a waste of time, to the point where I don't even bother as there are up to 2 groups waiting for each court. I urge you to approve the expansion of pickleball facilities at Mitchell Park. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Sean Fee Resident Old Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 182 Packet Pg. 201 of 536 190 Vidal, Eric From:Lisa and Wayne Shea <shea822@yahoo.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 8:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has helped me to know and socialize with my neighbors in Palo Alto. I'm looking forward to meeting and connecting with even more Palo Alto residents through pickleball. Sincerely yours, Lisa Shea 4130 Mackay Dr. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 183 Packet Pg. 202 of 536 191 Vidal, Eric From:zhen xue <zhenxue@yahoo.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 8:41 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has become one of my favorite ways to stay active, healthy, and connected with others in the community. It combines exercise, friendly competition, and social interaction in a way that is fun and accessible for people of all ages and skill levels. I regularly see women, families, seniors, and young people all enjoying the courts together. Unfortunately, the demand for court space often exceeds availability, making it difficult for many residents to play regularly. Adding more courts at Mitchell Park would encourage healthy lifestyles, strengthen community connections, and provide more opportunities for recreation in Palo Alto. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Zhen Xue Maybell Ave, Palo Alto Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 184 Packet Pg. 203 of 536 192 Vidal, Eric From:Kaden Li <kadenli009@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 8:39 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. As a student, pickleball has become a great way for me to stay active, relieve stress, and connect with people of different ages in the community. One of the things I appreciate most about the sport is how welcoming and social it is — it brings together beginners, experienced players, students, parents, and seniors in a way that very few activities do. I’ve seen firsthand how crowded the existing courts can get, and additional courts would give more residents the opportunity to play, exercise, and build community connections. Expanding access to pickleball would benefit people of all ages and help make Palo Alto’s parks even more active and inclusive. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Kaden Li GUNN High Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 185 Packet Pg. 204 of 536 193 Vidal, Eric From:Eric Yuen <ericcyuen@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 8:31 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I own and live in my home in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has become an important part of my life in Palo Alto. It gives me a fun and healthy way to exercise, meet friends from Palo Alto, and socialize as part of the local community. I used to play tennis, but as I have gotten older, I have found pickleball to be more enjoyable and, for me, better exercise than tennis. It is active, social, accessible, and brings together people of different ages and backgrounds in a very positive way. The current number of courts is far too low and creates too much waiting to play. Additional courts at Mitchell Park would help more residents enjoy these physical, mental, and community benefits. Sincerely yours, Eric Yuen 532 Channing Ave Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 186 Packet Pg. 205 of 536 197 All the best, CITYDATA.ai San Francisco, California, USA Mobility Intelligence: Apps + Big Data+ Ai for a smarter, safer, and sustainable planet. Item 4 Pickleball -Tennis public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 187 Packet Pg. 206 of 536 Pickleball Facility Usage and Expansion Evaluation Parks and Recreation Commission May 26th, 2026 www.paloalto.gov Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 188 Packet Pg. 207 of 536 RECOMMENDATION Staff and the Ad Hoc Committee recommend that the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) support the recommendation to not increase inventory of City of Palo Alto (City) Pickleball courts including conversion of additional City tennis courts at Mitchell Park based on analysis of operational, parking, noise, and user conflict concerns Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 189 Packet Pg. 208 of 536 BACKGROUND April 22, 2025 – Palo Alto Pickleball Club present to PRC - provide information regarding court demand, overcrowding and player wait times. Requested converting Mitchell Park Courts 3 and 4 into 8 designated Pickleball courts. August 26 2025 - Staff presents to PRC regarding court usage in Mitchell Park PRC requests staff take a broader look at the issue Court usage across Palo Alto Mitchell Park parking Possible solutions. Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 190 Packet Pg. 209 of 536 BACKGROUND- Pickleball Expansion in Palo Alto •2018 – Court Policy was update to allow pickleball to use Mitchell Park Tennis courts 5,6 and 7 on a first-come first -served basis. Temporary lines were installed •2019 – Staff and PRC begin looking for ways to provide designate pickleball space. •New courts were designed and Mitchell Park Courts 6 and 7 were designated at multi -use courts •Priority times were created to address most popular times for both tennis and pickleball •2020 – New Courts were open •April 2022 – lights were added to the two standalone courts in Mitchell Park •January 2023 – New priority hours approved- giving pickleball priority 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 191 Packet Pg. 210 of 536 BACKGROUND- Pickleball Expansion in Palo Alto Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 192 Packet Pg. 211 of 536 BACKGROUND- Pickleball Expansion in Palo Alto •New space created outside of court 5, results in two pickleball courts Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 193 Packet Pg. 212 of 536 BACKGROUND- Pickleball Expansion in Palo Alto •Court 5 becomes 4 designated pickleball courts, courts are lit by existing lights Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 194 Packet Pg. 213 of 536 BACKGROUND- Pickleball Expansion in Palo Alto •Currently Pickleball Priority 7 days a week Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 195 Packet Pg. 214 of 536 BACKGROUND- Pickleball Expansion in Palo Alto •April 2022 – lights were added to the two standalone courts in Mitchell Park Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 196 Packet Pg. 215 of 536 PUBLIC COURTS IN PALO ALTO 15 lit pickleball courts at Mitchell Park PAUSD 3 Middle schools and 2 High Schools have lined pickleball courts (no nets) 27 City operated public tennis courts 10 lit courts 4 lit courts at Mitchell Park 6 lit courts at Rinconada 27 PAUSD tennis courts- Open to public during non school hours 7 lit courts at Paly High School 54 Total Public Tennis Courts Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 197 Packet Pg. 216 of 536 COURT USAGE •68 days checked •Focus on night hours and weekend mornings •Pickleball Courts were always at capacity with people waiting •Lowest 5 people waiting •Highest 60 people waiting •Average 26 people waiting Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 198 Packet Pg. 217 of 536 COURT USAGE Generally, Tennis Courts were available somewhere in the city •5 instances when all available courts were in use. •Only 15 times tennis courts available at Mitchell Park •Paly High School most availability •Not City Operated •No Bathroom access Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 199 Packet Pg. 218 of 536 COURT USAGE - Parking Busiest Parking times were weekend mornings when all park amenities are busy/available •Generally, 5-10 parking slots remained open •Often located towards the East Meadow park entrance •One date all parking sports were full •Large Community center event Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 200 Packet Pg. 219 of 536 EVALUATED •Request for pickleball Expansion in Mitchell Park •Alternatives to Expansion •Dual Stripping •Resident permits/reservations •Lighting Cubberley Tennis Courts •New dedicated Pickleball Space Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 201 Packet Pg. 220 of 536 EVALUATED Conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis courts 3 and 4 could result in: •An increase in Pickleball Courts from 15 to 23 •Reduction in Tennis courts from 4 to 2 •Historically, an increase in courts has led to increase in popularity and demand Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 202 Packet Pg. 221 of 536 EVALUATED – location impact Conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis courts 3 and 4 would result in: Additional crowds and noise moving to a more centralized location within the park. This has resulted in concerns from the community and staff. Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 203 Packet Pg. 222 of 536 EVALUATED – Impacts to rental spaces Mitchell Park Community Center, Community rental spaces Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 204 Packet Pg. 223 of 536 EVALUATED - Tennis Impacts Conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis courts 3 and 4 would result in: •Negative impacts to remaining tennis courts 1 and 2 •Increase in pickleball demand may lead to a request to convert tennis courts 1 and 2 Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 205 Packet Pg. 224 of 536 COMMUNITY FEEDBACK - On Court Conversation Proposal Community feedback (160 emails) •Pickleball Courts are crowded leading to long wait times •Pickleball brings great value to the community – social and physical •Tennis does not want to lose lit tennis courts. Only lit courts in south Palo Alto •Over crowding of Mitchell Park •Noise concerns for the Park and surrounding Neighborhood •Limited parking Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 206 Packet Pg. 225 of 536 ALTERATIVES – Pickleball Expansion Dual Stripe courts Opportunities •Increased play time during limit times/days •Allows flexibility of uses •Low Cost Challenges •Conflicts between users •Portal nets, storage, management of space needed •Locations are limited due to noise/parking •Builds demand with no long-term solution. Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 207 Packet Pg. 226 of 536 ALTERATIVES – Pickleball Expansion Resident Permit System/Reservations Opportunities •Reduce capacity issues with no facility changes by focusing on resident use •Increases priority for residents Challenges •Ongoing staff management •Not typical practice for Palo Alto public spaces •Decrease in court rotations means more wait time, less people use the space. Decrease value of court space. Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 208 Packet Pg. 227 of 536 ALTERATIVES – Pickleball Expansion Lighting Cubberley Tennis Courts Opportunities •Long term separation of pickleball and tennis •Both sports gain important access Challenges •Lighting needs to be heavily discussed, vetted and approved •Timetable difficult to finalize •Large financial impacts •Concerns at Mitchell Park remain: Parking, noise, impacts to other users. Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 209 Packet Pg. 228 of 536 ALTERATIVES – Pickleball Expansion Build dedicated pickleball Facilities Opportunities •New space specifically designed for pickleball use •Space not being taken from other users Challenges •Identifying a location has proven to be challenging •Large financial impacts •Timing unknown Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 210 Packet Pg. 229 of 536 ALTERATIVES – Pickleball Expansion Build dedicated pickleball Facilities Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 211 Packet Pg. 230 of 536 ALTERATIVES – Pickleball Expansion Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 212 Packet Pg. 231 of 536 NEXT STEPS – Recommendation Staff and the Ad Hoc Committee recommend that the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) support the recommendation to not increase inventory of City of Palo Alto (City) Pickleball courts including conversion of additional City tennis courts at Mitchell Park based on analysis of operational, parking, noise, and user conflict concerns Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 213 Packet Pg. 232 of 536 Presented by: Adam Howard, Senior Community Services Manager Item 4 Item 4 Staff Presentation Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 214 Packet Pg. 233 of 536 1 Vidal, Eric From:Karinna Hurley <kbhurley@ucdavis.edu> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 3:53 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:To Save the Palo Alto Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Council Members of Palo Alto, this is Stella Rae Rocca. I am in 5th grade at El Carmelo and enjoy and appreciate playing in the tennis courts of the City of Palo Alto. If you remove some of the tennis courts just so the pickleball players will have to wait a second less to get a court, the other tennis courts along the city will get crowded and full. As a result, people will have to wait longer to get a tennis court and how long one can play will decrease. Furthermore, tennis is my favorite sport and how I get most of my exercise. Albeit, please DO NOT REMOVE THE PALO ALTO TENNIS COURTS. Sincerely, Stella Rae Rocca Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 234 of 536 2 Vidal, Eric From:Satyajeet Salgar <salgar@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 2:31 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Opposition to converting Mitchell Park tennis courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear Parks and Recrea on Commission, City Council, and Palo Alto Pickleball Club, I am wri ng to express my strong opposi on to the proposed conversion of Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into addi onal pickleball courts. While I understand the growing popularity of pickleball, expanding these facili es at the expense of our exis ng tennis courts is detrimental to the local tennis community. It is already quite di ﬃcult to ﬁnd available tennis courts for community play in the area. Removing these courts at Mitchell Park will only exacerbate the problem, displacing players and making court me even harder to secure at both Mitchell Park and Rinconada Park. Given that there are currently 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts at Mitchell Park, removing half of the remaining tennis courts would severely impact local tennis players. I kindly urge you to consider alterna ve loca ons for pickleball expansion that do not eliminate our exis ng tennis infrastructure. Thank you for your me and considera on. Sincerely, Satyajeet Salgar Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 235 of 536 3 Vidal, Eric From:Hui Cen <huicen@icloud.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:17 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Fwd: URGENT: Protect Mitchell Park – Oppose Further Pickleball Expansion and Prioritize Palo Alto Residents CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Subject: URGENT: Protect Mitchell Park – Oppose Further Pickleball Expansion and Prioritize Palo Alto Residents Dear Mayor, Councilmen, and Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I am writing to express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 236 of 536 4 residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Implement strict operational restrictions, including limiting play hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Thank you for your time, leadership, and dedication to our community. Sincerely, Debra Cen 502 Lowell Ave. Palo Alto Sent from my iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 237 of 536 5 Vidal, Eric From:Amy Christel <amymchristel@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 9:33 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Limits to pickleball at Mitchell Oark CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Parks Commission, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Implement strict operational restrictions, including limiting play hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 238 of 536 6 Thank you, Amy Christel Midtown PA Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 239 of 536 7 Vidal, Eric From:vittorio fossati <fossativ@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 9:25 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Howard, Adam Cc:PATC Board Subject:Tennis courts availability CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To the Park and Recreations Commission: I have been a tennis player in Palo Alto for the last 40 years or so and I have always found that on peak hours I had to travel from one site to another to find open courts. This results in reducing the amount of time of play, and some times preventing the play. Therefore reducing the number of available tennis courts would create a significant problem. Pickleball is both a sport and a social gathering and people can afford waiting out a game knowing that after a short time they’d be able to go back playing on the court. This is not the case with tennis as you just don’t show up hoping to find someone random to play with. Also tennis games, by the nature of the sport, are much longer. If you make arrangements with one person to play a single game or with a few others to play doubles, not having an available court means that you would end up not playing in most cases. So I suggest that no more tennis courts be converted, and even that some at Mitchell be returned to tennis, especially because only Mitchell, besides Rinconada, has lights for evening tennis. For pickleball the city should consider different venues not conflicting with tennis, also taking into account the issues of noise and congestion pointed out in some other inputs messages that have been sent to you. Thank you for your consideration. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 240 of 536 8 Vittorio Fossati-Bellani 2651 Elmdale Ct. Palo Alto, CA 94303 Ph: 650-430-9469 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 241 of 536 9 Vidal, Eric From:Gilbert Wong <wong.gilbert01@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 8:49 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Palo Alto Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has been hugely impactful on my life and health. As I have entered my more senior age, I was looking for a structured activity to provide benefits on health and social interactions. This unique sport has provided this positive effect beyond my expectations as I now play approximately 5 times a week for about 3 hours a session (15+ hours per week) at Mitchell Park. I also play when travelling to other states (Hawaii, Arizona, other) but Mitchell Park is truly unique with the level of friendliness and camaraderie. Since beginning a year ago, Mitchell Park pickleball patrons have grown significantly in number and in real need of additional court space to extend these positive benefits to many others. Thank you very much for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Gilbert Wong, M.D. 940 Elsinore Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 242 of 536 10 Vidal, Eric From:Yong Guo <yong.guo@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 7:56 AM To:ParkRec Commission; city.council@cityofpaloalto.gov Subject:Save tennis courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. To whom it may concern: I am wri ng to strongly object further expansion of pickleball courts onto tennis courts #3 and #4 at Mitchell Park. First of all, Mitchell Park is a mul purpose park which serves many diﬀerent sports and events. It should not become a pickleball center of the Bay Area. Secondly, Mitchell Park is already suﬀering from overcrowding in terms of parking, as a result of which people’s normal ac vi es, such as going to the library, playing in the park, a ending events, get aﬀected. Adding more pickleball courts will make it much worse. Thirdly, when making the expansion request, the Palo Alto Pickleball Club(PAPC) always uses misleading informa on to support their claims. They always say that tennis court outnumbers pickleball court by 51 to 17. However, they ignore the fact that nearly half of the tennis courts belong to the school district. Not only these courts are not always available to the public, but also many of these courts are in very poor condi ons and are not playable. As for lighted courts, the number is actually 17 to 17. For normal working people, they need lighted courts to play a er work. Fourthly , Mitchell Park is the only park to the south of Oregon Expressway that has lighted tennis courts. With court 1 and 2 occupied by city tennis programs most of the evening me , court 3 and 4 are the only two courts that are open to the public in south Palo Alto in the evening. Conver ng these two courts into pickleball courts will make it very inconvenient for the local players. One argument from the PAPC is that they want the convenience for their players so they want to have all courts at Mitchell Park. Have they thought about the inconvenience for other people? So I strongly object further pickleball expansion at Mitchell Park. I am not against the growth of pickleball. I just don’t think it’s right to let pickleball take over Mitchell Park. Regards, Yong Guo Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 243 of 536 11 Vidal, Eric From:Karinna Hurley <kbhurley@ucdavis.edu> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 7:30 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Concern Regarding Proposed Reduction of Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Parks and Recreation Department and City Council Members, I am writing to express my strong concern regarding the proposed reduction of public tennis courts in favor of additional pickleball courts. My family has been actively involved in the city’s tennis programs for several years. My oldest daughter has participated in city-run tennis classes for the past three years, and this year my youngest daughter also began attending. I have also joined the adult tennis lesson program when I am able to secure a spot. Across all age groups, we consistently encounter waitlists. The city’s own programming clearly demonstrates sustained and even unmet demand for tennis. While I recognize and respect the growing popularity of pickleball, reducing existing tennis courts to accommodate it is short-sighted and does not reflect the demonstrated needs of the broader community. Tennis participation in our city is not declining; rather, it is constrained by limited programming capacity. I respectfully urge the city to consider solutions that expand facilities for both sports rather than reallocating existing tennis courts. Preserving balanced access will better serve the community and ensure that long-standing programs are not diminished in response to newer demands. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Karinna Hurley Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 244 of 536 12 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 7:02 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Elevate Your On The Water Experiences Today!🌊 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi there, The Ultimate Floating Playground Awaits Here's a full lineup of inflatables made for lake and yacht life! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AquaBanas Pickleball Bana AquaBanas Pickleball Bana Includes ☑ AquaBanas Pickleball Bana Single Court ☑ Court & Barrier Netting Mobile Deluxe Court Net Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AquaBanas The Cove Inflatable Island Resort Package AquaBanas The Cove Inflatable Island Resort Package Package Includes ☑ 1 Runway (10m) ☑ 4 Party Banas with BT120 Tents ☑ 2 Mega Loungers (Connector Kit included) Learn More Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 245 of 536 13 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AquaBanas Bayside Inflatable Island Resort Package AquaBanas Bayside Inflatable Island Resort Package Package Includes ☑ 1 Runway (10m) ☑ 3 Party Banas with BT120 Tents ☑ 3 Large Bana Connector Kits ☑ 3 Premium Inflation Kits included Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AquaBanas Party Bana 2.0 Inflatable Island AquaBanas Party Bana 2.0 Inflatable Island Inflated: 11 ft x 11 ft x 7 ft 5 in Learn More Explore Luxury Inflatables Here To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Aquaglide Lakefront Mini Park 1 Inflatable Water Park Aquaglide Lakefront Mini Park 1 Inflatable Water Park Mini Park 1 comes with a C-deck, OG Lounge, Half Deck 7.5, Ricochet 12.0, 12-14 Slide, and 50/50 Log Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Aquaglide Lakefront Mini Park 5 Inflatable Water Park Aquaglide Lakefront Mini Park 5 Inflatable Water Park Mini Park 5 comes with a C-deck, Ohana Lounge, 2 x Half Deck 7.5, Lazy Lounge, 12-14 Slide, 50/50 Log, Recoil Tramp 14.0, and Launch Bag. Learn More Explore Mini Parks Here For Questions & Quotes, Call Andi Tel:706.619.6670 andi@lightasairboats.com Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 246 of 536 14 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Button Text To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office preventedownload of this picture from the Internet.Custom We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 247 of 536 15 Vidal, Eric From:Charlene Liao <xcliao@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:19 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Stop expansion of pickleball courts in Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Park and Recreation staff, Dear City Council Members, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, Ada's Cafe, and tennis courts (yes tennis courts are a feature of Mitchell Park). Many of us use the park for other recreation like tai chi and dance. One sport should not dominate the park and create unpleasant disruptive noise to both park goers and neighbors. Mitchell Park is a shared PALO ALTO resource. I doubt that the people trying to enjoy the park, listen to the birds and watching the stars (or movies in the summer organized by the City) want to hear the persistent and high- intensity noise of pickleball. Please leave the few remaining tennis courts alone. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made related to the expansion of pickleball courts: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 248 of 536 16 * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. The PAPC should have enough funds now to build their own PRIVATE CLUB instead of using City resources to continually support this single sport with many nuisances. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Implement strict operational restrictions, including enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. This proposal also hurts tennis players. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Charlene Liao Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 249 of 536 17 Vidal, Eric From:Peggy Yao <peggy.yao@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:07 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Stop expansion of pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Sir/Madam, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Implement strict operational restrictions, including limiting play hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 250 of 536 18 Vidal, Eric From:Srdjan Kovacevic <srdjank@ieee.org> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 11:12 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Cc:PATC Board; thomassarsfield@mac.com; marionparr@gmail.com Subject:Concerns About Tennis-to-Pickleball Court Conversion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I am writing on behalf of the Palo Alto Tennis Club (PATC) regarding the City’s consideration of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts – specifically, converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 pickleball courts. If this conversion proceeds, it would effectively displace all community tennis play from Mitchell Park, as the only two remaining tennis courts are primarily used for City-sanctioned lessons. Tennis players displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts would be forced to find alternative courts elsewhere in the City. Finding an available tennis court is already extremely difficult, if not impossible, during peak hours. This change would only exacerbate the difficulty. Additionally, Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park are among the very few public courts in the City that are lit for evening and nighttime play. Many working players rely on these courts to play after work. PATC supports community tennis in Palo Alto by organizing drop-in sessions open to the public, as well as junior tournaments. We believe this issue should not pit the tennis and pickleball communities against each other. Instead, we urge the City to explore expanding access to both sports through the construction of new courts rather than converting existing tennis courts, which would diminish valuable and already limited tennis resources. Thank you for considering our concerns. Sincerely, Srdjan Kovacevic President Palo Alto Tennis Club Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 251 of 536 19 Vidal, Eric From:Linlin Yang <linliny@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 10:33 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; harriet@magicalbridge.org Subject:Please Retain Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4 - Support for Magical Tennis CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear Parks and Recrea on Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Par cipants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has beneﬁted not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and par cipants work together on tennis skills, fun, conﬁdence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a signiﬁcant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Linlin Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 252 of 536 20 Vidal, Eric From:Unmesh Vartak <unmeshv@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 9:37 PM To:Council, City Cc:ParkRec Commission Subject:Strong Opposition to Further Pickleball Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Palo Alto City Council, As a Palo Alto resident, taxpayer, and voter, I am writing to express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It feels as though the park is being taken over by a single sport, which is actively stifling other recreational activities and dismantling the core functions of this essential civic space. Mitchell Park is a vital, multi-use nei hborhood hub anchored b the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: • Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 253 of 536 21 parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. • Regional Subsidy Disparity: It appears that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted ickleball rowth. Palo Alto taxpa ers should not have to sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. • Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequenc impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis. It creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and disrupts quiet library users. I applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections to preserve our community spaces. I respectfully demand that the City halt any further pickleball expansion at Mitchell Park to ensure it remains a balanced, accessible, and multi-use space for all Palo Alto residents. Thank you for your time and your service to our community. Sincerely, Unmesh Vartak 3195 South Ct Palo Alto CA 94306 Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 254 of 536 22 Vidal, Eric From:Jaeheon Jeong <jeong13978@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 9:23 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Conversion of tennis court CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello, I am writing this to strongly oppose the conversion of tennis courts to pickle ball courts at Mitchell Park. Thank you. Jaeheon Jeong 744 Mayview Ave, Palo Alto, CA94303 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 255 of 536 23 Vidal, Eric From:James Gong <jgong8811@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 9:17 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Can you keep the tennis courts at Mitchell Park? CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear managers, Can we expand the pickleball courts in places other than the current heavily-used tennis courts? My family like both tennis and pickleball. Tennis courts at Mitchell park is very busy, and it is much harder to build a tennis court than two pickleball courts. Why don't we keep the current tennis courts and build some pickleball courts nearby? Pickleball field is small and the speed of pickleball is much slower, so it is much easier to find suitable locations to build a few courts here and a few there. James Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 256 of 536 24 Vidal, Eric From:Cheryl Chen <xcherylchen@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 9:17 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Re: Mitchell Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I hear that the City of Palo Alto is again considering converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 Pickleball courts. This will only leave 2 tennis courts in all of Mitchell Park and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I'm very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto goes through with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4, there will be many very negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts, please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. Negative impacts of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts includes: • Tennis Players will be displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts and need to find other tennis courts in the City to play on. On peak days/times of day it is already nearly impossible to find tennis courts in the City. This will make that even worse. • In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has allowed more tennis courts to be used for Kids Summer Camps, making it extremely difficult for adult residents to play tennis for entire weekdays in Palo Alto over a 2+ month period during summer. This makes that issue worse. • There are currently 15 pickleball courts in Mitchell Park and so many people come from neighbor communities to use those courts, there is no available parking for Palo Alto residents who want to use the park in other ways --- go to the library, use the playground, attend a summer concert, picnic, play catch etc. More Pickleball courts will mean more even more people come to play Pickleball and an already bad parking problem will be made even worse. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 257 of 536 25 • The Magical Bridge Playground is an amazing inclusive area of the park that is used by neurodivergent people and the loud noise created by the pickleballs hitting the racket and large groups of people standing around cycling on & off courts can trigger severe discomfort, distress, and anxiety in neurodivergent people. The new 50-unit housing complex at 525 Charleston is geared towards neurodivergent folks & is only a 6-minute walk from the Mitchell park tennis courts. Given the proximity of this new development, more not fewer people going forward will be going to Mitchell Park who are very sensitive to the kinds of noise that pickleball makes & adding 6-8 more courts to the already 15 will greatly increase an already distressing sound. • Neighbors of Mitchell Park gave feedback in 2025 that they could hear the pickleball noise at their homes which could in the long run reduce their property values - and result in lower property tax revenue that the City receives. There is a need, OK, but let's not "rob Peter to pay Paul". Please look instead for a location where pickleball courts could be newly built instead of taking existing services from residents --- tennis courts, parking, library access, park enjoyment for all. Thank you, X. Cheryl Chen Palo Alto resident. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 258 of 536 26 Vidal, Eric From:Haeyeon Jeong <cbelt1004@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 9:12 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Oppose to Pickle ball expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi, I live on mayview ave. I oppose to expand pickle ball court because of noise and parking lot crowded. Thank you. Sincerely Haeyeon Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 259 of 536 27 Vidal, Eric From:Mark Chen <mark.mh.chen@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 8:55 PM To:ParkRec Commission CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi, I am a Palo Alto resident lived near Mitchell Park. I play tennis and pickle ball. There are only 4 tennis courts left, those close to magic bridge had been converted to pickle ball courts to accommodate local and neighboring city pickleball players. I strongly suggest to keep the 4 tennis courts which are always full in the morning and other times. Pickle ball games are relative short and the waiting is about 10-15 mins a game as my experience. It is not fair to the tennis player because more people playing pickle ball. I will suggest to keep the 4 tennis court as is Don't convert or draw court lines which will create argument even rule is set. Thank to consider all different group of players. Mark chen Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 260 of 536 28 Vidal, Eric From:ART <tananlacs3@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 8:30 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; Harriet Stern Subject:Please Retain Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • Similar name as someone in your company. • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. My son has been playing tennis there for a few years, and this activity has become part of his routine. We live in Palo Alto, so this location is very convenient for us, and he is familiar and comfortable with the area. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Cherie (Parent of a 15-year-old participant) Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 261 of 536 29 Vidal, Eric From:Amy <amysarahmeyer@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 7:26 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Tennis courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • Similar name as someone in your company. • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello there, We frequently play tennis at Mitchell park for many years and just learned there may be some idea to convert the remaining courts into pickle ball. There is already a huge shortage of tennis courts at Mitchell park and it's frequently full / at capacity. We are writing to express how important these courts are, for residents to play. Amy Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 262 of 536 30 Vidal, Eric From:Julie Du <julie.du@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 6:45 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; Stern Harriet Subject:Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My son James, a 16 years old autistic teen, has participated in this program for two years. He has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Julie Du Sent from my iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 263 of 536 31 Vidal, Eric From:Jennifer Main <jenniferschmidt097@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 6:24 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, I live in Palo Alto and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has become an important part of my weekly routine, not just for exercise but for the sense of community it fosters. It brings together people of all ages and backgrounds in a way that few other activities do. I’ve seen friendships form, neighbors connect, and new residents feel welcomed through this simple, accessible sport. However, the current demand far exceeds the available court space. Long wait times between games make it difficult for many residents to participate regularly, and it limits the broader community benefits that pickleball offers. Expanding the number of courts would allow more people to stay active, reduce congestion, and make better use of an already popular public space. Investing in additional pickleball courts is a relatively low-cost way to significantly enhance community well-being, promote physical and mental health, and strengthen social connections across Palo Alto. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 264 of 536 32 Thank you for your consideration. Jennifer Schmidt San Jude, Palo Alto Sent from my iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 265 of 536 33 Vidal, Eric From:Mary Lee <mklee808@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 6:04 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; harriet@magicalbridge.org Subject:Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3&4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. Growing up in Palo Alto, I always enjoyed all the public spaces Palo Alto offered and now that I no longer live in Palo Alto, I cherish all the opportunities to visit and enjoy the spaces it offers. We now travel from the East Bay so my autistic son can learn tennis from the amazing volunteer coaches at Magical Tennis and also to enjoy the amenities offered at Mitchell Park. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. The proximity of the courts being located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe allows my son and other families to have a well rounded, accessible, and inclusive experiences. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Mary Lee (parent to Benji, 12 year old participant at Magical Tennis) Sent from my iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 266 of 536 34 Vidal, Eric From:Hong Cong <cindycong@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 5:25 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Please DO NOT convert tennis court into pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Cindy Cong, Parent of a 17-yr-old participant Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 267 of 536 35 Vidal, Eric From:Olenka S. Villarreal <olenka@magicalbridge.org> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 5:05 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Please help make Mitchell Park MAGICAL FOR ALL again! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • The sender's email address couldn't be verified. • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast May 18, 2026 Hello Commissioners and Council Member Lythcott-Haims, For over a decade, Magical Bridge has served as a sanctuary—designed intentionally for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, and other disabilities. For many families, this playground is more than just a play area—it's the only place where Palo Alto families with a disabled family member come to enjoy community connections, play and a welcoming space. The pickleball courts adjacent to the playground have significantly changed that experience. Pickleball generates a sharp, repetitive sound that carries far beyond the courts. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, this type of noise is not just a nuisance—it is overwhelming, disorienting, and distressing. We are hearing from families who can no longer stay, who are cutting visits short, or who have stopped coming altogether. This is not about being anti-pickleball; we respect the value it brings to the community. However, placement matters. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 268 of 536 36 The AbilityPath building closest to the pickleball courts serves disabled adults with the highest needs. My daughter Ava is in one of these programs and the increased car activity moving through this private parking lot is dangerous. Ava and her peers walk (and roll) to Magical Bridge often and the stress of a busy parking lot, coupled with excessive noise, has changed what used to be a magical corridor into the very opposite. Last week, one student was nearly hit by an eager pickleball player in a big hurry to park. This particular pickleball club directly conflicts with a space specifically designed to support vulnerable populations, displacing those who have the fewest alternatives. Magical Bridge was created to fill a critical gap— to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has a place to belong. The Mitchell Park pickleball courts have compromised this promise. I respectfully ask the Commission to halt further encroachment of these pickleball courts within the Mitchell Park area and encourage their players to find to a more compatible setting. This is an opportunity to uphold Palo Alto’s leadership in inclusion—not just in intention, but in practice. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your commitment to all members of our community. Please make that Magical Bridge corridor magical again. It is the only community hub for many of our families. Thank you and see you on the 26th. Olenka S. Villarreal | Founder and Chief Executive Officer Magical Bridge Foundation | a 501(c)3 non- profit 650-380-1557 | magicalbridge.org Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 269 of 536 37 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Enjoy our NEW Magical Bridge Viewbook Please find us on Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 270 of 536 38 Vidal, Eric From:Matthew Nagle <matthewcnagle@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 5:02 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Enhance, do not reduce, our PA tennis courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Adam, council folks, and parks and rec: Do NOT reduce any further the number of, or condi on of, our tennis courts in Palo Alto. If anything, enhance our tennis courts with maintenance, signage, and leadership, something that has been sorely lacking for years in Palo Alto. Though the recent growth of pickleball is compelling, so, too, is the growth of tennis, though it is more subtle. The tennis community is not nearly as vocal, uniﬁed, or visible on and oﬀ the court, but the reduc on of tennis courts in the past few years and squeezed more of us onto fewer courts. There has been marginal relief in kicking out United States Tennis Associa on league teams, and pos ng mediocre le er-sized printouts reminding paid tennis instructors that they cannot use our courts without a permit, but at the end of the day, tennis players have to be strategic in a emp ng to secure a court for an hour of tennis, even though our matches and prac ces realis cally need more me. Local and USTA tennis tournaments add to our community as well, but they stress the availability of courts as well. I play on all city and school courts in Palo Alto, as well as every city in the Bay Area over me, because I par cipate in USTA tournaments and leagues. We had to abandon our USTA league team at Cubberly this year because we did not have enough Palo Alto players. This rule of Palo Alto-ﬁrst players, as unseemly as it is, should also be applied to pickleball as it has been reported repeatedly that many, if not most, players do not live, or pay taxes, in Palo Alto. I have brought up my two children on Palo Alto tennis courts, and I s ll play with young and old tennis players on all the courts, when we can ﬁnd a free court. Do not forget that city tennis instructors take up two of the four tennis courts at Mitchell Park. They run good programs for our youth, but because the city took away the four tennis courts at the other end of Mitchell Park, many of us head over to Cubberly and other parks. Taking any courts from Mitchell because they might not be as used as pickleball courts would be like taking away the new basketball courts at Boulware Park in order to install new pickleball courts. Those courts are not used that much at all, and there are even lights, but no one would suggest taking over those courts. Except the pickleball community if they ﬁnd out about them. Ma hew Nagle Park Blvd, Palo Alto Former PAUSD Principal Current member of USTA Schools Commi ee Current member of USTA NorCal Community Program Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 271 of 536 39 Vidal, Eric From:LW comcast <ljwickstrom@comcast.net> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 4:34 PM To:PlayingFields; Howard, Adam; Council, City; ParkRec Commission Subject:NO more pickle ball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Commission Members, As Palo Alto residents who often visit Mitchell Park, the Mitchell Park Library, and Ada’s Cafe, I oppose the addition of multiple, concentrated pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. The loud, continuous cracking of pickleballs on paddles as well as the voices of crowds waiting to play, is hard on visitors like myself and my disabled son: people who are sensitive to loud noise. Visitors to other facilities in the community center will also face decreased parking space as a result to adding pickleball courts to accommodate out-of-town players as well as residents. In addition, the additional courts are adjacent to the Ability Path Arts Center, Mitchell Park Place, and Magical Bridge Playground—all of which welcome children and adults with developmental disabilities. Having a son with disabilities, I have been active in this community and know that many disabled individuals deal with sensory overload issues, particularly with loud, repetitive noises. The proximity to pickleball courts is a problem for this neighborhood, with the noise of the paddles and balls and the loud calls of participants and those waiting to play. Pickleball may, as proponents say, "deliver more of the much-needed social wellness benefits to the Palo Alto community.” But please be aware of what ill-placed courts might also take away from the social and emotional wellness of residents and guests alike. Linnea Wickstrom Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 272 of 536 40 Vidal, Eric From:peter maresca <pmaresca@comcast.net> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 4:11 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts to Pickleball CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To those concerned - As a 40-year Palo Alto resident and a 25-year tennis player, I am naturally concerned about the loss of tennis courts to pickleball use. But the proposed changes at Mitchell Park affect more than just those who wish to use the park for tennis. There are the noise and parking issues that affect nearby facilities for many Palo Alto residents, as well as those from other communities, who are drawn to what Mitchell Park has to offer. Noise issues are well documented, here I will look at parking. Our family regularly visits the Mitchell Park Library, Magical Bridge, and Ada’s Cafe. It has become increasing difficult to find parking there due in part to the large number of pickleball players. Pickleball, particularly as it is played at Mitchell Park, invites players to gather and wait to rotate into play (something that does not often happen in tennis) which could mean three to four times as many players parking their cars than might be there for tennis. I would side with pickleball players in lobbying the Parks and Recreation Commission for construction of new, dedicated pickleball courts in a suitable location with adequate parking. The city has spent millions on recreational structures that have far less usage than new pickleball courts would receive. In order to best serve all Palo Alto residents, re-purposing existing tennis courts at an already crowded site is not the answer. Peter Maresca Monroe Park Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 273 of 536 41 Vidal, Eric From:Tiffany Lin <tiffany.i.lin@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 3:58 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:Olenka S. Villarreal; Harriet Stern Subject:Please keep Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 for Magical Tennis CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My daughter, Saoirse Hanley, has attended this camp and has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. Our family travels from Hillsborough to Mitchell Park because this program offers something truly special for neurodiverse children. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. The program meets on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe, making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Tiffany Lin & Patrick Hanley Parent of Saoirse Hanley https://www.facebook.com/tiflhme/posts/pfbid0t93SyJuHFU9zQizUZoarbxLXxKTSCvJPQmKvmdp486tw tU42e8ECkHA4FpBM3kQyl Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 274 of 536 42 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 275 of 536 43 Vidal, Eric From:Yael Uziyel Naveh <yaeluziyel@hotmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 2:55 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:Olenka S. Villarreal; harriet@magicalbridge.org Subject:Tennis courts 3 and 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. There are very few if none recreational activities specifically tailored for residents with disabilities provided by the city of Palo Alto - beyond those provided by the Magical Bridge team. Please enable them to continue to provide their wonderful programming. My son has really enjoyed the tennis in particular. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Yael Uziyel Naveh, Palo Alto Resident Parent of a 20 year old participant Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 276 of 536 44 Vidal, Eric From:Yanling Wang <ylw.design@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 2:03 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; harriet@magicalbridge.org Subject:Please keep Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 for humanity! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, I have two teenage boys who live in Palo Alto. While my 15-year old neurotypical boy can easily enjoy many of the great programs in our local community, my 13-year old with special needs has far fewer options. It's almost impossible or very hard for children with special needs to access sports and activities without the right support. Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is one of the very few and an absolutely wonderful program that does that. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe, which makes the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families like ours. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely heavily on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 for humanity! Sincerely, Yanling Wang Residence in Barron Park Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 277 of 536 45 Vidal, Eric From:Lan Liu <wanersmile@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 2:03 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Concerns About Proposed Tennis Court Conversion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, I am writing to express concern regarding the proposal to convert Mitchell Park tennis Courts 3 and 4 into additional pickleball courts. My son currently takes tennis lessons at Mitchell Park, and these courts are an important resource for youth sports, recreation, and community activities. Reducing the number of tennis courts would directly impact children and families who rely on this facility for lessons, practice, and regular play. Currently the tennis courts at Mitchell Park are currently fully occupied, making it hard to find an available court. I understand and support the need for recreational opportunities for both tennis and pickleball players. However, Mitchell Park already has significantly more pickleball courts than tennis courts. Eliminating additional tennis courts would make it much harder for young players and community members to access court time and participate in tennis programs. I respectfully ask the Commission to consider alternative locations for pickleball expansion that would not further reduce existing tennis access at Mitchell Park and nearby parks. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Lan, a Palo Alto Resident (951-907-578) Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 45 Packet Pg. 278 of 536 46 Vidal, Eric From:Anne Johnston <annelyonsjohnston@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 1:46 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Harriet Stern; Olenka Villarreal Subject:Please Retain Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, My son Axel is 21 years old and has autism. For most of his life, finding community here in Palo Alto — real community, where he feels welcomed and seen — has been one of our family's greatest challenges. Magical Tennis changed that. Through the program at Mitchell Park, Axel has built friendships, grown in confidence, and found something he genuinely looks forward to every week. The coaches understand how to meet participants where they are, and the culture they've created is rare: joyful, patient, and truly inclusive. When Axel comes home from Magical Tennis, our whole family feels it. The program's location matters too. Courts 3 and 4 sit right alongside the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada's Cafe — a cluster of spaces that already serve our community well. Magical Tennis belongs there. Losing this program would mean losing far more than a tennis class. For families like ours, it would mean losing one of the few places where our kids get to just be kids — connected, capable, and part of something. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Anne Johnston -- To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Anne Lyons Johnston Creative Executive and Strategist Linkedin | Website Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 46 Packet Pg. 279 of 536 47 Vidal, Eric From:Vivi Chen <chenvivi2013@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 1:46 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; Harriet Stern Subject:Please Retain Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4 for Magical Tennis CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a truly valuable and important program for our community. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming and supportive community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together to build tennis skills, confidence, friendship, and joy. The program provides a rare opportunity for neurodiverse children and teens to participate in a structured activity where they feel included, understood, and encouraged. The Mitchell Park location is especially important. Courts 3 and 4 are ideally situated near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe, making the experience more accessible and inclusive for families. These nearby amenities help create a comfortable environment that supports participants’ needs before, during, and after lessons. My child started in the program barely able to hold a tennis racket. Over time, with patient support from the coaches and volunteers, he has progressed to being able to rally and play small games with others. Just as importantly, he has built meaningful relationships with the coaches, which has helped him develop important social skills and confidence interacting with others. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and for the many families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 for Magical Tennis. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 47 Packet Pg. 280 of 536 48 Best Regards, Vivi Mom of a 10-year-old participant with ASD Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 48 Packet Pg. 281 of 536 49 Vidal, Eric From:Xuan Li <lixuanpku@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 1:44 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:olenka@magicalbridge.org; harriet@magicalbridge.org Subject:Opposing the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Magical Tennis for Neurodiverse Participants at Mitchell Park is a wonderful and important program. My child has benefited not only from the exercise and fresh air, but especially from being part of a welcoming community of peers. At Magical Tennis, coaches and participants work together on tennis skills, fun, confidence, and friendship. We meet on Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4, which are ideally located near the Magical Bridge Playground, the library, and Ada’s Cafe — making the experience even more accessible and inclusive for families. Losing this unique program would be a significant loss for the disabled community and the families who rely on it. Please retain Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4. Sincerely, Xuan Parent of a 9-year-old participant Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 49 Packet Pg. 282 of 536 50 Vidal, Eric From:Sue Duffek <sueduffek@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 18, 2026 12:36 PM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:request for additional pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I began playing pickleball at Mitchell Park in 2021. I truly enjoy par cipa ng in the compe ve and friendly events, learning opportuni es, and social ac vi es that PAPC provides on a regular basis. I love the excitement and look forward to playing pickleball several mes a week at Mitchell Park. For my friends, neighbors, and those who I meet oﬀ the courts who are unfamiliar with pickleball, I tell them about the accessibility and aﬀordability of pickleball. More so, I let them know that everyone is welcome at Mitchell Park and it’s normal to be hesitant at ﬁrst. The “beginner courts” and “players without partners” courts were though ul addi ons to Mitchell Park. The many “Ge ng Started” clinics, all staﬀed by club volunteers, are a great introduc on to pickleball and also provide an opportunity to meet new players of similar skill levels. Interest in pickleball is increasing rapidly in our community. This email is in support of crea ng eight addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Sincerely yours, Sue Duﬀek Palo Alto resident Charleston Gardens, South Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 50 Packet Pg. 283 of 536 51 Vidal, Eric From:Hiroko <piroko785@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 10:29 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Mitchell Courts Attachments:20260518.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear, I hope this email finds you well. I am a Palo Alto resident and an avid tennis player. Please find the attached. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, Hiroko Ohtsuki Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 51 Packet Pg. 284 of 536 52 Vidal, Eric From:Namita Joshua <namitajoshua@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 9:07 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Palo Alto Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Good evening, My name is Namita Joshua and I am a Palo Alto resident, living at 1210 Newell Rd, right by some of the Rinconada tennis courts. I am writing this in response to the request to convert some of the Mitchell Park tennis courts into pickleball courts. What this would do is increase the number of tennis players at the already crowded courts in Rinconada. I would like to request you to not go ahead with this proposal. As it is, courts are in high demand in Rinconada. We live within earshot of 9 courts, and usually have to wait for courts to play on in the evenings. Additionally even the tennis wall is frequently in use. There are many times when I have had to wait to get a turn. I also use the park for my hour-long evening walk and I daily see these courts full in the evenings. Players wait patiently on the stands for their turn. I am just saying this to testify that those courts are already in high demand, with the number of players interested in playing at this location. You can drive by any evening to see that these courts are at full occupancy till the lights go off around 10PM every night. To close the Mitchell Park courts would drive more tennis traffic to Rinconada, to an already busy set of courts. This will only make the current situation worse, and increase wait times, while reducing available play times. I humbly request you to consider the high demand for these tennis courts in Palo Alto, and not close/convert tennis courts. Thanks, Namita M Joshua (607) 379-2581 namitajoshua@gmail.com Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 52 Packet Pg. 285 of 536 53 Vidal, Eric From:Blake Smith <besmith@sportwhirl.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 8:10 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Please save the Mitchell Park Tennis Courts because they are s ll o en in use and the pickleballers have enough courts for the Palo Alto community. Sent from my iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 53 Packet Pg. 286 of 536 54 Vidal, Eric From:Subu <subuone@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 5:11 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Reckdahl, Keith; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lauing, Ed; Burt, Patrick Subject:Please do not convert Mitchell Park Tennis Courts to Pickle ball courts anymore Attachments:MEMORANDUM - Coversion of Tennis Courts.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Mayor, Palo Alto City Council Members, and Parks and Recreation Commission Members, Please find the attached memo opposing the conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts. As a Palo Alto resident of over 25 years and an avid tennis player, I frequently use the Mitchell Park courts. Due to recent conversions, only four tennis courts remain available at this location. It has become increasingly difficult for my family and me to secure playtime, particularly during weekends and outside of standard work hours. This policy effectively forces South Palo Alto tennis players to seek facilities elsewhere. I request that you stop converting existing tennis courts and instead focus on building new infrastructure for pickleball. Additionally, I ask that you consider restoring the dual-use courts at Mitchell Park to tennis-only use, as the overlapping lines are confusing, especially for children. While I support the pickleball community and their access to facilities, converting existing courts is an inadequate solution. Both Cubberley and Mitchell Parks have sufficient space for new construction. Furthermore, I urge you to require new real estate developments in South Palo Alto to include the recreational facilities necessary to support our growing community. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, Subu Govindaswamy Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 54 Packet Pg. 287 of 536 55 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 55 Packet Pg. 288 of 536 56 Vidal, Eric From:Harriet Stern <harriet@magicalbridge.org> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 5:06 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com; Howard, Adam Cc:Olenka S. Villarreal Subject:Visitors affected by Pickleball at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • The sender's email address couldn't be verified. • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commission, Thank you for the opportunity to share my concerns regarding pickleball expansion at Mitchell Park. I have been a Palo Alto resident since 2010 and currently serve as Curator of Community Kindness for the Magical Bridge Foundation. Mitchell Park is one of Palo Alto’s most treasured public spaces because it serves so many different people and purposes. Over the years, my family and I have enjoyed the playgrounds, library, Ada’s Café, sports fields, community events, concerts, and countless gatherings there. Through the City’s Enjoy Catalog, I also took pickleball lessons at Mitchell Park when portable nets were still used on shared tennis courts. I appreciate pickleball and understand its popularity. However, Mitchell Park does not need additional pickleball courts. In fact, for Magical Bridge Playground visitors, the existing 15 courts are already too many. When Magical Bridge was founded 11 years ago to provide a sanctuary for people with disabilities, no one anticipated that a loud, high-turnover racket sport would operate right next door from sunrise to 10:00 PM. As pickleball has expanded, I have personally witnessed a decrease in playground visitors. The extreme parking shortage deters disabled visitors who lack handicap placards. Furthermore, the constant, high-pitched pop-pop-pop triggers individuals with sensory sensitivities. Recently, while working with Scouts on their Disability Awareness Merit Badge, the pickleball noise completely drowned out their presentations on the Magical Bridge stage. Attaching a recording. Additionally, we host "Magical Tennis" for neurodiverse youth on courts 3 and 4, serving close to 200 participants in three years. This program relies on the existing tennis infrastructure, as well as the neighboring bathrooms, lawns and playground. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 56 Packet Pg. 289 of 536 57 Magical Bridge is the only playground intentionally built for our most marginalized citizens. Pickleball is directly compromising their access to a space Palo Alto created specifically for them. It also strains shared resources. Parking is so impacted that I regularly must reserve spots at 5:00 AM or 10:00 PM for our volunteers and community partners on event and tennis days. Unlike the Pickleball Club, which can mobilize thousands of members with a single email, individual residents, tennis players, library patrons, and families cannot organize in the same way. The disabled community is constantly fighting daily battles for basic access, support, and education; they cannot easily attend Parks and Recreation meetings. Magical Bridge was built as a sanctuary. Now, due to triggering noise and crowds, many families stay away. Mitchell Park must remain a balanced space that serves everyone. It is a beloved community asset, not a regional pickleball center. Please do not create more pickleball courts. Mitchell Park for All. Sincerely, Harriet Stern Curator of Community Kindness Magical Bridge Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit) www.magicalbridge.org To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 57 Packet Pg. 290 of 536 58 Vidal, Eric From:Aleks Totic <atotic@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 1:30 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi, I live in Palo Verde, and I do not support more pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I've played at Mitchell during Covid for a few months, and I think that pickleball is amazing in how it brings everyone together. The reason I oppose the expansion at Mitchell is because pickleball should be spread out to more Palo Alto parks, not just have it concentrated in one spot. Mitchell is a multi-use park, and parking can be difficult with so many pickleball players driving in. It'd be better if other Palo Alto parks had courts, so that everyone can have their local court. Greer has lots of open space, or build some when new housing gets built near San Antonio. Best, Aleks Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 58 Packet Pg. 291 of 536 59 Vidal, Eric From:Wensi Yin <ywsstan@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 17, 2026 10:33 AM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Strong Objection to the Proposed Additional Tennis-to-Pickleball Court Conversions at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council, My name is Wensi Yin. I am writing as a Palo Alto resident living near Mitchell Park (3727 Grove Avenue) to formally voice my strong objection to the proposed conversion of two additional tennis courts into pickleball courts. One of the primary reasons I purchased my home in this neighborhood back in 2024 was having Mitchell park and library in walking distance and the ability to utilize Mitchell Park's tennis facilities. I went to Mitchell Park a couple times a week with family and neighbors and my whole family really enjoys time there. While I understand the popularity of pickleball, the current proposal creates a severe, unfair disadvantage for local tennis players and neighborhood taxpayers. If this conversion moves forward, Mitchell Park will be left with only two tennis courts. This creates two critical issues for South Palo Alto residents: 1. Complete Elimination of Nighttime Tennis: Mitchell Park is the only public park in South Palo Alto with lighted tennis courts. The remaining two courts are already heavily booked for city- sponsored and private lessons. If these tennis courts are converted, residents who work during the day will have absolutely nowhere to play tennis at night in our half of the city. 2. Unfairness to local taxpayers: Furthermore, it is widely observed that a large percentage of the players utilizing the current Mitchell Park pickleball courts are non-residents traveling from neighboring cities. While Palo Alto has always been welcoming, our neighborhood park infrastructure and local tax dollars should prioritize the recreational needs of Palo Alto residents first. This further conversion will severely impact local neighborhood access to our own park, causing increased traffic and parking congestion, all while displacing the resident tennis community. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 59 Packet Pg. 292 of 536 60 Public parks must serve a balanced ecosystem. I urge the City to reject this conversion proposal and instead protect the unique, lighted tennis infrastructure that South Palo Alto residents rely on. Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to our neighborhood. Best, Wensi Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 60 Packet Pg. 293 of 536 61 Vidal, Eric From:Euginia Merken <euginia.merken@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:58 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I am an 18-year resident of Palo Alto, where I raised my two children alongside my husband. Two years ago, my husband of 33 years died unexpectedly. In the wake of that devastating loss, I found a powerful sense of community at Mitchell Park that helped me cope and heal. Living as a stay-at-home mom in the California suburbs can be profoundly isolating. Navigating that isolation as a 60-year-old widow with adult children felt incredibly bleak. While Palo Alto offers an array of services to strengthen community ties—and I have volunteered at our public schools, taken classes at the Pacific Art League, and used the community gardens—nothing came close to the profound connection I found at the Mitchell Park pickleball courts. Pickleball courts exist in many cities, but our local courts possess a unique magic: the sheer number of courts available allows people of all skill levels to play together. The only comparable local alternative is a private club called The Hub, which charges a staggering $40 daily drop-in fee. Because of our current municipal setup, Mitchell Park attracts players from far and wide, including advanced and professional athletes. In fact, I first learned about these courts from a high school friend living in Toronto, Canada, who had read about them. On any given day, I might play alongside retired football players, a reality show contestant, seniors, or teenagers. I even brought a young guest visiting from Germany to the courts; he had a marvelous time and still talks about how much fun he had. The success of this community relies entirely on having enough courts to bring people together. Expanding the number of courts will only make this vibrant community stronger, safer, and more inclusive for residents navigating difficult life transitions. The pickleball courts are truly the best thing about Palo Alto. I strongly urge the City Council to actively support the expansion and improvement of these courts, preserving and growing the vital community resource that has meant so much to me and countless others. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 61 Packet Pg. 294 of 536 62 Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Euginia Merken Palo Alto Resident Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 62 Packet Pg. 295 of 536 63 Vidal, Eric From:Christopher Turney <christopher.j.turney@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 5:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Palo Alto pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I'm a Palo Alto resident of 11 years. I learned pickleball when I visited my parents for the holidays this past winter, and couldn't wait to play more so I joined the Palo Alto Pickleball Club as soon as I got back and have been playing at Mitchell Park a couple times a week since then. I'm writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park at the prompting of the club leaders. The place always seems to be packed, even during the day on weekdays. More courts would definitely be great! Anecdotally Mitchell Park lines up with what I've observed all over, that pickleball courts tend to be full and tennis courts tend to be empty, so we don't seem to have aligned the courts ratio with the players ratio yet. I've had a ton of fun playing pickleball at Mitchell Park, it's been a great way to reconnect with organized sports in a way that I haven't since I was a kid, it's getting me outside and exercising more, and I've met a bunch of great people really quickly. The sport seems to attract a really nice and welcoming crowd. My guess is b/c it's so more accessible than tennis, both fitness wise (you can play even if you're old and not super mobile), and skill wise (you pretty much have to be taught how to to serve and hit topspin forehands in tennis to even play, whereas there's still plenty of room to improve in pickleball but you can actually play your first time), and b/c it's more social (much more focused on doubles and fun and camaraderie, and the players are closer to each other). Thanks! Christopher Turney, from Cowper St south of University Ave christopher.j.turney@gmail.com Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 63 Packet Pg. 296 of 536 64 Vidal, Eric From:Aspo Normantas <anyonefor10s@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 5:06 PM To:Howard, Adam Cc:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; PlayingFields; Hartmann, Chase Subject:Concerns about additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Adam, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing as a long-time Palo Alto resident of over 40 years and a dedicated tennis enthusiast who has been actively working to support and grow community-based tennis leagues. Over the years, I have also contributed to youth athletics in our city—working with middle school girls programs and had built traveling teams, and my family has remained deeply engaged in community sports. I am reaching out again regarding the ongoing discussion about reallocating tennis courts at Mitchell Park for pickleball use. As you know, many of us in the tennis community have worked hard to advocate for balanced and equitable access to courts. I attended the August meeting and many previous meetings discussing difficulties with tennis court availability in the city of Palo Alto. After years of discussions and decisions, with the city council and the Parks and Recreation at the city of Palo Alto changes were made. I want to sincerely thank you and the City for the recent improvements in scheduling, Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 64 Packet Pg. 297 of 536 65 particularly the effort to reduce USTA match play during peak community hours. That change has made a meaningful difference, and with some patience, it has become more manageable to find courts for regular play. I have witnessed how this small change has made a positive change to our community tennis play. With players that normally could not get a court reliably, have now returned to enjoy their neighborhood courts. Once again, we are facing a proposal that would significantly reduce available tennis courts at Mitchell Park, and I would like to respectfully share several concerns: 1. Use of Funds and Equity in Contributions The pickleball club has offered $100,000 toward converting tennis courts for their use. I respectfully ask why these funds are not instead being directed toward the maintenance and upkeep of the existing pickleball facilities that they have used with regularity to collect their fees. Palo Alto residents already bear the financial responsibility for court maintenance, staffing, and park operations through our tax dollars. Meanwhile, the pickleball club, which collects membership fees and includes many non- resident users, does not appear to contribute proportionally to the ongoing maintenance of these shared public resources. This raises important questions about equity and sustainability. 2. Impact on Nearby Educational Programs There is an education specialist school located directly adjacent to the courts in question. Many of these students have noise sensitivities, and the distinctive sound of pickleball can be highly disruptive. Expanding pickleball activity in this location would create an ongoing barrier to their learning environment. I have spoken to parents with Autistic children who suffer with these sensitivities and they expressed concerns. I strongly urge the City to consider the daily impact on these students and prioritize their educational needs over recreational play. 3. Access and Availability of Courts While total court numbers are sometimes cited, many courts included in Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 65 Packet Pg. 298 of 536 66 these counts are not accessible for tennis with asphalt surfaces and not reliably accessible to the public. PAUSD courts are often reserved for school use, including practices, matches, and tournaments, which significantly reduces availability for residents. If additional courts at Mitchell Park are converted, the resulting impact will further strain access across all Palo Alto facilities. 4. Resident Use vs. Non-Resident Demand Mitchell Park is a highly valued community asset. Increasing demand from privately organized clubs—particularly those with non-resident membership—places additional strain on a system already designed to serve local taxpayers. There has not been clear discussion about whether the Pickleball club and their non-resident pickleball users would contribute financially to offset this impact. The question becomes why are we entertaining a proposal from a private club to use public facilities? 5. Community Preference Many residents in the surrounding neighborhood have consistently expressed concern about increased congestion, noise, and reduced access resulting from expanded pickleball use at Mitchell Park. I respectfully ask that these voices be meaningfully weighed in to the decision-making process since they will be asked to fund resurfacing and other expensive long term maintenance costs. After many years of discussion, I had hoped this issue was largely resolved in a way that balanced access for all. I am concerned that revisiting these proposals will again create strain within the community and reduce access to already limited tennis resources. I respectfully ask that this proposal not move forward and that we instead focus on preserving equitable court access for Palo Alto residents while exploring solutions that do not come at the expense of existing facilities. Would it be considered reasonable for tennis players to demand to take over a well-used, state-of-the-art lighted basketball facility and continue to propose that it be converted into tennis courts? Most people would Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 66 Packet Pg. 299 of 536 67 instinctively say no—because it would displace an existing, active user group.” This is a relentless pursuit and frankly needs to be put to rest. Thank you again for your time, your thoughtful consideration, and your continued efforts to keep our community parks working for the community. Aspo Normantas Loving life in Palo Alto! Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 67 Packet Pg. 300 of 536 68 Vidal, Eric From:annecribbs <acribbs@basoc.org> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 8:55 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Nellis Freeman Subject:Pickleball in Palo Alto CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission I am a longtime Palo Alto resident and am writing in strong support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Over the past several years, I have watched pickleball grow from a sport enjoyed primarily by seniors into one of the fastest-growing sports in America for people of all ages. Today, youth in middle school and high school are embracing the game alongside adults and seniors, creating a wonderful multigenerational community. As a 1960 Olympian and lifelong advocate for sports and recreation, I know firsthand the tremendous value of sport in promoting health, fitness, friendships, mental well-being, and a sense of belonging. Pickleball offers all of these benefits. It gets people outdoors, enjoying exercise, fresh air, and camaraderie. I want to encourage the Palo Alto Tennis Club and the Palo Alto Pickleball Club to work together to maximize recreational opportunities and resources for our community. I believe tennis and pickleball can coexist successfully and provide outstanding opportunities for residents of all ages. This is an important investment in the health and vitality of our community and a wonderful opportunity to expand access to one of the most inclusive and popular sports in Palo Alto. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and your continued support of recreation in our city. Sincerely, Anne Cribbs Palo Alto Resident Since 1966 Former Three-Term Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commissioner 1960 U.S. Olympian 2450 Agnes Way Palo Alto, CA 94303 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 68 Packet Pg. 301 of 536 69 Ph. 650.323.9400 415.264.2067 - mobile Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 69 Packet Pg. 302 of 536 70 Vidal, Eric From:Tess Byler <tess.byler@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 8:27 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Mitchell Park Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Hello, I am a tennis player wri ng to object to a plan to take over more courts for pickle ball at Mitchell Park. There are not enough courts for tennis as is and we are biking all around town to ﬁnd open courts. Parking cars at the Mitchell Park library is diﬃcult as it is, and conver ng more tennis courts to pickleball will more quadruple the problem. Finally, you should be aware that many of the pickleball players are not from Palo Alto- Mountain View declined adding courts due to noise. I am not against pickleball but the sales job by the players seems to have pulled the wool over Palo Alto and will con nue to do so unless you turn down this underhanded proposal. Thank you, Tess Byler 355 College Ave Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 70 Packet Pg. 303 of 536 71 Vidal, Eric From:Postmaster <postmaster@paloalto.gov> Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2026 7:16 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:You have new held messages To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Logo You have new held messages You can release all of your held messages and permit or block future emails from the senders, or manage messages individually. Release all Permit all Block all You can also mana e held messa es in our Personal Portal. Spam Policy ourni@activemetrics.live Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)(SWAAAE) 80th Annual Summer Conference 2026-05-16 03:40 Release Permit Block Release all Permit all Block all To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. © 2019 Mimecast Services Limited. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 71 Packet Pg. 304 of 536 72 Vidal, Eric From:leovolpe@yahoo.com Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 3:00 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Mitchell Park Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department: I hear that the City of Palo Alto is again considering converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 Pickleball courts. This will only leave two tennis courts in all of Mitchell Park, and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I am concerned that if the City of Palo Alto goes through with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4, there will be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts. Please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. Negative impacts of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts include: • Tennis Players will be displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts and will have to ﬁnd other tennis courts in the City to play on. On peak days/times of day it is already nearly impossible to ﬁnd tennis courts in the City. This will make that even worse. • In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has allowed more tennis courts to be used for Kids Summer Camps, making it extremely diƯicult for adult residents to play tennis for entire weekdays in Palo Alto over a 2+ month period during summer. This makes that issue worse. • There are currently 15 pickleball courts in Mitchell Park and so many people come from neighbor communities to use those courts there is no available parking for Palo Alto residents who want to use the park in other ways --- go to the library, use the playground, attend a summer concert, picnic, play catch etc. More Pickleball courts will mean more even more people come to play Pickleball and an already bad parking problem will be made even worse. • The Magical Bridge Playground is an amazing inclusive area of the park that is used by neurodivergent people and the loud noise created by the pickleballs hitting the racket and large groups of people standing around cycling on & oƯ courts can trigger severe discomfort, distress and anxiety in neurodivergent people. The new 50 unit housing complex at 525 Charleston is geared towards neurodivergent folks & is only a 6 minute walk from the Mitchell park tennis courts. Given the proximity of this new development, more not fewer people going forward will be going to Mitchell Park who are very sensitive to the kinds of noise that pickleball makes & adding 6-8 more courts to the already 15 will greatly increase an already distressing sound. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 72 Packet Pg. 305 of 536 73 • Neighbors of Mitchell park gave feedback in 2025 that they could hear the pickleball noise at their homes which could in the long run reduce their property values - and result in lower property tax revenue that the City receives. Thank you, -Leo Volpe 4191 Donald Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 73 Packet Pg. 306 of 536 74 Vidal, Eric From:Francis Larkin <francis.larkin@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 2:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Preserve tennis courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners and City Council Members, I'm a Palo Alto resident writing to oppose the proposed conversion of additional Mitchell Park tennis courts into pickleball courts. Mitchell Park already has 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts. Converting half of the remaining tennis courts would effectively end community tennis play at this location...courts 1 and 2 are largely committed to lessons and classes. Displaced players would shift demand to Rinconada, where securing court time is already difficult, creating a ripple effect across the city's already packed tennis courts. I play 2-3 times per week and find the courts in Palo Alto are already tight for the number of people coming to play. I'm not opposed to growing pickleball in Palo Alto, but the answer shouldn't be taking capacity away from another community of players who also depend on these public facilities. The existing 15-to-4 ratio at Mitchell Park already heavily favors pickleball. I'd urge the Commission to explore alternative sites for pickleball expansion and to preserve Palo Alto's already limited number of public tennis courts. Thank you for considering this perspective. Sincerely, Francis Larkin Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 74 Packet Pg. 307 of 536 75 Vidal, Eric From:Robert Rozak <robertrozak@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 2:49 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Greetings, I am a resident of Greenmeadow. I am writing in support of adding the proposed 8 additional pickleball courts in Mitchell Park. Probably at least 4 times a week, I walk over to the courts at Mitchell Park and play pickleball at the courts there. Although my first love is tennis (and the tennis courts at Cubberly are even closer for me), the organizing principle of pickleball makes it so much more accessible. The games are relatively short, so I know if I show up and the courts are full, I'll be able to rotate in quickly to play (where I might have to wait a long time for occupied tennis courts to open). Also, it has much more of a 'basketball pickup game' vibe than the tennis courts, where I can walk over as a single and rotate into games at the 'players without a partner' courts. I don't need to coordinate with anybody else to get some games in. But, I also go over to the courts with my wife and sometimes others from Greenmeadow to play, so it also has a community/social aspect. Regarding accessibility, the Palo Alto Pickleball Club is where I got introduced to the game, learned the rules, developed my skills, and met people to play. I hope that anybody out there who might have an interest in playing, but sees a bunch of courts occupied with people who already look like they know what they are doing, signs up with the club and takes the introductory lessons to get kickstarted. All in all, the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park are a great asset for us in Greenmeadow, and I hope the city chooses to expand them. -- Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 75 Packet Pg. 308 of 536 76 Best Regards, Robert Rozak Greenmeadow, Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 76 Packet Pg. 309 of 536 77 Vidal, Eric From:Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 2:22 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Agenda for Mar 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi, I am hearing that the Parks and Rec Commission will be discussing the Pickleball Conversion at Mitchell Park at the May 26 meeting, and is asking for public feedback by May 18. However, I can't find the agenda: https://www.paloalto.gov/Events-Directory/Community-Services/Parks-and-Recreation-Commission- Meeting Can you confirm the exact topic being discussed? Thanks, Robert Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 77 Packet Pg. 310 of 536 78 Vidal, Eric From:zhen <zhenfang@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 1:50 PM To:Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com; ParkRec Commission Subject:Opposition to Further Tennis Court Conversions at Mitchell Park and City Parks CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Palo Alto City Council and Parks and Recreation Commission, I am writing as a Palo Alto resident and parent to express my strong opposition to any further conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts at Mitchell Park or any other city park. While I respect pickleball as a sport, the pattern of incremental conversions has gone far enough. Continuing down this path would be a disservice to the tennis-playing community and to the principle of balanced public resource allocation. Mitchell Park originally had nine tennis courts, including seven full-sized and two junior courts. Today, only four remain. Five courts have already been converted into 15 pickleball courts. Of the four surviving tennis courts, two are reserved for city tennis programs, leaving just two courts available for general public use. The Palo Alto Pickleball Club's proposal to convert Courts 3 and 4 into yet another eight pickleball courts would effectively eliminate open public tennis access at Mitchell Park altogether. Across the city, pickleball already has eight dedicated courts and seven dual-use courts where pickleball players receive scheduling priority. Palo Alto provides more pickleball courts per capita than Mountain View, Menlo Park, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, or Los Altos. We have been more than generous. The question is no longer whether pickleball deserves accommodation. It already has it, in abundance. I also want to flag a fairness concern. A significant portion of the Palo Alto Pickleball Club's membership, reportedly over 40%, consists of non-residents. Palo Alto taxpayers are funding and sacrificing park amenities to serve a regional demand that neighboring cities have been slow to address. Converting more of our courts only relieves pressure on those cities to build their own facilities and further entrenches Mitchell Park as a regional pickleball destination, with all the associated noise, parking congestion, and traffic that residents in the surrounding neighborhood already endure. The right path forward is investment in new, purpose-built pickleball facilities rather than continued cannibalization of existing tennis infrastructure. Tennis remains a widely played sport with strong demand, and the city's own data shows that all tennis courts at Mitchell Park are regularly in use. The city Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 78 Packet Pg. 311 of 536 79 should explore new construction at underutilized sites, partner with neighboring jurisdictions on shared facilities, or identify alternative locations that can absorb pickleball growth without displacing another sport. Our family, like many in Palo Alto, values access to quality tennis courts. Our children are active in tennis, and we rely on well-maintained public courts for regular play. Every conversion further reduces availability for the thousands of residents who depend on these facilities. I urge the Council and Commission to draw a firm line: no more conversions. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Zhen Fang Palo Alto Resident Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 79 Packet Pg. 312 of 536 80 Vidal, Eric From:James Darpinian <jdarpinian@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 11:46 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Opposing loss of tennis courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast I want to register my opposition to the conversion of two more tennis courts to pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. My wife and I have been playing at those tennis courts every weekday morning and all four remaining courts are in use every day, even just during the hour or two we are there. If the pickleball club wants to fund construction of new pickleball courts instead then I would support that, if a location can be found that is a bit farther from special education schools that would be disrupted by the extra noise of pickleball. But I do not support the loss of even more tennis courts that are in active use every day. Thanks, James Darpinian Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 80 Packet Pg. 313 of 536 81 Vidal, Eric From:Ron Campbell <campbelrc@pacbell.net> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 10:06 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for expansion of Mitchell Park pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and the Palo Alto City Council: I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at MP. I’ve lived in south PA for almost 40 years, about 2 blocks from Mitchell Park. My family has enjoyed MP as our neighborhood park for years and years. A few years ago, we were exposed to pickleball through the CPA ‘Enjoy’ pickleball classes and then followed those with a PAPC “Just Beginning” introduction to pickleball at MP. I’ve been playing regularly since with hundreds of players of all ethnicities and backgrounds, and age ranges from less than twelve to the mid-eighties. As a result, I’ve met and developed new friendships with dozens. We’ve also developed a group of local neighbors that are now playing regularly. Pickleball at MP has become a major part of my physical activity and social engagement. A unique benefit that MP pickleball offers is that it’s a welcoming, physical activity with extensive social engagement and is available on a drop-in basis. Most other physical activities require advance scheduling and logistical coordination. While I can always find a game at MP, due to its recent popularity there are now sometimes extensive waits and most of the clinics/events offered are over-subscribed. Having taken advantage of the many offered PAPC events has also helped me to get engaged with the volunteer opportunities and increased my engagement in the community. I encourage you to please support the expansion of this wonderful facility and these capabilities at Mitchell Park. Thank you for your consideration, Ron Campbell Ashton Ave Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 81 Packet Pg. 314 of 536 82 Vidal, Eric From:Lisa Steinback <lisasteinback@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 15, 2026 8:06 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Concern about proposed conversion of tennis courts to pickleball at Mitchell park Attachments:Pickle courts at Rinconada park.jpg CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I hear that the City of Palo Alto is again considering converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6-8 Pickleball courts. This will only leave 2 tennis courts in all of Mitchell Park and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I'm very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto oes throu h with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4, there will be many very negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts, please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities (see attachment) Negative impacts of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts includes: • Tennis Players will be displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts and need to find other tennis courts in the City to play on. On peak days/times of day it is already nearly impossible to find tennis courts in the City of Palo Alto. This will make that even worse. • In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has allowed more tennis courts to be used for City Sponsored, Kids Summer Tennis Camps, making it extremely difficult for residents to play tennis for entire weekdays in Palo Alto over a 2+ month period during summer. More court conversion would make that issue worse. • There are currently 15 pickleball courts in Mitchell Park and so many people come to use those courts there is no available parkin for Palo Alto residents who want to use the park in other ways --- go to the library, use the playground, attend a summer concert, picnic, play catch etc. More Pickleball courts will mean even Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 82 Packet Pg. 315 of 536 83 more people come to play Pickleball and an already bad parking problem will be made even worse. • The Magical Bridge Playground is an amazing inclusive area of the park that is used by neurodivergent people and the loud noise created by the pickleballs hittin the rackets and lar e roups of people standin around cyclin on and off courts can trigger severe discomfort, distress and anxiety in neurodivergent people. The new 50 unit housing complex at 525 Charleston is geared towards neurodivergent folks and is only a 6 minute walk from the Mitchell park tennis courts. Given the proximity of this new development, more not fewer people oin forward will be oin to Mitchell Park who are very sensitive to the kinds o noise that pickleball makes and adding 6-8 more courts to the already 15 will greatly increase an already distressing sound. • Neighbors of Mitchell park gave feedback in 2025 that they could hear the pickleball noise at their homes which could in the long run reduce their property values and result in lower property tax revenue that the City receives. Please look instead for a location where pickleball courts could be newly built (see attachment) instead of taking away existing services that the City of Palo provides its residents --- tennis courts, parking, library access, park enjoyment for all. Thank you, Lisa Steinback, 299 Creekside Dr., 24-year resident of Palo Alto and avid tennis player Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 83 Packet Pg. 316 of 536 84 Vidal, Eric From:Zhang Cheng <zhangcheng.bio05.zju@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 8:03 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Please Keep the Tennis Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, My name is Felicity, and I am a 3rd grade student at Fairmeadow. I love playing tennis with my family. My sister, my mom, my dad, and I all play together at Mitchell Park tennis courts. Tennis is one of the favorite things our family does together. I understand that many people enjoy pickleball, and I think it is good for the city to support different sports. But I hope you will not convert more tennis courts into pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. There are already many pickleball courts there, but only a few tennis courts. If more tennis courts are removed, it will become very hard for kids and families like mine to find a place to play tennis. Tennis helps children exercise, learn discipline, make friends, and spend healthy time outdoors. Please consider finding another location for more pickleball courts instead of removing more tennis courts. I hope both sports can grow without taking away spaces from tennis players and families. Thank you for listening to my thoughts. Sincerely, Felicity Zhang Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 84 Packet Pg. 317 of 536 85 Vidal, Eric From:Jin Pan <hijinpan@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:49 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Mitchell Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I hear that the City of Palo Alto is again considering converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 Pickleball courts. This will only leave 2 tennis courts in all of Mitchell Park and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I'm very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto goes through with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4, there will be many very negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts, : please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. Negative impacts of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts includes: • Tennis Players will be displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts and need to find other tennis courts in the City to play on. On peak days/times of day it is already nearly impossible to find tennis courts in the City. This will make that even worse. • In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has allowed more tennis courts to be used for Kids Summer Camps, making it extremely difficult for adult residents to play tennis for entire weekdays in Palo Alto over a 2+ month period during summer. This makes that issue worse. • There are currently 15 pickleball courts in Mitchell Park and so many people come from neighboring communities to use those courts there is no available parking for Palo Alto residents who want to use the park in other ways --- go to the library, use the playground, attend a summer concert, picnic, play catch etc. More Pickleball courts will mean even more people come to play Pickleball and an already bad parking problem will be made even worse. There is a need, OK, but let's not "rob Peter to pay Paul". Please look instead for a location where pickleball courts could be newly built instead of taking existing services from residents --- tennis courts, parking, library access, park enjoyment for all. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 85 Packet Pg. 318 of 536 86 Thank you, Jin Pan Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 86 Packet Pg. 319 of 536 87 Vidal, Eric From:Shane Lunny <shane@lunny.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:07 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Need MORE Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park‼ CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Clearly there is a disconnect between what the Community wants and what is available. Once again today I did not get to play Pickleball due to lineups wai ng on Courts while ALL the Tennis courts while EMPTY! Time for Change! Shane Lunny Stelling Drive Palo Alto Sent from my iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 87 Packet Pg. 320 of 536 88 Vidal, Eric From:Cheryl G. Kushida <cherygal@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 2:07 PM To:papc.secretary@gmail.com; ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Please do not convert remaining 4 tennis courts into pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • The sender's email address couldn't be verified. • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear sir or madam, My kid (high school varsity) enjoys playing with their Palo Alto resident friends at these tennis courts. But as it is, getting on the courts is impossible because there's a long line most of the time. And some people get angry sometimes, and ask as if we're residents. The point is, you're allowing a brand new viral sports to just take over pre-existing already overburdened facilities. Why not help our pickleball friends find a good home for them -- they're so many, so noisy, causing so much traffic and parking woes -- I am sure our friends can find underutilized blacktop at public schools on weekends, or church parking lot on weekdays, build new facilities for their use. They don't have to take over tennis - - we've been around since the 12th century, we have history, grand slams, and kids going to D1 colleges on full athletic scholarships. Pickleball has none of that -- but let's invite our friends to build somewhere that doesn't encroach on another well loved sport. Kind regards, Cheryl Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 88 Packet Pg. 321 of 536 89 Vidal, Eric From:Liu Helen <helen081225@hotmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 1:37 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Regarding to proposal to convert Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 into pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To the Palo Alto City Commission, I am player of both pickleball and tennis ball. I writing to formally oppose the proposal to convert Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 into pickleball courts. Currently, Mitchell Park has 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts. Converting two more would create a staggering imbalance, effectively eliminating community tennis at this location. This decision disproportionately harms our youth, who are the primary demographic learning and practicing tennis. For adolescents, tennis is a vital vehicle for physical health and social development; reducing these spaces directly limits their opportunities for growth and healthy engagement. Furthermore, tennis courts offer superior versatility. While pickleball players can utilize tennis courts for practice, pickleball-specific courts are physically unusable for tennis. Converting these multi-use assets into single-use facilities is an inefficient and irreversible use of public land. Finally, this conversion will trigger a displacement effect. Forcing Mitchell Park tennis players to Rinconada Park will cause systemic overcrowding, making it difficult for all residents to find court time. We support the expansion of pickleball, but it must not come at the expense of our youth or the balanced development of our recreational community. There are alternative locations for new courts that do not require dismantling existing, essential tennis infrastructure. We urge the Commission to reject this conversion and preserve these courts for the benefit of the entire community. Sincerely, Helen Liu Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 89 Packet Pg. 322 of 536 90 Vidal, Eric From:Cen Guo <emmas0507@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 12:59 PM To:ParkRec Commission; city.council@cityofpaloalto.gov Subject:against Mitchell Park pickle ball court expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Officer: I am writing to express my objection to the expansion of pickleball court in Mitchell park. It creates a lot of noises and traffic for the schools and people nearby. Parking is extremely hard for library activities and people using other facilities such as soccer field, tennis courts and magical bridge. Best Emma Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 90 Packet Pg. 323 of 536 91 Vidal, Eric From:Edgar Ugarte <eougarte@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 12:37 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Citi.Council@paloalto.gov Subject:Mitchell Park - Tennis court conversion. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I hear that the City of Palo Alto is again considering converting Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 Pickleball courts. This will only leave 2 tennis courts in all of Mitchell Park and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I'm very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto oes throu h with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4, there will be many very negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts, : please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. Negative impacts of converting existing tennis courts to pickleball courts includes: • Tennis Players will be displaced from Mitchell Park or any other converted courts and need to find other tennis courts in the City to play on. On peak days/times of day it is already nearly impossible to find tennis courts in the City. This will make that even worse. • In recent years, the City of Palo Alto has allowed more tennis courts to be used for Kids Summer Camps, making it extremely difficult for adult residents to play tennis for entire weekdays in Palo Alto over a 2+ month period during summer. This makes that issue worse. • There are currently 15 pickleball courts in Mitchell Park and so many people come from neighbor communites to use those courts there is no available parking for Palo Alto residents who want to use the park in other ways --- go to the library, use the playground, attend a summer concert, picnic, play catch etc. More Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 91 Packet Pg. 324 of 536 92 Pickleball courts will mean more even more people come to play Pickleball and an already bad parking problem will be made even worse. • The Magical Bridge Playground is an amazing inclusive area of the park that is used by neurodivergent people and the loud noise created by the pickleballs hitting the racket and large groups of people standing around cycling on & off courts can trigger severe discomfort, distress and anxiety in neurodivergent people. The new 50 unit housing complex at 525 Charleston is geared towards neurodivergent folks & is only a 6 minute walk from the Mitchell park tennis courts. Given the proximity of this new development, more not fewer people oin forward will be oin to Mitchell Park who are very sensitive to the kinds o noise that pickleball makes & adding 6-8 more courts to the already 15 will greatly increase an already distressing sound. • Neighbors of Mitchell park gave feedback in 2025 that they could hear the pickleball noise at their homes which could in the long run reduce their property values - and result in lower property tax revenue that the City receives. There is a need, OK, but let's not "rob Peter to pay Paul". Please look instead for a location where pickleball courts could be newly built instead of taking existing services from residents --- tennis courts, parking, library access, park enjoyment for all. Thank you, Edgar Ugarte eougarte@gmail.com Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 92 Packet Pg. 325 of 536 93 Vidal, Eric From:Jenny Lin <0jennylin0@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 11:23 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:pickleball conversion at Mitchell Park: opposition points CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast TL;DR: I oppose converting any existing Palo Alto tennis courts into pickleball courts, and I especially oppose the proposed Mitchell Park conversion next to AchieveKids because of the location’s noise, school-impact, traffic, parking, and tennis-access concerns. Dear Parks and Rec Commission: I am writing to oppose the proposed conversion of the Mitchell Park tennis court next to the AchieveKids Palo Alto campus into pickleball courts. AchieveKids is a specialized school serving children and young adults with complex learning, developmental, behavioral, communication, and mental-health needs, making the surrounding sound environment especially important. Pickleball is not simply a quieter or smaller version of tennis. It produces a sharp, repetitive paddle-ball “pop” that can occur hundreds of times per court per hour. In a location immediately adjacent to the school, that type of impulsive and repetitive noise is disruptive to children during the school day, particularly in classrooms, therapy spaces, outdoor areas, and settings where communication, attention, and regulation are important. The City should also consider the broader impact of converting tennis courts. Palo Alto tennis courts are already limited and in high demand, especially lit and publicly accessible courts. Removing existing tennis capacity to create more pickleball capacity shifts the burden from one user group to another rather than solving the underlying facilities issue. Other cities have faced litigation, settlements, restrictions, and reversals after pickleball courts were placed too close to sensitive uses and noise impacts were not adequately addressed in advance. Boise recently settled pickleball-related litigation and converted courts at two parks back to Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 93 Packet Pg. 326 of 536 94 tennis-only use. Newport Beach and Newport, Rhode Island have also faced lawsuits over pickleball noise from public courts. Palo Alto should not wait for similar conflicts before taking these concerns seriously. Converting one tennis court into multiple pickleball courts would also intensify use of the site, increasing the number of players, rotations, spectators, traffic, parking demand, and hours of continuous play. That intensification is inappropriate next to AchieveKids and is also inconsistent with preserving tennis access for residents. For these reasons, I ask the Recreation Department to reject the proposed conversion and preserve the existing tennis courts. If the City wants additional pickleball capacity, it should identify new or dedicated pickleball locations rather than converting existing tennis courts, particularly courts next to schools or other sensitive uses. Sincerely, Jenny Lin Appendix 1. Acoustical Society of America, “Cities Turn to Zoning to Stop Pickleball Noise Controversies” Describes pickleball’s sharp, impulsive sound and estimates approximately 900 popping sounds per court per hour. https://acoustics.org/cities-turn-to-zoning-to-stop-pickleball-noise-controversies/ 2. Acoustical Society of America, “Pickleball Noise Raises Health Concerns for Neighbors Living Near Courts” Discusses concerns associated with prolonged exposure to repetitive pickleball noise. https://acoustics.org/pickleball-noise-raises-health-concerns-for-neighbors-living-near-courts/ 3. World Health Organization, “Noise” Includes classroom-noise guidance stating that noise levels should be below 35 dB(A) for good teaching and learning conditions. https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/noise 4. Mallory & Keehn, “Implications of Sensory Processing and Attentional Differences Associated With Autism in Academic Settings” Discusses how sensory and auditory stimuli can affect engagement and educational performance for students with ASD. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8430329/ 5. Williams et al., “Prevalence of Decreased Sound Tolerance (Hyperacusis) in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis” Finds decreased sound tolerance is common among autistic individuals. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8349927/ 6. City of Boise, “City of Boise Settles Lawsuit, Pickleball Courts at Two City Parks Transitioning Back to Tennis Only” Boise states that, following a legal settlement, pickleball courts at two parks were closed and transitioned back to tennis-only use. https://www.cityofboise.org/news/parks-and-recreation/2025/september/city-of-boise-settles- lawsuit-pickleball-courts-at-two-city-parks-transitioning-back-to-tennis-only/ 7. Los Angeles Times / Daily Pilot, “Lawsuit claims pickleball is making Newport park’s tennis courts too noisy” Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 94 Packet Pg. 327 of 536 95 Reports that Newport Beach was sued over pickleball noise from public courts near a residence. https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/tn-dpt-me-0330-noise-lawsuit-20160330-story.html 8. Newport This Week, “City of Newport Sued Over Pickleball Noise” Reports litigation against Newport, Rhode Island regarding pickleball noise from public courts. https://www.newportthisweek.com/articles/city-of-newport-sued-over-pickleball-noise/ 9. City of Palo Alto, Parks and Recreation Commission materials, “Court Usage and Joint Use Courts,” Sept. 27, 2022 Notes tennis-user feedback that lit tennis courts are crucial and in high demand, and that Mitchell Park tennis courts are the only available lit courts in South Palo Alto. https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas- minutes/parks-and-recreation-commission/agendas-minutes/2022-agendas-and- minutes/09.2022/court-usage-and-joint-use-courts-staff-report-w-attachment-a-09.27.22.pdf Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 95 Packet Pg. 328 of 536 96 Vidal, Eric From:Thalia Anagnos <thaliaanagnos56@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 11:00 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Concerns about additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I am a 47 year resident of Palo Alto and a longtime tennis player. I have served as an officer of the Palo Alto Tennis Club, the coordinator of the Palo Alto Junior Tennis tournament for 4 years, and a captain of USTA teams for many years. You are well aware that the demand for tennis courts in Palo Alto is quite hi h, especially on weekends, after school, and in the evenings. My impression is that the popularity of tennis and the demand for tennis courts continues to grow. I play 3 to 4 days a week and see lots of young people and families out on the public courts learning the game, in addition to the long time regulars such as myself. It is also important to note that over the years the number of tennis courts in Palo Alto has gone down. Three courts at Mitchell Park were converted to pickleball. Four courts (2 at Rinconada and 2 at Mitchell) have been reserved for City sanctioned lessons and thus are not available during prime tennis demand. Two courts at Fletcher were converted to basketball courts when the school was reopened. Recent policy changes at the Palo Alto Unified School District has changed the availability of the high school courts for USTA, which then pushes demand onto the park tennis courts. one of the courts at Gunn High School is always looked and should not be included in any count. Sometimes all of the courts at Gunn are locked. I should also add that though tennis courts at Greene are listed in the count of total courts available in Palo Alto, they are unplayable. They are cracked blacktop (not proper tennis Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 96 Packet Pg. 329 of 536 97 court finish) and slippery, would need to be resurfaced to be available tennis courts for public use. I attended the August 26, 2025 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission at which the issues of managing the demand for tennis courts, particularly by USTA teams from out of town, as well as the request to add pickleball courts in Palo Alto were discussed. I applaud the Parks and Recreation Commission for developing a USTA policy that provides access to all tennis players in the Bay Area, but also builds in a priority for players from Palo Alto who are actually supported those tennis courts with their taxes. I am concerned that the City of Palo Alto is a ain considerin convertin tennis courts #3 and #4 at Mitchell Park into 6-8 pickleball courts. As was discussed in detail on August 26, 2025, this will only leave two tennis courts at Mitchell Park and those are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. It is unclear to me why Palo Alto is favoring one sport over the other. Any solution should consider the needs of and impacts on both groups. I have additional concerns that the offer of $100K by the Palo Alto Pickleball Club to add more pickleball courts, may be interpreted only as $100K to convert the courts at Mitchell Park, rather than $100K to build additional pickleball courts elsewhere in Palo Alto. I'm very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto goes through with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4, there will be many negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents. There will also be negative impacts to City of Palo Alto residents if any other Palo Alto tennis courts are converted to Pickleball courts. Please instead build new pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. The parking at Mitchell Park is insane on a weekend. I usually have to park in the neighborhood across Middlefield Road one or two blocks from the park. Adding more pickleball courts will just increase the problem. Please look instead for a location where pickleball courts could be newly built instead of taking away existing services that the City of Palo provides its residents --- tennis courts, parking, library access, park enjoyment for all. Thank you for your consideration, Thalia Anagnos Palo Alto Resident Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 97 Packet Pg. 330 of 536 98 Vidal, Eric From:Don Chin <dondonchin@yahoo.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 9:42 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:In support of Pickleball CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear City Oﬃcials, I’m a Palo Alto resident. I’m wri ng in support of crea ng eight addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Since re ring in 2025, I found the sport of pickleball and the opportuni es oﬀered for volunteering and social engagement profoundly compelling. Not surprisingly, many others have as well. As a result the courts at Mitchell Park are brimming with a endees, resul ng in a demand for more court space. I hope the city oﬃcials can respond posi vely, by providing more courts at Mitchell Park. It is especially important to have the new courts located close to the exis ng ones, to let a endees move freely between the courts. This makes the many social beneﬁts possible. Thank you for caring about residents of Palo Alto. I live on Chris ne Drive in the Palo Verde neighborhood. -Don Chin Sent from my iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 98 Packet Pg. 331 of 536 99 Vidal, Eric From:a lee <adrienneleeod@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:46 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Need more recreation facilities!! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast hello Parks and Recreation commission of Palo Alto I’m emailing to ask you to consider creating a Tennis and Pickleball center over in the Baylands for Palo Alto residents. Non-Palo Alto residence should be charged a fee to help support the facility. The population of Paul Alto is changing . the demographics are shifting towards more retirees, young active retirees and they will need more recreation Space. it’s evident in the fight over Pickleball versus Tennis. Sunnyvale has a great Tennis and Pickleball center, so does Mountain View . why can’t Palo Alto create one ? even San Carlos has a great park for sports. Menlo Park has a huge Tennis and court facility relative to the number of residents. We are falling short in Palo Alto. Regards, Adrienne Lee 50 Morton Way Palo Alto cell 408-887-4491 office 650-326-1649 (Lee Optometrics Optometry) Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 99 Packet Pg. 332 of 536 100 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:01 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Add Excitement to Your Waterfront Today! 🚤✨ CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi first_name|default:'there', Transform Your Waterfront – Discover Our Exceptional Boats! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Because there's nothing like a peaceful day on the water! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Wenonah Aurora 16' Flex-Core Touring Canoe - 55 Lbs. Wenonah Aurora 16' Flex-Core Touring Canoe - 55 Lbs. $3,524.00 Exploring, day-tripping, and moving water adventures. The Aurora is a nimble 16-foot canoe with plenty of stability and efficiency. ✓ Length: 16' 0" ✓ Width: 36" Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Wenonah Prospector 16' Flex-Core River Canoe - 56 Lbs. Wenonah Prospector 16' Flex-Core River Canoe - 56 Lbs. $3,624.00 Built to handle rivers, lakes, and everything in between. 16’ long • 37” max width • 56 lbs Flex-Core build • 2.5” rocker for quick turns Learn More These boats are built for guest's fun & experience! Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 100 Packet Pg. 333 of 536 101 SEE ALL WENONAH CANOES HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Puffin 860 Rowboat 8.6 ft - Seafoam Fiberglass Dinghy 3 Person Puffin 860 Rowboat 8.6 ft - Seafoam Fiberglass Dinghy 3 Person $3,295.00 Capacity 3 People. Can even add a 3 hp motor or a sail! Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Puffin 1060 Sailing Rowboat 10.6 ft – Fiberglass Dinghy 4 Person Puffin 1060 Sailing Rowboat 10.6 ft – Fiberglass Dinghy 4 Person $6,495.00 ✓ 10'6" ✓ Max Capacity: 4 persons/536 lbs ✓ The largest model, providing ample space and higher capacity, making it suitable for longer excursions or carrying more gear. Learn More There's nothing like a good day on the lake! SEE ALL PUFFIN ROW BOATS HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Gig Harbor Nisqually 8' Rowboat – Lightweight Fiberglass Dinghy Tender Boat Gig Harbor Nisqually 8' Rowboat – Lightweight Fiberglass Dinghy Tender Boat $11,985.00 Good rowing qualities, sails like a champ, motors 8 knots with a 2 hp outboard, and safely carries 3 people and a dog! Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Gig Harbor Navigator 10' Rowboat – Lightweight Fiberglass Dinghy & Yacht Tender Gig Harbor Navigator 10' Rowboat – Lightweight Fiberglass Dinghy & Yacht Tender $12,425.00 Learn More Learn More Add a Fun Boat Experience for Your Guests SEE ALL GIG HARBOR BOATS HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Gumotex BARAKA 13′5″ Inflatable Canoe To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Gumotex ONTARIO 450 S 14′10″ Inflatable Boat Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 101 Packet Pg. 334 of 536 102 Gumotex BARAKA 13′5″ Inflatable Canoe $1,800.00 Has a stiff hull with a higher rocker, excellent rapids-clearing ability, stability, and ease of turning ✓ 2-seater river canoe with a self-bailing bottom ✓ 13'5" x 3'5" Learn More Gumotex ONTARIO 450 S 14′10″ Inflatable Boat $2,000.00 A six-person boat suitable for multi-day trips on rivers with the whole family. Easy to control, fast and nimble ✓A self-bailing and versatile boat suitable for everyone. ✓ Dimension : 14'10" ft x 5'2" Weight : 66 lbs ✓ Max load: 630 lbs Learn More Store Easily, Set Up in Minutes. Rinse & Repeat . SEE ALL GUMOTEX BOATS HERE For Questions or a Quote - Call or Email Dave 864.367.6161 dave@lightasairboats.com To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Button Text To help prprivacy, Mprevented download from the InCustom We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 102 Packet Pg. 335 of 536 103 Vidal, Eric From:Jenny Lewis <jenlewis@outdoor-fit.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 5:13 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Simplify Park Procurement with Sourcewell CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Outdoor-Fit Banner To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Outdoor fitness installation Simplify Outdoor Fitness Procurement with Sourcewell Outdoor-Fit’s awarded Sourcewell contract (101625-ODR) can help you stay compliant with your agency's procurement rules, and move projects forward faster, so the community can enjoy it sooner. Explore Sourcewell Purchasin Why Parks & Recreation Departments Use Sourcewell Reduce Procurement Time Eliminate lengthy bidding processes with competitively Source Vetted Companies Sourcewell vet's companies so you can be confident you're Accelerate Project Timelines Move projects from planning to installation more efficiently. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 103 Packet Pg. 336 of 536 104 solicited cooperative purchasing. getting the best products. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Sourcewell Contract To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.LinkedIn To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Instagram To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.YouTube To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Website Outdoor-Fit Exercise Systems Inc., 95 Simmonds Drive, Dartmouth, NS B3B 1N7, 1-877-760-6337 Unsubscribe Manage preferences Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 104 Packet Pg. 337 of 536 105 Vidal, Eric From:Gem Fong <gemfong@rocketmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2026 3:08 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Re: Mitchell Park Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I hear that the City of Palo Alto is considering converting Tennis courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into 6 to 8 Pickleball Courts. This will leave only 2 tennis courts which are used mostly for lessons sanctioned by the City of Palo Alto. I am very concerned that if the City of Palo Alto goes through with the conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4, there will be many negative impacts to the residents of Palo Alto. Tennis players will be displaced from Mitchell Park and have to find other tennis courts in the city to play on. On peak days/times it's nearly impossible to find tennis courts in the city. Moreover noise pollution created by the pickleballs hitting the racket make neighboring residents uneasy due to its distressing sound. Thus I appeal to the City of Palo Alto please instead build new Pickleball courts that are located away from currently used facilities. Thank you, Gem Fong Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 105 Packet Pg. 338 of 536 106 Vidal, Eric From:Cameron Lee <cameronlgh@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 11:46 PM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:Please Preserve Mitchell Park Tennis Courts and Explore Dedicated Pickleball Alternatives CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Department, I am writing as a Palo Alto resident to express my strong concern about the potential conversion of Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into additional pickleball courts. I am writing from the perspective of someone who enjoys both tennis and pickleball, and spend equal time playing both sports I recognize that pickleball is popular and that the City is trying to respond to demand. However, converting existing tennis courts is not the right solution. Mitchell Park already has a significant pickleball presence, and removing two of the remaining tennis courts would further reduce access for tennis players, worsen existing park congestion, and create additional impacts for nearby residents and other park users. Mitchell Park is one of Palo Alto’s most heavily used public spaces. It serves tennis players, pickleball players, families using Magical Bridge Playground, library patrons, children in camps and lessons, people attending summer concerts, and residents simply trying to enjoy the park. Adding more pickleball courts at the expense of existing tennis courts would intensify competition for parking and space in an area that already feels overburdened during peak times. The tennis courts are already difficult to access at many times of day, particularly when courts are reserved for lessons, camps, or organized programming. If Courts 3 and 4 are converted, only two tennis courts would remain at Mitchell Park, and those are often unavailable to the general public. This effectively displaces many resident tennis players and pushes them to an already limited supply of courts elsewhere in the City. I am also concerned about the noise impacts of expanding pickleball further at Mitchell Park. Pickleball generates a distinct and repetitive sound that carries differently than tennis. This is especially relevant given the proximity of Magical Bridge Playground, nearby homes, and the new housing development at Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 106 Packet Pg. 339 of 536 107 525 Charleston, which is intended in part to serve neurodivergent residents. For some individuals, persistent pickleball noise and the crowd activity associated with court rotation can be genuinely disruptive and distressing. I can speak from experience, that the presence of pickleball courts overwhelms the acoustic experience of being at the park. Expanding from the current number of pickleball courts to even more courts in this location risks making Mitchell Park less welcoming for other users. This should not be framed as tennis versus pickleball. Both are valuable recreational activities, and both deserve thoughtful support. But meeting demand for one sport should not come by eliminating access to another, especially in a park where parking, noise, and shared-use pressures are already significant. I urge the City to preserve the existing tennis courts at Mitchell Park and instead explore alternatives for pickleball expansion that do not require removing active tennis facilities. Dedicated pickleball courts in a more appropriate location, with adequate parking, buffering, and distance from sensitive uses, would be a more balanced and durable solution. Palo Alto should be expanding recreational access, not solving one shortage by creating another. Thank you for your consideration, Cameron Ghergherehchi - Palo Alto Resident, Tennis & Pickleball Player Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 107 Packet Pg. 340 of 536 108 Vidal, Eric From:John <jzedlee@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 9:42 PM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission Subject:Save tennis courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. No more conversion of Mitchell Park tennis courts into pickle courts!!! Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 108 Packet Pg. 341 of 536 109 Vidal, Eric From:Ayla Bell <vironaut@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 7:25 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Say YES to Community with more Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. There is no better example of how to build community than the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I went from having a handful of long-term friends from college to having hundreds of friends I see every week not only on the courts but also in Palo Alto grocery stores, in restaurants, and at performances. Please say "Yes" to community! Sincerely, Ayla Bell Greenmeadow Way Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 109 Packet Pg. 342 of 536 110 Vidal, Eric From:Dave Claudino <claudino@pacbell.net> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 6:20 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. As you have heard many times before, Pickleball is much more than a sport – it is also a very social activity which integrates our community across cultural/ethnic backgrounds, age groups, etc. - people who otherwise would not naturally meet or interact. When I retired 2 years ago, I was fully prepared for my “life after work” with one exception: I had a blind spot regarding a replacement for my daily social interactions with work colleagues, many of whom were also close friends, and most of whom lived in other countries. One month after retiring, after hearing stories about Pickleball at Mitchell Park, I figured I’d give it a try… and the rest is history. On the first day that I showed up as a beginner, I was welcomed, embraced, and encouraged, with introductions to others who got me started in my first games. I’m a literal example of the motto “Arrive as a stranger, leave as a friend.” The physical and mental health benefits have far exceeded my expectations, and thanks to the open play at Mitchell Park, I have many new friends that I now spend time with off the courts - friends from diverse backgrounds who I otherwise would not have met, and I now lead volunteer efforts in giving back to our community (Senior Games, Rotary event, Getting Started sessions, Mitchell Park neighbor relationships, …). Pickleball has been an invaluable addition to my life, with significant physical and mental benefits, not to mention the overall positive community engagement and impact. This “Pickleball Magic” occurs as a result of having a sufficient number of courts at the same location, where one can show up alone and quickly rotate in games. This dynamic changes significantly during the peak playing hours with long wait times, or with a small number of courts in distributed locations. There should be no question that the number of Palo Alto residents served per unit space for Pickleball far exceeds any other activity, has tremendous physical and mental health benefits, and very effectively integrates our diverse community. Sincerely yours, Dave Claudino Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 110 Packet Pg. 343 of 536 111 40-year Waverley Street resident (Midtown Palo Alto) Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 111 Packet Pg. 344 of 536 112 Vidal, Eric From:Chenchen Irene Zhang <chenchen.zhang@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 4:32 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam Subject:Request for Parking and Infrastructure Audit Before Additional Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto City Council Members and Parks and Recreation Committee, I am writing to express concern regarding the proposal to convert two additional tennis courts at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. Mitchell Park was originally designed as a shared community space supporting a wide variety of recreational and community activities. The park currently serves residents through its library, soccer field, open grass areas, tennis courts, tai chi groups, dance groups, picnic tables used for family gatherings and birthday parties, and the Magical Bridge Playground to name a few. It is one of Palo Alto’s most important multi-use parks and is heavily utilized by residents of all ages. A few years ago, the City converted three tennis courts into 13 pickleball courts and also added two standalone pickleball courts. Since then, the increased concentration of pickleball activity has created substantial pressure on the park’s infrastructure, particularly parking and restroom capacity. During peak hours—especially Friday afternoons and weekend afternoons—I have frequently observed: - the parking lot reaching full capacity, - long lines of cars circling while searching for parking, - vehicles parked illegally near curbs and turns,(please see attached picture below) - increased congestion and unsafe navigation conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. The strain on park infrastructure is already visible today. Due to restroom capacity limitations, additional portable restrooms were added near the Magical Bridge Playground area. While appreciated as a temporary measure, they also illustrate that the current facilities are no longer adequately supporting peak park usage. During warmer months, odors and congestion around these temporary facilities further affect the overall park experience for families and visitors. These impacts affect not only pickleball users, but also families visiting the playground, library patrons, children attending sports activities, seniors participating in tai chi or dance groups, and residents using the park for community gatherings. Converting two additional tennis courts into 8 pickleball courts would likely intensify these existing problems significantly. In addition to ongoing concerns regarding noise, further expansion could create serious traffic flow, parking, and safety challenges that would negatively impact all other user groups sharing the park. Before any further court conversion is considered, I respectfully request that the City conduct a comprehensive audit and impact study of the current conditions at Mitchell Park, including: Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 112 Packet Pg. 345 of 536 113 - parking utilization, - traffic circulation and safety, - restroom capacity, - pedestrian safety, - and overall infrastructure strain during peak periods. In particular, observations should be conducted during: - Friday afternoons, - Saturdays, - and Sundays, when usage and congestion are at their highest. I believe it is important for the City to fully evaluate the cumulative impacts of the previous pickleball expansion before moving forward with additional conversions. Mitchell Park has historically been valued as a balanced and welcoming multi-use community space, and any future expansion should carefully consider how increased activity levels may affect the overall accessibility, safety, and experience of all park users. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued service to the Palo Alto community. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 113 Packet Pg. 346 of 536 114 Sincerely, Chenchen Zhang Sent from my iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 114 Packet Pg. 347 of 536 115 Vidal, Eric From:Evelyn Chan-Cox <echancox@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 2:57 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I have lived in Palo Alto for 35 years, and am writing in strong support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I tried pickleball for the first time about a year ago (at 60 years of age) and it is already hard to imagine now what my life would be without it. Pickleball is a sport where friends and strangers, young and old, beginner and advanced can have fun together. This new passion has brought a renewed sense of pride and belonging to a larger community. It is wonderful to experience! Additional pickleball courts are needed and will make a positive impact on our community and city. Sincerely yours, Evelyn Chan-Cox Old Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 115 Packet Pg. 348 of 536 116 Vidal, Eric From:Dave Garr <davegarr@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 12:50 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Thanks so much...and a request CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Council and Parks & Rec, I've lived 5 of my 6 decades in Palo Alto. Thanks for making it such a fantastic place to live and raise a family. I currently live at 561 Madison Way, Palo Alto, 94303. I am retired and find myself battling loneliness. Playing pickleball at Mitchell Park is perhaps the best way I've found to alleviate my loneliness -- both the camaraderie and the exercise. But unfortunately most of the time I go to play, there is a wait to get on the courts. And then, after one game, four people put their paddles down to take the court, and I have to find new partners and wait for another court to open up. I would love to have more pickleball courts at Mitchell. I would happily donate money to get them. Thanks for everything you've done, Dave Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 116 Packet Pg. 349 of 536 117 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2026 7:01 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Discover Safe Walkways and Access Solutions For Guests!✨ CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi there, Check out these range of walk ways, accessibility mats and water wheels for your guests! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AccessRec Accessdeck USA Ground Accessibility & Mobility Mat AccessRec Accessdeck USA Ground Accessibility & Mobility Mat $255.00 A multi-function super strong and non-slip panel system designed for your leisure and construction needs. From pedestrians to heavy duty vehicles, the perfect solution to protect your ground surface for events, landscaping and construction, or to create temporary pathways, roadways, parking, etc. Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AccessRec Mr Boardwalk Beach Access Mat AccessRec Mr Boardwalk Beach Access Mat $510.00 A roll-out walkway system. Offered in 4′, 5′ and 6′ wide, Mister Boardwalk provides a safe and firm beach pathway while blending perfectly with your beach landscape. Designed for high-traffic public use. Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AccessRec Cocopath Mat Natural Coconut Fiber Access Matting To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AccessRec GRASSMAT® Rollout Matting System AccessRec GRASSMAT® Rollout Matting System Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 117 Packet Pg. 350 of 536 118 AccessRec Cocopath Mat Natural Coconut Fiber Access Matting $525.00 Our newest addition. Attractive and sustainable the CocoPath Mats are made of 100% natural coconut fibers. Comes in natural light brown. When the coir gets wet, it darkens naturally. Learn More $885.00 A heavy-duty rollout matting system used to protect, reinforce and stabilize grassed areas and soft ground such as sand, soil, snow, woodchip, mulch, etc. An efficient reinforcement and protection for field events, parking lots, pedestrian & wheelchair paths, emergency vehicles access routes and even light aircraft taxiways, etc. Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AccessMat® Beach Accessibility Mats AccessMat® Beach Accessibility Mats $910.00 A heavy-duty rollout matting system used to protect, reinforce and stabilize grassed areas and soft ground such as sand, soil, snow, woodchip, mulch, etc. An efficient reinforcement and protection for field events, parking lots, pedestrian & wheelchair paths, emergency vehicles access routes and even light aircraft taxiways, etc. Learn More From access & beach mats, to pool, terrain, and water wheelchairs... we provide access for everyone! SEE ALL ACCESSIBILITY MATS HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AccessRec WaterWheels Floating Beach Wheelchair AccessRec WaterWheels Floating Beach Wheelchair $2,789.00 Enjoy the ocean or pool while relaxing in your WaterWheels. Perfect for all wheelchair users and those with special needs. With floatable armrests and tires to easily transport from the beach into the water! Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AccessRec PVC All Terrain Beach Wheelchairs AccessRec PVC All Terrain Beach Wheelchairs $2,789.00 Sturdy, light weight, all terrain beach chairs allow easier access in sand, snow and other soft soils (this device is not floatable.) Learn More Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 118 Packet Pg. 351 of 536 119 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AccessRec TerraWheels All-Terrain Wheelchair AccessRec TerraWheels All-Terrain Wheelchair $2,789.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AccessRec Accesswalk Rollator Walker AccessRec Accesswalk Rollator Walker $1,389.00 Learn More We have a solution that suits your guest's special needs... From beach, to pool to terrain, or into the water ... our wheelchairs provide access for everyone! SEE ALL TERRAIN & BEACH WHEEL CHAIRS HERE For Questions & Quotes, Call Andi Tel:706.619.6670 andi@lightasairboats.com To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help prprivacy, Mprevented download from the InButton Tex To help prprivacy, Mprevented download from the InCustom We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 119 Packet Pg. 352 of 536 120 Vidal, Eric From:Pauline Marchon <ptmarchon@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 8:39 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Mitchell park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Mitchell Park Pickleball club has added a new dimension to my life. Having recently retired as a nurse at Stanford, it has afforded me the opportunity to get out there, meet and make new friends all while fostering a sense of community. There are not many places I know of in Palo Alto where one can experience this. Please do give this request your serious consideration. Sincerely yours, Pauline Tierney Marchon 1810 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 120 Packet Pg. 353 of 536 121 Vidal, Eric From:ceavalos.00@gmail.com Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 6:42 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Opposition to Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. I am wri ng to express my strong opposi on to the proposed expansion of pickleball courts at Mitchell Park at the expense of our community tennis courts. As a regular player at Mitchell Park, I am deeply concerned that conver ng two of the four remaining tennis courts into eight pickleball courts will essen ally eliminate community tennis play at this loca on. Mitchell Park is a vital resource for our local tennis community; both my daughter and I take classes there, and it would be a signiﬁcant loss for our family and many others if these facili es were further reduced. With 15 pickleball courts already available at Mitchell Park, the current balance is already skewed. Reducing the tennis courts to just two—which are heavily used for lessons and classes—leaves virtually no space for community members to play. Furthermore, this change will inevitably put more pressure on other local facili es like Rinconada Park, making it even more diﬃcult for residents to ﬁnd available court me. While I understand the growing interest in pickleball, it should not come at the cost of established tennis programs and community access. I urge the Commission to consider alterna ve loca ons for pickleball expansion that do not require the removal of exis ng tennis courts. Thank you for your me and for considering the concerns of the tennis community. Cris an Avalos Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 121 Packet Pg. 354 of 536 122 Vidal, Eric From:Steven Prothero <steven.prothero@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 4:49 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council: I'm a longtime resident of Palo Alto, and I strongly support creating additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball is good fun and exercise, and I've made some nice friends in the welcoming pickleball community at Mitchell Park. I was playing there regularly a few times a week. Sadly, I hardly ever play pickleball anymore, because the courts have become so overcrowded that one usually spends more time waiting for a court than playing. I don't mean to displace tennis players -- I used to be one -- but in Mitchell Park it is easy to see that while the pickleball courts are usually overutilized the adjacent tennis courts are usually underutilized. There are almost always empty tennis courts while the pickleball courts are overflowing. I think it would be a more efficient use of our limited space, and better serve more people, if we could convert two more tennis courts into eight more pickleball courts. Thanks for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Steven Prothero Midtown Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 122 Packet Pg. 355 of 536 123 Vidal, Eric From:Marion Parr <marionparr@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 3:00 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Howard, Adam Subject:Please preserve the remaining four Mitchell Park tennis courts for tennis CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast ParkRec.Commission@paloalto.gov parkrec.commission@paloalto.gov City.Council@paloalto.gov, papc.secretary@gmail.com Adam Howard (Adam.Howard@paloalto.gov) Dear Palo Alto Parks and Rec Commission, I am writing to express my strong opposition to the PA Pickleball Club’s proposal to convert two additional tennis courts at Mitchell Park into single-use pickleball courts. Currently, Mitchell Park has 15 pickleball courts and only four tennis courts. Reducing the tennis courts to two would effectively end any tennis playing for the community at Mitchell because, although the proposal suggests leaving Courts #1 and #2 for tennis, those courts are dedicated to lessons and classes, leaving no space or time for regular people to play tennis. Furthermore, Mitchell Park and Rinconada Park are the only public parks in Palo Alto with lighted courts (4 at MP, 5 for public use at Rinconada). So, this proposal would leave only seven lighted public tennis courts in the entire city, significantly limiting options for play in the evening for all Palo Alto tennis players. Rather than further reducing the number of tennis courts at Mitchell Park, I suggest the City consider the following alternatives for new pickleball courts: - Look at converting Mitchell Park utility spaces: Convert the handball courts (hitting wall), the Tai Chi space, and/or the area under the pergola; - Look at Cubberly Community Center courts: Convert two of the six courts at Cubberly into 6–8 pickleball courts. This would balance the player load across multiple parks and reduce the noise impact on residential areas, as Cubberly has fewer surrounding homes. Additionally, Cubberly is located right next to a fire station, which has a practical benefit given the higher rate of injuries associated with pickleball. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 123 Packet Pg. 356 of 536 124 I ask that the City preserve the remaining tennis courts at Mitchell Park and explore these alternative options to meet the growing demand for pickleball. Thank you, Marion Parr Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 124 Packet Pg. 357 of 536 125 Vidal, Eric From:Myo Thein <mthein@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 12:55 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Pickleball Courts expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto (in Charleston Garden), and am wri ng in support of crea ng eight addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I spent more than 8 hours every week at the Court and built friendship with numerous people over the last two years. I've met people from 15 to 85 years old, and the love for the sport is real. It truly is a community home for people who live in Palo Alto like me as well as ci zens from nearby ci es. Sincerely yours, Myo Thein Montrose Ave, Charleston Garden Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 125 Packet Pg. 358 of 536 126 Vidal, Eric From:Miller, Julianna <Julianna.Miller@Schwab.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 11:53 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello, I hope this message ﬁnds you well. I wanted to reach out and express my concerns regarding the recent proposal to convert two more tennis courts at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. As an avid tennis player who frequently enjoys playing at these courts, I ﬁnd this proposal particularly disappointing. Currently, there are already 15 pickleball courts available at Mitchell Park, while only four tennis courts remain. Further reducing the number of tennis courts would make it increasingly diƯicult for tennis players like myself to ﬁnd available playing time and continue enjoying the sport we love. I certainly appreciate the growing popularity of pickleball and understand the need to accommodate all community members. However, I hope you will consider the importance of maintaining a fair balance between the facilities for both sports. Preserving the remaining tennis courts is crucial for those of us who rely on them as one of the few accessible places to play. Thank you for taking the time to consider my perspective. Best regards, Julianna Miller, CFP®, AWMA™ VP- Financial Consultant | Menlo Park Branch NMLS # 1953198 CA Insurance # 4060227 Tel 650 614 2004 | Fax 800 934 4415 800 El Camino Real, Suite #100, Menlo Park, CA 94025-4875 Schedule a Meeting Your referral to friends and family gives me the opportunity to positively shape the financial future of someone you care about. Charles Schwab & Co. Inc CA Insurance Agency License #0B27845 Where applicable, investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by visiting Charles Schwab or calling Schwab at 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns will fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Unlike mutual funds, share of ETFs are not individually redeemable directly with the ETF. Shares are bought and sold at market price, which may be higher or lower than the net asset value (NAV). Investment Products: Not FDIC-Insured | No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 126 Packet Pg. 359 of 536 127 Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Trust Bank, and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. Investment products are offered by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. does not solicit, offer, endorse, negotiate or originate any mortgage loan products and is neither a licensed mortgage broker nor a licensed mortgage lender. Home lending is offered and provided by Rocket Mortgage, LLC, Equal Housing Lender. Rocket Mortgage, LLC is not affiliated with The Charles Schwab Corporation, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, or Charles Schwab Trust Bank. Deposit and other lending products and services are offered by Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, and Charles Schwab Trust Bank, Members FDIC. Unless otherwise stated, Schwab does not endorse third-party sites or the products and services you might find there. Warning: All email sent to or from the Charles Schwab corporate email system is subject to archiving, monitoring and/or review by Schwab personnel. Classification: Schwab Internal Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 127 Packet Pg. 360 of 536 128 Vidal, Eric From:Bullion, Shelby <Shelby.Bullion@Schwab.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 10:43 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council Members, I hope this message ﬁnds you well. As a dedicated tennis player and a proud resident of Palo Alto, I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed conversion of the Mitchell Park tennis courts into additional pickleball courts. I believe it is crucial to maintain a fair balance so that everyone in our community can enjoy access to their preferred sports. At present, there are 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts remaining in the park. Further reducing the tennis courts to just 2 would be a real tragedy for tennis enthusiasts. These courts at Mitchell Park are not only vital for those of us who play regularly, but they also contribute to the broad spectrum of recreational opportunities that make Palo Alto such a vibrant city. Losing more tennis courts would severely limit options for many residents who depend on these public facilities for exercise, social connection, and community engagement. I urge you to consider the needs of the entire community and to preserve the existing tennis courts at Mitchell Park. Exploring alternative solutions that accommodate both tennis and pickleball players—without sacriﬁcing one for the other—would help ensure that our city remains inclusive and supportive of diverse interests. Thank you for your time and your dedication to fostering a welcoming environment in Palo Alto. I look forward to seeing how the council approaches this important issue. Best regards, Shelby Bullion Best, _____________________ Shelby Bullion, AWMA™ Vice President - Financial Consultant | Menlo Park, CA NMLS ID #2405686 CA Insurance License #4258327 Schedule an Appointment with Shelby Bullion Tel 650 614 2017 | Work Cell 650 512 4036 Fax 800 934 4415 800 El Camino Real, Suite #100, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. CA Insurance Agency License #0B27845 NOTICE: All email sent to or from the Charles Schwab corporate email system is subject to archiving, monitoring and/or review by Schwab personnel. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 128 Packet Pg. 361 of 536 129 Where applicable, investors should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus by visiting Charles Schwab or calling Schwab at 800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns will fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Unlike mutual funds, share of ETFs are not individually redeemable directly with the ETF. Shares are bought and sold at market price, which may be higher or lower than the net asset value (NAV). Investment Products: Not FDIC-Insured | No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Trust Bank, and Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of The Charles Schwab Corporation. Investment products are offered by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Member SIPC). Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. does not solicit, offer, endorse, negotiate or originate any mortgage loan products and is neither a licensed mortgage broker nor a licensed mortgage lender. Home lending is offered and provided by Rocket Mortgage, LLC, Equal Housing Lender. Rocket Mortgage, LLC is not affiliated with The Charles Schwab Corporation, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc., Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, or Charles Schwab Trust Bank. Deposit and other lending products and services are offered by Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender, Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, and Charles Schwab Trust Bank, Members FDIC. Unless otherwise stated, Schwab does not endorse third-party sites or the products and services you might find there. Warning: All email sent to or from the Charles Schwab corporate email system is subject to archiving, monitoring and/or review by Schwab personnel Classification: Schwab Internal Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 129 Packet Pg. 362 of 536 130 Vidal, Eric From:Meilani Hendrawidjaja <hendrawidjaja_m@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 8:35 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Meillani Hendrawidjaja Subject:Objection to Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To the Honorable Members of the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission, I am writing to express my concern regarding the Commission’s plan for the pickleball court expansion at Mitchell Park. My concerns centered on persistent issues of noise pollution, limited parking, traffic safety, and the incompatibility of a large sports facility with the surrounding environment—including a public library, a special education school, and adjacent residential neighborhoods. In addition to those concerns , I would like to highlight the growing scarcity of tennis courts in our city. Many residents rely on these courts for recreation, fitness, and community connection, yet access has become increasingly limited. The conversion of existing tennis courts to pickleball courts—without adequate replacement or expansion of tennis facilities— exacerbates this problem and creates unnecessary competition between user groups. A balanced and inclusive approach to recreational planning must consider the needs of all residents, not just the fastest-growing sport. In light of these issues, I respectfully urge the Council and Commission to: • Suspend all approvals until a comprehensive, independent study of noise and traffic impacts is conducted, with special attention to the library and neighboring residents and schools. • Provide a transparent and detailed rationale for supporting the expansion, specifically addressing the concerns raised by residents. • Commit to a more inclusive and deliberative process that considers alternative locations better suited for pickleball, without compromising existing quiet-use facilities, residential harmony, or access to tennis courts. Decisions of this scale must reflect thoughtful planning, community input, and a commitment to equity and transparency. Thank you for your attention and continued service to our community. Sincerely, Meilani Hendrawidjaja Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 130 Packet Pg. 363 of 536 131 Palo Alto Resident since 2010, near Mitchell Park Tennis Player at Palo Alto public courts since 2018 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 131 Packet Pg. 364 of 536 132 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 7:03 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Water Fun For All Ages 🌊 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi there For All Types Of Guests! Kids looking for fun, teens looking for big air, and adults just wanting to chill! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Aquaglide 10' Velocity Slide To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Aquaglide Lakefront Mini Park 4 Inflatable Water Park Aquaglide Lakefront Mini Park 4 Inflatable Water Park $9,769.99 Mini Park 4 comes with an Ohana Lounge, Full Deck 15.0, Velocity 10.0, and Half Deck 7.5. Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Aquaglide Lakefront Mini Park 6 Inflatable Water Park Aquaglide Lakefront Mini Park 6 Inflatable Water Park $12,059.99 Mini Park 6 comes with a Revel Lounge, 2 x Half Deck 7.5, Spire 6.8, and Velocity 10.0. Learn More Learn More About Mini Parks & Lakes Here To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Spinera Aquapark - The "Pirates Rock" To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Spinera Aquapark The "Pirates Tower" Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 132 Packet Pg. 365 of 536 133 Spinera Aquapark - The "Pirates Rock" $5,499.00 Compact yet bursting with adventure, Pirates Rock combines jumping, climbing, and sliding into one all-in-one module. Perfect for Kids of all ages! 9.5 ft x 8.2 ft x 8.5 ft, Capacity: 3–6 people (up to 3 adults + 3 children) Learn More Spinera Aquapark The "Pirates Tower" $11,999.00 Placed right behind a yacht or used as a standalone showstopper in a lake or beachfront. ☑ 16.4 ft x 12.3 ft x 12.5 ft ☑ Capacity: Up to 6 people Learn More See Pirates/Climbing Here To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Island Hopper 15′ Gator Water Park GWPARK15 Island Hopper 15′ Gator Water Park GWPARK15 $5,048.00 Includes: 15′ Classic Water Trampoline, Gator Head Slide, & Gator Tail Slide and Platform Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Island Hopper 20' Acrobat Water Trampoline 20PVCTUBE Island Hopper 20' Acrobat Water Trampoline 20PVCTUBE $5,349.00 A favorite of camps, resorts and lake home consumers, this model is commercial built to withstand years of hard use. Learn More Explore All Water Bouncers Here To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of WaterBlob Classic Blob 30' X 10' WaterBlob Classic Blob 30' X 10' $5,199.00 From high-flying jumps to epic splashes, see how people of all ages enjoy bouncing, flipping, and launching into the water. Learn More Discover Water Blobs Here Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 133 Packet Pg. 366 of 536 134 For Questions & Quotes, Call Andi 706.619.6670 andi@lightasairboats.com To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help prprivacy, Mprevented download from the InButton Tex To help prprivacy, Mprevented download from the InCustom We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 134 Packet Pg. 367 of 536 135 Vidal, Eric From:Daniela Betco <daniela.betco@turftank.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 12, 2026 5:59 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Friend you’re Invited: Turf Tank Field Day at River Oaks Golf Course CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi Friend, Ever wondered how robotic line marking could transform the way you maintain your fields week after week? Join us for a Turf Tank Field Day at River Oaks Golf Course, hosted in partnership with California Landscape Supply. You'll see firsthand how our robotic technology delivers precision and efficiency on the field. What you’ll gain from attending: • A live demo of Turf Tank in action and how it works on the ground • Insight into how much time and labor you could save on your own fields • Opportunities to network with fellow field managers and industry peers • Personalized advice from our experts based on your setup and budget • A clear understanding of how this technology can improve daily operations Lunch will be provided for all attendees, giving you extra time to connect and learn with others in the industry. Event Details: • Date: June 4th Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 135 Packet Pg. 368 of 536 136 • Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm • Location: River Oaks Golf Course - 3441 Golf Links Rd, Ceres, CA 95307 Ready to join us? REGISTER HERE to secure your spot! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.field-day - River Oaks DANIELA BETCO EVENTS AND MARKETING MANAGER To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. m: +1 (239) 758-0294 e: daniela.betco@turftank.com w: www.turftank.com a: Skjoldet 20, 9230 Svenstrup J, Denmar Turf Tank, 1110 Allgood Industrial Ct, Marietta, Georgia 30062, United States, 877-396-4094 Unsubscribe Manage preferences Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 136 Packet Pg. 369 of 536 137 Vidal, Eric From:Francesca Lieb <francesca.lieb@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 8:54 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:CONCERNS VOICED for Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, Tuesday, May 26th 7pm Importance:High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, We are writing to express our strong concern regarding the proposal to convert Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into additional pickleball courts. Mitchell Park already has a significant allocation of space dedicated to pickleball, with 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts remaining. Converting Courts 3 and 4 into six or eight more pickleball courts would effectively eliminate Mitchell Park as a viable location for community tennis play. While Courts 1 and 2 may remain available for lessons and classes, that does not address the needs of the broader tennis community. Recreational players, families, seniors, and local residents rely on Mitchell Park for regular public play. Reducing the number of tennis courts from four to two would make it extremely difficult for community members to access courts, especially during evenings and weekends. This proposal would also create a ripple effect throughout Palo Alto’s tennis facilities. Players displaced from Mitchell Park will be forced to seek court time at other locations such as Rinconada Park, increasing competition for already limited tennis court availability across the city. We understand and appreciate the growing popularity of pickleball, and we support providing space for both sports. However, the current balance at Mitchell Park is already heavily weighted toward pickleball. Further conversion of tennis courts would disproportionately impact the tennis community and reduce recreational opportunities for many residents. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 137 Packet Pg. 370 of 536 138 We respectfully urge the City to preserve Courts 3 and 4 for tennis use and seek alternative solutions that maintain fair access for both tennis and pickleball players. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Francesca Lieb Gregory Lieb Sofia Lieb Tullia Lieb 1709 Waverley Street, Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 138 Packet Pg. 371 of 536 139 Vidal, Eric From:Chia-Ming Alex Chang <palex.chang@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 8:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Respectfully Urging Reconsideration of the Mitchell Park Court Conversion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Commissioners and Council Members, I am a Palo Alto resident who plays and values both tennis and pickleball. I am writing to oppose the proposed conversion of Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into eight pickleball courts. Mitchell Park already has 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts. Reducing tennis to just two courts would effectively end community play, push displaced players onto an already-crowded Rinconada, and severely restrict the youth lessons that my third-grader and many other local children rely on. I support pickleball's growth, but conversion is a zero-sum response to a growth problem. The right answer is to expand total capacity, not redistribute the existing shortage. Four additive alternatives the Commission should pursue instead: 1. Build new pickleball courts at underutilized sites. A pickleball court is roughly a quarter the footprint of a tennis court — it fits where tennis cannot. 2. Add tennis courts at Greer Park. This will relieve pressure on Mitchell and Rinconada and create a more geographically distributed network. 3. Upgrade lighting at existing courts. High-efficiency LED lighting will expand playable hours citywide for both sports without requiring new land. 4. Develop a 5-to-10-year Racquet Sports Master Plan. Rather than relitigating individual court allocations each cycle, the City needs a systemic forecast to address the growing demand for both sports. Mitchell's 15-to-4 balance already generously accommodates pickleball. Please vote against further conversion and direct staff to pursue these additive alternatives. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 139 Packet Pg. 372 of 536 140 Thank you. Chia-Ming Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 140 Packet Pg. 373 of 536 141 Vidal, Eric From:Edwin Ho <edwinkho@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 4:26 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for adding additional Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto and am writing in support of the proposal to create eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I am retired and have been playing at the Mitchell Park courts regularly since 2021. In my experience, additional courts are greatly needed to help relieve the daily overcrowding situation. Although the current 14 courts can accommodate up to 64 players at a time, there are often an additional 60 or more people waiting for a court during peak hours. The situation is further impacted when instructional classes occupy the two courts near the library. Adding eight more courts would significantly reduce wait times, improve access for current players, and allow even more residents to participate in Palo Alto’s growing pickleball community. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Ed Ho 905 Amarillo Ave Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 141 Packet Pg. 374 of 536 142 Vidal, Eric From:Barbara Tisdale <tisdale.barbara@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 4:18 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Additional Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I started playing pickleball when I retired a few years ago. It has enabled me to remain active, make new friends, stay physically and mentally healthy and have a sense of belonging in a wonderful community. Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular, and the creation of additional courts should be a priority for our community. Sincerely yours, Barbara Tisdale Roosevelt Circle Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 142 Packet Pg. 375 of 536 143 Vidal, Eric From:Ed Anderson <e.anderson@outlook.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 3:04 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Pickleball Club Palo Alto Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball Court Expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I am an 82-year-old resident of Palo Alto who has been playi ng pickleball at Mitchell Park for the last 5 years, and I am wri ng in support of crea ng addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Spending me at these courts has become an important part of my life as a re ree. It is a gathering place for people who want to exercise, socialize, compete, and volunteer. The Palo alto Pickleball Club organizes clinics, round robins, and other social events for players at every level, and those who beneﬁt from these events tend to eventually become volunteers themselves – a virtuous circle of social ac vity. As the courts have become overcrowded at certain mes of the day, and over weekends, crea ng addi onal courts on adjacent underused tennis courts just seems like a natural next step for the city to take for its residents. Sincerely, Ed Anderson Palo Alto, University South Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 143 Packet Pg. 376 of 536 144 Vidal, Eric From:Jason Peery <jasonpeery@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 3:01 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball courts! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec and City Council: I can't imagine better use of any additional Mitchell Park land than to create more pickleball courts. This game has proven incredibly powerful in terms of creating/strengthening bonds in this community, improving mental health, and improving physical strength among aging citizens. There is no single activity in Palo Alto, to my knowledge, resulting in more friendships and connections than the sport of Pickleball, due to the offering currently in place at Mitchell Park. Because of its popularity, there is a huge demand for more courts, which are badly needed. Many people end up having to wait to play due to so many trying to use the limited number of courts currently. This location is a perfect spot, shielding residents from noise and providing central access for players all over the city. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Dick Peery, Mimi Peery, Jason Peery, Lisa Peery 2200 Cowper Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 144 Packet Pg. 377 of 536 145 Vidal, Eric From:Keisuke Yamaguchi <keisuke.yamaguchi@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 2:18 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball/Tennis Court Proposal CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, I live in Palo Alto and am writing as a parent and local resident who values both tennis and pickleball. Our family benefits greatly from Mitchell Park. We play pickleball there, and we also use the tennis courts regularly. My son takes weekly tennis lessons at Mitchell Park with an experienced local coach, and the courts are one of our go-to neighborhood sports facilities, close enough for us to reach by bike. I strongly support the continued growth of pickleball in Palo Alto. Pickleball has created a wonderful community, and Mitchell Park has become an important gathering place for many players. At the same time, I am concerned about the proposal to replace two tennis courts at Mitchell Park with additional pickleball courts. My concern is not about tennis versus pickleball. Our family plays and values both. My concern is that further concentrating pickleball activity at Mitchell Park may not be the healthiest long-term path for the sport or for the broader community. Mitchell Park is already a well-known destination for pickleball. Adding more courts there will likely attract even more players from across the area, which may simply recreate the same capacity and crowding challenges at a larger scale. Instead, I would encourage the City to look for an alternative location where additional dedicated pickleball courts could be created. That would give players more choices, help develop local pickleball communities in other neighborhoods, and reduce pressure on Mitchell Park without removing tennis courts that are actively used by families, juniors, coaches, and recreational players. I appreciate the difficulty of balancing growing demand for pickleball with continued access to tennis. I hope the City can support pickleball’s growth in a way that expands access across Palo Alto rather than further concentrating demand at one already-busy site. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 145 Packet Pg. 378 of 536 146 Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Keisuke Yamaguchi 3247 Kipling St. Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 146 Packet Pg. 379 of 536 147 Vidal, Eric From:Samit Ranjan <samitranjan@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 1:07 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Time to hear us as it will effect our voting behavior in next elections CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. This is the best utilization of all the public space one can think off . We have about 5000 people playing at the pickleball court while all the 51 tennis courts do not have 5000 people playing . How is it fair that 5000 people get crammed into a small place while all the resources are given to the 51 unutilized courts . Please understand we represent about 7500 voters in Palo Alto and this will be our number one topic when it comes to voting in every election . Thanks Sincerely yours, Samit Ranjan Middlefield Road Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 147 Packet Pg. 380 of 536 148 Vidal, Eric From:Alison Vanegeren <alisonvanegeren@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 12:51 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:more Mitchell Park pickleball courts needed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast I live in Palo Alto and I strongly support creating more pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I play pickleball often at Mitchell Park, and it is very healthy for me physically and mentally. Unfortunately, I always have to wait for a court, sometimes for half the time I'm at the courts, which is a frustrating waste of time. I would play even more and enjoy it even more without all the wasted time. Please create more courts ASAP! -- Alison Van Egeren Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 148 Packet Pg. 381 of 536 149 Vidal, Eric From:Julie Baskind <julie.baskind@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 11:14 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Palo Alto Pickleball expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I joined the PAPC in December, 2025. It has been life changing for me (and I'm 79 yrs old). Joy and camaraderie are cultivated there. Who knew I could make so many new friends! Please take this request seriously and expand the courts for our community. Sincerely yours, Julie Baskind Palo Alto Orchards Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 149 Packet Pg. 382 of 536 150 Vidal, Eric From:Joe Lo <joeklo888@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 11:12 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Need more pickleball courts please CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I play pickleball at Mitchell Park twice a week. It is an important part of my life. I have made great friends there that I meet with outside of pickleball. I get great exercise. I have a lot of fun. The one thing that is annoying is that I often have to wait for a court to play. It would be great for the Palo Alto community to get more pickleball courts. Thank you! Sincerely yours, Joe Lo 952 Cowper St, Palo Alto, CA 94301 -- Joe Lo joeklo888@gmail.com 650-533-7044 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 150 Packet Pg. 383 of 536 151 Vidal, Eric From:Postmaster <postmaster@paloalto.gov> Sent:Monday, May 11, 2026 7:10 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:You have new held messages To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Logo You have new held messages You can release all of your held messages and permit or block future emails from the senders, or manage messages individually. Release all Permit all Block all You can also mana e held messa es in our Personal Portal. Spam Policy aluu1@swarthmore.edu Quick question about local government workflows 2026-05-11 06:48 Release Permit Block Release all Permit all Block all To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. © 2019 Mimecast Services Limited. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 151 Packet Pg. 384 of 536 152 Vidal, Eric From:Nicole Wang <nicolewang.oc@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 11:04 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Concern Regarding Proposed Tennis Court Conversion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Parks & Recreation Commission, City Council, and Community Representatives, I am writing to express concern regarding the proposal to convert additional tennis courts at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. Mitchell Park currently provides 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts. The proposed conversion of Courts 3 and 4 into six to eight additional pickleball courts would effectively eliminate Mitchell Park as a meaningful location for community tennis play, leaving only two remaining tennis courts primarily reserved for lessons and instructional programs. While I recognize and respect the growing popularity of pickleball, I respectfully ask the City to consider the importance of maintaining a fair and balanced allocation of recreational facilities for all residents. Tennis continues to serve a broad community of players, including youth, families, seniors, recreational players, and long-standing local tennis groups. Further reducing tennis court availability at Mitchell Park would not only impact players at this location, but would also place additional pressure on surrounding facilities such as Rinconada Park, where court availability is already limited. Many displaced players would have no practical alternative for regular community play. I believe there is room for both sports to coexist within Palo Alto’s park system without eliminating one community’s access in order to expand another’s. I respectfully urge the City to preserve the existing tennis courts at Mitchell Park and explore alternative solutions that support continued growth of pickleball while maintaining adequate tennis access for the broader community. Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued service to the Palo Alto community. Sincerely, Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 152 Packet Pg. 385 of 536 153 Nicole Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 153 Packet Pg. 386 of 536 154 Vidal, Eric From:Raj Bhargava <raj.mama@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:28 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I play regularly 4 to 5 times a week. There is a group that joins me. This is an incredible physical and social engagement activity. Currently the courts get too crowded and there is a waiting line. Please approve this request. Thanks. Sincerely, raj Mid-town Waverley Street Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 154 Packet Pg. 387 of 536 155 Vidal, Eric From:Cynthia Litchi <clitchi@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:03 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickelball Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I have lived in Palo Alto for 10 years and work from home, and it has often been hard to find ways to connect with the community. Growing up, I was an athlete in team sports, but as an adult—especially as a woman—it has been difficult to find a team sport that helps me meet people and stay active. Over time, I had stopped exercising altogether. That changed when I discovered pickleball. I learned to play in september 2025 and I’ve been going to Mitchell Park 2-3 times a week ever since. The PB community is incredibly kind, and the open dynamic of PB where you can just show up and there is always someone to play with is something that is very unique to this sport. The only draw back is sometimes there are so many people there that there is more waiting than playing. Having more courts would really benefit the community. Not only is it a great community, but the benefits it has had on my mental health is unbelievable. Mitchell park is now my go to place when I have hard days, it always changes my mood and makes my day better no matter how bad it is. The community + the excersise + the outdoors make it the perfect combination to help with my mental health. Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of our growing pickleball community. Sincerely, Cynthia Litchi Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 155 Packet Pg. 388 of 536 156 Heather Lane Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 156 Packet Pg. 389 of 536 157 Vidal, Eric From:J. Wong <jackiewongdmd@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 9:06 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:PIckleball Court Expansion Request CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I first joined the Palo Alto Pickleball Club at Mitchell Park about a year and a half ago, thinking it might just be another passing trend for me. I started at “Early Worm” session at 6am because it was the only time that worked given my parent drop-off duties. From the very beginning, the community was incredibly welcoming. I was a brand new player at the time, yet the more advanced players were patient, encouraging, and kind. To this day, I still remember how they made me feel. Over the past year and a half, I’ve not only made new friends, but also discovered something that truly helps me feel alive. I often tell people that the court is my "happy place". There are times when I feel trapped in the constant demands of motherhood and giving to others. When my bucket feels empty, pickleball and its community help refill it. Its impact goes far beyond being just a sport or recreational activity — for many of us, it is a source of joy, connection, and belonging. Please kindly consider our request for court expansion and the many lives this community will continue to touch. The more the merrier! Sincerely Yours, Jacqueline Wong Green Gables Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 157 Packet Pg. 390 of 536 158 Vidal, Eric From:Lynn HUNG <lynnhung68@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 8:59 PM To:ParkRec Commission Cc:Council, City Subject:Support to creat 8 courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 8 years, ever since I immigrated here. I’m currently a full-time housemother, and I almost play pickleball everyday. Since I started learning pickleball, I’ve met friends, built social connections, and begun to adjust to life in the United States. Our courts are also known throughout the Bay Area for their welcoming culture of equality, openness, and enthusiasm. People love coming here to play and socialize, so expanding the number of courts would be a very positive initiative. Sincerely yours, Lynn Hung your neighborhood Ruthelma Ave Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 158 Packet Pg. 391 of 536 159 Vidal, Eric From:Mark Hopper <markhopski@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 8:35 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:I urge you to add 8 Pickleball Courts in Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear Members of the Parks & Rec Commission of Palo Alto - I am an 9 year resident of Palo Alto along with my family. I am wri ng in support of crea ng 8 addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I started playing pickleball 4 years ago a er having been an avid cyclist for my ﬁrst 5 years here in PA. Cycling however was wearing on my neck and shoulders and further, I was concerned more and more about the safety of the sport on the roads here. Someone suggested trying out pickleball and now I cannot imagine not playing. A er lessons through the City Catalog with Sal - I was oﬀ and playing. I now play 3 mes a week for 2-3 hours each visit. Pickleball combines exercise and health with a wonderful and diverse community of people in Mitchell Park. The ability to go most any me of day and ﬁnd a nearly full (or many mes very full) 16 courts will picklers of all ages and levels is a wonderful thing and one of the reasons that I cannot think of moving away from Palo Alto. Every me I step through the entry gate at MP PB Courts - I feel like Norm from Cheers when he walks into the bar. MP PB is indeed THE LOCAL place where everybody knows your name!!! As the Pickleball community con nues to grow in Palo Alto and serve many levels of its popula on, the city must con nue to grow with it in terms of space to play. Adding 8 addi onal pickleball courts at Mitchell Park would be a great step forward! I urge you to approve the proposed expansion in Mitchell Park. Thank you and best regards, Mark Hopper 1837 Mark Twain St Palo Alto, CA 94303 317-523-3988 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 159 Packet Pg. 392 of 536 160 Vidal, Eric From:mfan <mfan@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 7:05 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Adding More Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I have lived in Palo Alto for the past 20+ years, and I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at the Mitchell Park. I was forced into retirement about 3.5 years ago (laid off) and wasn't ready for it. During the first year, I led a very sedentary lifestyle that caused many negative impacts to my health. At the prompt of my doctors, I tried various sports activities, but didn't find anything motivating enough to get me off my behind on a regular basis. That is until I found pickleball!! Thanks to the free introductory clinic provided by the Palo Alto Pickleball Club, I learned to rules and strategies, as well as gotten to know many pickleball players. I have since ben a regular at the various free weekly events, such as Adv. Beginner Training, DUPRs, and round robins, held by PAPC. Now, I play 3-4 days a week. It's been a life changing experience for me! One obvious issue is the popularity of the sport. The Michell Park pickleball courts are always busy and often require substantial waiting time. This is especially true in the evenings and on weekends!! If the city can add more courts, it'll benefit MANY older, retired residents, like me. Sincerely yours, Mark Fan Duveneck / St. Francis neighborhood Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 160 Packet Pg. 393 of 536 161 Vidal, Eric From:Ben Davenport <bendavenport@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:40 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:More pickleball courts at Mitchell CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I started playing pickleball at Mitchell in the summer of 2023, after being introduced to it by my dad, who had been playing it for over a decade. What started as a once- or twice-a-week activity soon became a 5- day-a-week obsession. That first year, I lost 25 lbs due to pickleball, and 2 years later, I'm in better shape than I have been my whole life (I turned 50 this year). My wife, parents, father-in-law, and our 3 children all play at Mitchell at various times. I often bring friends there to introduce them to the sport, and of course I've made many friends at the courts. I've played at other places locally (Nealon, Red Morton, Rengstorff, YMCA), what we have at Mitchell is really something special, due to the number of courts and diversity and strength of players, as well as the ability to get a game any time of day. So, while other courts added elsewhere are always helpful, they would not get the same utilization as the same number of courts would at Mitchell. As the sport continues to grow, without additional courts being added, the wait times at Mitchell will also continue to grow, making it harder for new players to join the fun. While of course I understand the concern tennis players have over losing courts, I'm hopeful that accommodations can ultimately be made to make adding pickleball courts a net neutral impact to tennis. Sincerely yours, Ben Davenport Homeowner in Community Center https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpdavenport/ Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 161 Packet Pg. 394 of 536 162 Vidal, Eric From:Leon Leong <leonghomes@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:36 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:PIckleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Shortly before I retired, I started to play pickleball, and specifically playing at Mitchell Park. Playing pickleball has improved my health, and offered a level of increased social interaction that I seldom found in other recreational sports opportunities in Palo Alto. I experienced an inviting culture where as a newcomer I was welcome to play, and as I gained skill, other players would invite me to come join them. This unique system of open play at Mitchell Park, makes it easy to become a participant rather than a spectator. Through these interactions, I've met many people from different walks of life, young, middle age, seniors, players from diverse occupations and economic strata, and people from different cultures, all bonding together through playing pickleball at Mitchell Park. The popularity of the sport, however, is increasing the waiting time for people to play, so adding additional courts will help to reduce the wait time. Sincerely yours Leon Leong Downtown North nieghorhood of Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 162 Packet Pg. 395 of 536 163 Vidal, Eric From:Steve Gileno <stevegileno@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:33 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Please leave the tennis courts for tennis players CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello, Tennis players have lost enough courts to pickleball players as it is. Please don't take anymore! Steve Gileno Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 163 Packet Pg. 396 of 536 164 Vidal, Eric From:Eddie Gornish <gornish@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:28 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Eddie Gornish Subject:Pickleball in Palo Alto CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Since 2023, I've been playing pickleball 2-5 times a week. I first played at the OFJCC, where I am a member. Several times a week, they set up their gym for pickleball, and one day I was watching people play. Someone asked me if I wanted to play, and I said that I had never played. They told me to pick up a paddle and hit the ball - all pickleball players are friendly, not just the ones in Mitchell Park. I quickly realized that I preferred to play at Mitchell Park, as they are open all the time, and there are more players and levels to choose from. I have been working from home full time since 2020, and now my day is structured around pickleball. I start work around 7AM and finish around 6PM. But I'm still working around 8 hours a day, as I spend a chunk of the afternoon playing pickleball at Mitchell Park. I always see my "core group" in the afternoon - other people around my level, some older, some younger, all different ethnicities. We play hard, and we have fun. And we congratulate each other for making good shots. Sometimes, I go in the morning, and there's a different group of people - some folks that I might have seen for a month or so, and we'll immediately go and say hi to each other. I can't describe how great a feeling it is when I walk through the fence door and I hear people yelling from a distant court, "Eddie we need a 4th!" Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 164 Packet Pg. 397 of 536 165 Sincerely yours, Eddie Gornish South Court, Fairmeadow Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 165 Packet Pg. 398 of 536 166 Vidal, Eric From:Carol Mullin <carolmullin@mac.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 5:49 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball in Palo Alto CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I grew up in Palo Alto, raised my kids in Palo Alto, and have many memories of running around Rinconada while my parents played tennis 50 years ago. Most of their friends were “tennis” friends. We live behind the Hopkins courts and they are frequently empty now when I leave my house to go play pickleball at Mitchell park where every court will be in use. I have found an amazing community at MP - all ages, genders, nationalities- I love the diversity of MP- it is my happy place. My whole family plays now- kids, siblings, nieces and nephews. My brother is in a long battle w cancer and the question we always ask before every treatment- can he still play pickleball? Pickleball is not the medical treatment but it is certainly the best mental health treatment we have! Sincerely yours, Carol Mullin Community Center Neighborhood Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 166 Packet Pg. 399 of 536 167 Vidal, Eric From:Kevin Wu <kevinwu@alumni.stanford.edu> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 5:54 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Expansion of Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I have enjoyed playing pickleball at Mitchell Park for the past two years. During that time, demand for pickleball courts has increased steadily as the sport has exploded in popularity. Players usually need to wait for court time on the weekday mornings, late afternoons, and evenings as well as weekends. I started playing pickleball because it provides me with good cardiovascular exercise without being too demanding for seniors like me. The pickleball community is very friendly, and I have met several friends on the courts. Playing pickleball in Palo Alto would be more enjoyable if players spent less time waiting and more time playing. Palo Alto needs more pickleball courts to address the high demand. Sincerely yours, Kevin Wu Midtown Homeowner Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 167 Packet Pg. 400 of 536 168 Vidal, Eric From:Jack Jiang <jackcharm233@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 5:53 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Objections to Mitchelle park pickleball court conversion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi dear Palo Alto city members, My name is Jack, and I am a resident of Grove Avenue, adjacent to Mitchell Park. I am writing to formally object to the Pickleball Club's proposal to convert additional tennis courts to pickleball courts. The current court allocation is already severely imbalanced: Mitchell Park now has 15 pickleball courts compared to only 4 tennis courts. Consequently, securing a tennis court has become extremely difficult for residents, including families with children, who rely on this public resource. I urge the Council to consider the following concerns: 1. Disproportionate resource allocation. The existing ratio of pickleball to tennis courts does not reflect equitable access for all residents. Further conversion would effectively eliminate tennis as a viable option at this park. 2. Non-resident usage. A significant portion of pickleball court users are not Palo Alto residents. Converting additional public courts to serve players drawn from outside the city prioritizes non-residents over the taxpayers this park is meant to serve. 3. Community trust. The collaborative spirit that has long defined Palo Alto's park community depends on fair and transparent stewardship of shared spaces. This proposal undermines that trust. I respectfully ask the Council to halt further conversions and evaluate court allocation policies that serve all Palo Alto residents equitably. I am prepared to speak at a public meeting, and I know many fellow tennis players and community members who share these concerns and are willing to speak at a public meeting. Jack Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 168 Packet Pg. 401 of 536 169 Vidal, Eric From:Yahoo Mail ! <lorettamichel@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 5:26 PM To:Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com; ParkRec Commission Subject:Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I have lived in Palo Alto for 37 years, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. In 2018, my neighbor invited me to play pickleball at Mitchell Park. I had never heard of this game but thought, well, my neighbor was excited about it so why not give it a try? What I discovered was a game that was simple, fun, good exercise, and that didn't take too long for a player to acquire and improve on the skills required to compete at increasingly higher levels. I had recently retired so it was perfect timing for me to discover this new activity and the friendly and enthusiastic members of the Mitchell Park pickleball community. Socially, this has improved the quality of living in Palo Alto: a positive experience for me and many others, like being a kid again, just go to the park and you will find people to play with, all hours of the day, all days of the week. I play several times a week during the day time, and on days when I can't play during the day, I will drop in during the evening hours. This community has been growing steadily since 2018 and its obvious by the usage of the courts and the growing wait times that we need more courts. Here are several unique characteristics of Mitchell Park: - Not close to residential neighbors who could be bothered by the noise - Existing noise level is buffered by closest neighbors like the Challenger School, Library, Dog Park, Magical Bridge Playground, Soccer and Baseball Fields - Additional parking, adjacent to the courts, has generously been made available to Palo Alto Pickleball Club by the Abilities United Organization I respectfully request that the City of Palo Alto approve expansion of pickleball at Mitchell Park by approving the conversion of two Tennis courts to create 8 more pickleball courts. Sincerely yours, L. R. Michel Loma Verde Ave, Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 169 Packet Pg. 402 of 536 170 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 170 Packet Pg. 403 of 536 171 Vidal, Eric From:Nihat Ali Isitman <ali.isitman@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 4:41 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Parks Hearing - Mitchell Park Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Letter to City Officials Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I recommend to halt plans to convert our city’s two public tennis courts at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. Pickleball’s rapid growth is impressive and deserves support. Its easy entry and social, fast-paced format have introduced many people to racket sports. However, popularity alone should not drive public recreation decisions. Our existing tennis courts are already overwhelmed by players from neighboring towns, heavily booked by USTA clubs, and used for unauthorized “pirate” lessons. Local families, juniors, and lifelong players struggle to find court time. Removing additional tennis courts would leave our own residents with virtually no public tennis access at Mitchell Park since Courts 1&2 are heavily allocated to paid lessons. This decision is like eliminating a public pool to build a soccer field simply because soccer is trending right now, ignoring lifelong health benefits, skill development, and recreational diversity. Tennis, like golf and other demanding lifetime sports, rewards the initial learning curve with decades of superior cardiovascular fitness, agility, endurance, and mental resilience. A smaller but dedicated community still deserves public space. Better path forward: Construct new dedicated pickleball courts to meet demand. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 171 Packet Pg. 404 of 536 172 Prioritize resident scheduling on existing tennis courts and limit outside overuse. Invite private entities to build pickleball clubs with dedicated courts. This would be fair, because if the city continues to eliminate tennis courts, residents would be even more pushed towards expensive private club memberships to pursue their life passion in the sport. Thoughtful planning supports both sports rather than sacrificing one. This will serve our community best and avoid resentment. I respectfully ask you to preserve our tennis courts and pursue inclusive solutions that value diversity and lifelong benefits, not just current trends. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Nihat Isitman 4170 Mackay Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94306 669-294-5176 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 172 Packet Pg. 405 of 536 173 Vidal, Eric From:Vincent Scheib <scheib@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 1:55 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Re: Supporting pickleball court expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello again from Barron Park. I'm writing again with encouragement to support creating additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. These continue to be my most valuable social connection with other neighbors, providing healthy exercise and fun. The community will benefit from using our public spaces to support more of this activity. On Wed, Sep 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM Vincent Scheib <scheib@gmail.com> wrote: Near neighbors on the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Barron Park and since the pandemic have enjoyed biking over to Mitchell Park to play Pickle Ball. I've build a community of friends. I most often arrive by myself, but I also enjoy bringing my children along on weekends. Palo Alto needs more courts. We could use them anywhere we can, e.g. at the schools, in neighborhood parks etc. However, having many at Mitchell Park increases the chances that one can find a similar skill level group and jump into a game. I've never felt drawn into the community in any previous city or even in Palo Alto this way until the last five years I found such a welcoming and accessible sport. See you around the neighborhood, where? Well, probably around the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park, - Vincent Scheib, Barron Park - Palo Alto. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 173 Packet Pg. 406 of 536 174 Vidal, Eric From:Bill Garvey <bgarvey3232@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 12:44 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for 8 Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Council and Parks and Rec Members, I live in Palo Alto and I am writing to urge you to vote in favor of adding eight additional dedicated pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Adding these courts will: - Meet growing demand: Provide necessary infrastructure for a diverse group of players, including seniors, families, and young adults. - Improve safety: Reduce conflict over court usage and minimize safety issues caused by overcrowding. - Create community: Foster social connection and community bonding, improving the quality of life in our city. Investing in this popular, low-impact sport is a proactive step to upgrade our public amenities and ensure Palo Alto remains a vibrant, healthy place to live. Sincerely yours, Bill Garvey Emerson St. -- Bill Garvey cell: 650-575-7779 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 174 Packet Pg. 407 of 536 175 Vidal, Eric From:Sarah Mitchell <drsarahmitchell@hotmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 12:09 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball Expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. My name is Sarah, and I moved to Palo Alto with my elementary and middle school-aged children shortly after COVID — and after a divorce. Starting over in a new neighborhood, I struggled to find my community. Self employed and working from home didn't allow for everyday connections. School parents had well-established circles, and breaking in felt impossible. Then I found Mitchell Park and pickleball. What I discovered there was something I didn't even know I was looking for — people from all walks of life, of every age and background, who I never would have crossed paths with otherwise. Now I can zip over to the courts at almost any hour, get my body moving, shake off anxiety, and be greeted by friendly faces. There is no better feeling than arriving at the sidelines, sizing up the game, and hearing someone call out, 'Sarah,come play with us.' Pickleball is unique because it marries exercise and self-care with something deeper — the human need for connection and play. It gives me the same feeling I had as a kid being let out for recess. Pure joy. I urge you to consider expanding the number of courts at Mitchell Park. More courts mean more people can take care of their bodies, their minds, and their hearts — and maybe find their community too, just like I did. Sincerely yours, Sarah Mitchell Morton Way, Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 175 Packet Pg. 408 of 536 176 Vidal, Eric From:Meri Gruber <meri.gruber@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:58 AM To:ParkRec Commission Cc:papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for 8 additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, I live in Palo Alto. I am writing in support of adding eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball is an important part of my health and wellness in retirement, helping me stay active and socially connected. I’ve met people of all ages and backgrounds at the courts. It’s inspiring to see how this space brings the community together. Palo Alto has created something truly special at Mitchell Park, continuing its leadership in fostering recreation, inclusion, and community health. Please support creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Thank you for your service to the community. Best regards, Meri Gruber Greenmeadow Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 176 Packet Pg. 409 of 536 177 Vidal, Eric From:Anne Silverstein <anbrsil@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:41 AM To:ParkRec Commission; papc.secretary@gmail.com; Council, City Subject:Pickleball Changed My Life — Please Support Court Expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has truly transformed my life. It has given me exercise, laughter, friendship, and a strong sense of community. Before discovering pickleball, there were times I felt lonely and always searching for somewhere to go or something meaningful to do. Now, I feel happy and fulfilled right here in our own community because the people on the courts are so welcoming, kind, and supportive. I believe pickleball is one of the best things that can happen to people as they grow older. Instead of becoming isolated or inactive, I see people in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s staying healthy, social, and joyful out in the fresh air and sunlight. Few sports bring together people of all ages and backgrounds the way pickleball does. The demand for courts is growing because the benefits are so real — physically, mentally, and socially. More courts would greatly strengthen the health and happiness of our community. Sincerely yours, Anne Silverstein Barron Park, Palo Alto Resident Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 177 Packet Pg. 410 of 536 178 Vidal, Eric From:Matt Goldman <mattgoldman5850@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 10:30 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast I live in Palo Alto and after knee injuries ended my basketball career, pickleball has played an essential role in me being able to continue my athletic career giving me a real sense of purpose and ability to work toward a goal. It has also been key to my social life, forming a number of important life long friendships along the way including folks of very different ages and background I might not normally spend time with. I have been playing for four years and I want to call out that the change to pickleball priority on the Aux courts in (iirc) early 2023 was a key event that really accelerated the pickleball community at Mitchell. When courts are scarce, long wait times can create tensions in an otherwise harmonious community. I really hope that we can continue to expand pickleball court availability at Mitchell park to help this community grow even more so more folks can have experiences like mine. Sincerely yours, Matt Goldman Resident on Everett Ave in Downtown North Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 178 Packet Pg. 411 of 536 179 Vidal, Eric From:Califdan <Califdan@comcast.net> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 8:57 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:More Mitchell Park Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I am a Palo Alto resident who participates in Pickleball at Mitchell Park. Please expand the number of courts available for Pickleball. On a typical weekday midmorning there are 100 players vying for 15 pickleball courts while at the same time only one or two of the tennis courts are in use. For the Pickleball folks this results in long wait times between games, fewer games for residents with limited time, and less time actually getting the health benefits of actively moving around. And, the weekends are even worse with two to three times as much time waiting for a court than time actually playing which is why I don’t play on weekends. It’s ridiculous to have to wait 40 to 60 minutes for a court in between each 15 minute game. Sincerely yours, Dan Hartford Monroe Park neighborhood (Miller Ave.) Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 179 Packet Pg. 412 of 536 180 Vidal, Eric From:everett Hentz <evh0625@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 7:33 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Adding eight Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park Palo Alto CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: My name is Everett Hentz I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I would definitely support this initiative because I feel that Pickleball increases your mental health and well-being. It brings the community closer together to create new friendships and lasting moments that you can look back on and remember forever. I feel that there are a lot of beautiful benefits of physical exercise one of them being you have increased mood increases mental health in your life I have also have had a lot of positive experiences at Mitchell park whenever I have went and played Pickleball. And the people who I’ve played with there in the past, couple of years have been very friendly and help me understand rules whenever I messed up. Thank you very much Everett Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 180 Packet Pg. 413 of 536 181 Vidal, Eric From:Jennifer Antonow <jennifer.antonow@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:29 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for additional pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball in our town is an important social outlet for many, including me, and a great way ringer outside and move. This addition would make it accessible to more people. Sincerely yours, Jennifer Antonow Iris Way, Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 181 Packet Pg. 414 of 536 182 Vidal, Eric From:Jason Lauffer <jllauffer@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 10, 2026 6:29 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball Expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks and Recrea on Commission and City Council: I have been a resident of Palo Alto for 35 years and am wri ng in support of crea ng 8 more pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Since re ring 3 years ago, I have taken up pickleball and enjoy playing a few mes a week. I had really not been involved with sports since I was a kid, but it’s so easy to get started playing pickleball. It is so much fun and allows me to be more ac ve and socialize at the same me. I am able to walk to Mitchell Park but o en have to play with friends on courts in nearby ci es because the courts at Mitchell Park are usually crowded. There is such a feeling of community and inclusion at the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. People of all ages enjoy playing there. Please help address the strong demand by crea ng 8 addi onal pickleball courts. Sincerely yours, Jason Lauﬀer Bryant Street- Midtown Sent from my iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 182 Packet Pg. 415 of 536 183 Vidal, Eric From:Larry Hsiung <LarryHsiung@hotmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 11:13 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support to create eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am wri ng in support of crea ng eight addi onal Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. My neighbor and I were lifelong Tennis players un l a few years ago. A er my knee procedure and his knee replacement, we can only play Pickleball. Tennis courts were never busy. We used to play at Mitchell Park, Hoover Park, Peers Park, Cubberly, JLS, Paly High, etc. Now it seems Tennis courts are abandoned. Pickleball courts on the other hand are very high in demand. We make friends with strangers we meet on the court and catch up with friends we already made. My contact list has more people with Pickleball as a company than I ever had for Tennis or any other sports. It’s rare to be able to play for one whole hour. Pickleball is what’s keeping us from taking so many medica ons. Wai ng up to 20 minutes then playing for 15 minutes then wait again, some mes take toll on our bodies. Please consider more Pickleball courts so that we stay healthy both physically and mentally. Best regards, Lawrence Hsiung Midtown, Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 183 Packet Pg. 416 of 536 184 Vidal, Eric From:Abhishek Parmar <abhishek@orng.net> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:14 PM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. These courts have been a great source for recreation, physical activity and making new social connections for me and my family. Most days the best part of my day is time spent on the pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Sincerely yours, Abhishek Parmar Greed Rd Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 184 Packet Pg. 417 of 536 185 Vidal, Eric From:Sabrina Lin <sabrinamylin@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:08 PM To:ParkRec Commission Cc:papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:How Palo Alto Pickleball has impacted my life CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I was introduced to pickleball by Palo Alto Pickleball Club volunteers a few years ago when I just repatriated back to the U.S. after 15 years abroad. I met friends and found a community to improve my physical health as well as my social life. Now at least once a week, I have coffee and snacks after playing pickleball with the ladies I met in my intro sessions and that has made a huge difference in my life. Additional courts would reduce wait times and improve the physical health and social life of even more residents. Best regards Sabrina Lin Bryant Street, Palo Alto Sent from my iPhone - apologies for spelling / grammar errors Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 185 Packet Pg. 418 of 536 186 Vidal, Eric From:Kathryn Shovkoplyas <kathryn0227@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:09 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Please keep tennis at Mitchell park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto Parks and Recrea on, Please do not add any more pickle ball courts at Mitchell park. There will be nowhere le for my local children to play tennis. While I enjoy both sports, there are already more than enough pickleball courts which are dominated by adults that drive in. Please keep a space for our local kids to stop and play a game of tennis with their friends on the way home from school and to have tennis lessons. I know the pickle ball club is much louder and more organized so they will send many more emails. Please listen to voice of reason from someone who plays both sports and leave the current setup which meets the needs of all. Thank you, Kathryn (Creekside drive) Sent from my iPhone Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 186 Packet Pg. 419 of 536 187 Vidal, Eric From:warren packard <warrenjp@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 10:05 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; PAPC Secretary Subject:In support of additional pickleball courts at Mitchell CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: Thank you so much for your service to our awesome city! Tricia and I live in Palo Alto and we're writing in support of the creation of eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. As you likely know, the pickleball courts at Mitchell are extremely crowded due to the popularity of the support. I often show up at 6 AM on Sundays to play in the weekly "Early Worms Ladder" mixer. Early Worms Ladder enables all players of any level of ability/experience to play in a fun pickleball mixer. Super social. The last time I went, there were 28 people there for the event (7 courts) at 6 AM. By 8 AM, all the courts were full. I played ten games on seven different courts with something like twenty-five different players. No one had to sign up for this. You just have to get yourself to the courts! Incredibly fun; incredibly social. I took a video of the courts on November 14 last year. It was 2 PM on a Friday. Eighty-four players were at the courts. It's truly an amazing community. Pickleball has been an amazing elixir for physical and mental fitness due to its patient game play and novel social qualities. Additional courts will be a great benefit to the community, especially and specifically at Mitchell Park. The social aspect of pickleball is maximized by concentrating courts in a single location since whenever we play pickleball, we move courts and partners/opponents regularly (about once every fifteen minutes). This is a significant divergence from tennis where the typical arrangement is to play on a single court with the same group of friends. Pickleball has this cool community aspect that favors more players in a single location to enable court rotation and shuffling of players. If you bear with us, we thought that it would be helpful to compare tennis to pickleball to elucidate why pickleball boasts a structure that is significantly more social and gains significant benefit from having all courts co-located. It's important to note that we support tennis, as well. It's just that the structure of tennis lends itself to working well if courts are spread out throughout a city, whereas pickleball is optimized by the constant movement of players among multiple courts in a single location. Indeed, both Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 187 Packet Pg. 420 of 536 188 sports have a ball, a racket/paddle, a net, and lines. Thus, one would think that both sports should be able to enjoy the benefits of social, interactive games such as the Early Worms Ladder and round-robins. However, practically speaking, tennis can’t…for three primary reasons: 1) As you get better at pickleball, you slow down your play and hit softer. This is in stark contrast to tennis where better players hit harder and move faster as they get better. As a consequence, experienced tennis players tend not to play with beginning or older/youth tennis players. They typically find opponents who are at their level. Thus, tennis players pre-arrange their playing partners to insure that their levels are relatively similar. Conversely, it’s easy (and fun) for experienced pickleball players to play with beginning or older/youth pickleball players. This is an opportunity for us to work on our “dinking” which is core to the advanced game. These are soft shots that are placed very strategically over the net. Advanced pickleball players know that driving the ball hard over the net is a poor strategy (whiffle balls slow down very quickly). It takes tennis players a while to realize this when they start playing pickleball…but they eventually catch on. 2) Eight pickleball courts fit in the same space as two tennis courts. Thus, the ability for four players on a single pickleball court to interact is much easier than four players on a tennis court. Pickleball players can carry on conversations with their inside voices and tennis players have to use their outside voices to be heard. Combine this with the prior point about playing slow and methodically, and it becomes clear that we’re not huffing and puffing (nor speaking loudly), so we can carry on conversations through entire matches with relative ease and without bothering players on other courts. This is key to the social underpinning of pickleball. 3) Finally, the close proximity of multiple pickleball courts next to each other means that social, interactive games can be coordinated by a single person with a watch. In our Early Worms Ladder event at 6 AM on Sunday, there was one player who could alert us all to finish our current matches and move to the next set of courts. Indeed, she had to use her “outside voice” to communicate to all seven courts, but that is an easy accomplishment on pickleball courts and a feat that could not be accomplished across the expanse of seven tennis courts. In summary, the major differences between pickleball and tennis stem from the difference in the size of the courts and the difference in the way that these two sports are played by players at different levels. This latter point is the most important point since it means that any individual pickleball player can play with any other individual or group at any time. In the final analysis, adding eight more courts at Mitchell will have a significant impact in relieving the crowded conditions at the courts AND deepening the awesome community that flourishes at this location. Displacing two tennis courts will have negligible impact on the availability of tennis courts that are already in abundance throughout the city. Without a doubt, this is a win-win arrangement for Palo Alto! Cheers, Warren Packard and Tricia Chang University South Neighborhood 1019 Waverley St., Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 188 Packet Pg. 421 of 536 189 Vidal, Eric From:Sean Fee <seanfee@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 9:10 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support of More Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, I'm writing to support adding pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Actually, come election time, I'm pretty much a single issue voter on elected officials' positions on this issue. Pickleball has become essential to both my physical fitness and social wellbeing. The sport provides excellent cardiovascular exercise while fostering a welcoming, multi-cultural community that's impossible to find elsewhere. However, the current lack of courts creates significant frustration. I regularly arrive at Mitchell Park only to find all pickleball courts occupied, while the a majority, if not all, of the tennis courts are empty.. This mismatch between demand and supply means I often leave without playing, wasting my time. Weekends are especially a waste of time, to the point where I don't even bother as there are up to 2 groups waiting for each court. I urge you to approve the expansion of pickleball facilities at Mitchell Park. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Sean Fee Resident Old Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 189 Packet Pg. 422 of 536 190 Vidal, Eric From:Lisa and Wayne Shea <shea822@yahoo.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 8:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has helped me to know and socialize with my neighbors in Palo Alto. I'm looking forward to meeting and connecting with even more Palo Alto residents through pickleball. Sincerely yours, Lisa Shea 4130 Mackay Dr. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 190 Packet Pg. 423 of 536 191 Vidal, Eric From:zhen xue <zhenxue@yahoo.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 8:41 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has become one of my favorite ways to stay active, healthy, and connected with others in the community. It combines exercise, friendly competition, and social interaction in a way that is fun and accessible for people of all ages and skill levels. I regularly see women, families, seniors, and young people all enjoying the courts together. Unfortunately, the demand for court space often exceeds availability, making it difficult for many residents to play regularly. Adding more courts at Mitchell Park would encourage healthy lifestyles, strengthen community connections, and provide more opportunities for recreation in Palo Alto. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Zhen Xue Maybell Ave, Palo Alto Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 191 Packet Pg. 424 of 536 192 Vidal, Eric From:Kaden Li <kadenli009@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 8:39 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. As a student, pickleball has become a great way for me to stay active, relieve stress, and connect with people of different ages in the community. One of the things I appreciate most about the sport is how welcoming and social it is — it brings together beginners, experienced players, students, parents, and seniors in a way that very few activities do. I’ve seen firsthand how crowded the existing courts can get, and additional courts would give more residents the opportunity to play, exercise, and build community connections. Expanding access to pickleball would benefit people of all ages and help make Palo Alto’s parks even more active and inclusive. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Kaden Li GUNN High Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 192 Packet Pg. 425 of 536 193 Vidal, Eric From:Eric Yuen <ericcyuen@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 9, 2026 8:31 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I own and live in my home in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has become an important part of my life in Palo Alto. It gives me a fun and healthy way to exercise, meet friends from Palo Alto, and socialize as part of the local community. I used to play tennis, but as I have gotten older, I have found pickleball to be more enjoyable and, for me, better exercise than tennis. It is active, social, accessible, and brings together people of different ages and backgrounds in a very positive way. The current number of courts is far too low and creates too much waiting to play. Additional courts at Mitchell Park would help more residents enjoy these physical, mental, and community benefits. Sincerely yours, Eric Yuen 532 Channing Ave Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 193 Packet Pg. 426 of 536 194 Vidal, Eric From:Sherry Listgarten <sherry@listgarten.com> Sent:Friday, May 8, 2026 12:44 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:A proposed simplification to the walkway plan CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Rec Commissioners, I apologize for offering this suggestion belatedly. But I go to Foothills Park several times a month, and I think that creating a walking path along the road from the entrance to the lake is not a good idea. Here is why. (See also photo near the end of the letter, or at this link if the photo is not included: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aEnwxQZcqQA5BvLKIq367795vM4DCbwu/view?usp=sharing ) 1. There is already a fantastic path from the entrance to the lake. It is flat and wide and beautiful, right near the lake, with restrooms, trash cans, picnic tables, lots of shade, and a cute little bridge. The entrance to this path is off to the side, but with a directional sign ("TRAIL =>"), more people would use it. That is a good thing. I take my 91-year-old Dad on this trail, and he loves it. It's very accessible, safe, and with amenities.) 2. A trail along the road would have no amenities and would not be particularly safe. It would also be much less nice/pretty, and offer little shade. 3. People park *all the time* along that stretch of roadway, even on weekdays when no one is parked anywhere else. Often it seems to be people with kids who are using that section of grass there. I don't understand why we would want to push these folks down to the lake, which is already plenty congested. 4. With no parking at the park entrance, any path from the entrance to the lake is going to be minimally used. I park in one of the handicapped spots with my Dad, since he has a placard. But that is less common. And you don't want disabled people going along a gravel path down a hill by the road! But we can capture the pedestrian traffic that does exist with a sign, which is a lot cheaper than building a new trail. 5. I am trying to think what benefit people see for this roadside trail. Maybe in the winter, when it is raining, we want a path that is less muddy. But the park is nearly empty then anyway. So I'm not sure Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 194 Packet Pg. 427 of 536 195 what problem we are trying to solve. Instead imo we are creating one by pushing more cars down to the lake and putting people on a less safe walkway. 6. We can save a little bit of money by leaving things as-is here, and perhaps use that for additional water for the lake during drier times. I think people would appreciate that a lot more. Here is the area I am talking about: Thank you for your consideration, and I apologize again for being late on this. I'm inclined to defer to rangers etc on things like this. But I've been a few times over the last two weeks and I just cannot understand why we would want to spend the little money that we have on this. Thanks, -- Sherry. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 195 Packet Pg. 428 of 536 196 Vidal, Eric From:Simon Ortiz <simon@citydata.ai> Sent:Thursday, May 7, 2026 8:21 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:CityData.AI On-site visit CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi Parks and Recreation Commission. Do it like Sonoma County, San Leandro, and Santa Clara: Understanding park usage and visit trends by using anonymized cellphone data from CityParks. We'll be in the Bay Area the week of April 26th to May 15th, and we would like to stop by your office or City Hall for a quick 20-minute introduction. CityData.AI supports hundreds of Parks and Recreation agencies across the US by providing big data + AI models about visitor footfalls, along with ground truth validation. We are honored to have been selected by the Arizona State Parks & Trails Department as well as Texas State Parks and Wildlife for usage analytics and visitation insights. Our CityParks product includes: • Hourly & Daily Usage Patterns: Know exactly when your parks, trails and facilities hit peak capacity. • Visitor Origins & Movement Patterns: Understand the origin blocks, neighborhoods and counties where visitors to your parks come from. • 7-Year Historical Trends: Compare current attendance to 2020-2025 data to quantify true growth. • Inferred Visitor Demographics: Infer the income, age range, and household types of your park users to better target programming. • Attendance for Events & Festivals: Estimate attendance for events, festivals, and fairs organized by your city or county. • Field Task Optimization: Prioritizing maintenance tasks for field teams based on actual usage of parks and trails. Are you open to a brief conversation on this? If so, let me know, and we can find a time that aligns for an in-person visit at your office during that week. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 196 Packet Pg. 429 of 536 197 All the best, CITYDATA.ai San Francisco, California, USA Mobility Intelligence: Apps + Big Data+ Ai for a smarter, safer, and sustainable planet. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 197 Packet Pg. 430 of 536 198 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Thursday, May 7, 2026 7:01 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:For Those Stunning Days on the Water! ⚓🌊 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi first_name|default:'there', Fun on the water never looked this good! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Swellfish FS Ultralight 280 Inflatable Boat 9.2' Swellfish FS Ultralight 280 Inflatable Boat 9.2' $1,820.00 ✔ Compact and lightweight, fitting into a single bag while maintaining FS Classic Line performance. ✔ 9.2 ft x 4.9 ft ✔ Max People 3 ✔ Max Load: 947 lbs Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Swellfish Classic 350 Inflatable Boat (11'6") Swellfish Classic 350 Inflatable Boat (11'6") $2,414.00 ✔ Max 7 people, but realistically 2 adults with their fishing and camping gear will leave just a bit of room to lounge! ✔ Max People: 7 ✔ Max Load: 1789 lbs ✔ 11.5 x 5.6 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Kolibri Marine 10'10" Inflatable Boat KM-330 Kolibri Marine 10'10" Inflatable Boat KM-330 $1,471.00 ✔ A flat-bottomed inflatable boat perfect for calm lakes and rivers. It can carry four To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Navigator Inflatable Boat 10'9" LK330 Navigator Inflatable Boat 10'9" LK330 $2,840.00 ✔ Weight: 132 lbs ✔ Max people: 4 ✔ Inflated Size: 10.8 x 5.41 ft Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 198 Packet Pg. 431 of 536 199 persons with a 12 hp motor. ✔ 10'10"x5'3" ✔ Max Passengers: 4 ✔ Max Capacity: 1058 lbs Learn More Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Rover Marine Battle Boat 10' Rover Marine Battle Boat 10' $2,250.00 ✔ Inflated Dimensions: 10 ft x 5 ft ✔ Weight: 95 lb ✔ Capacity: 4 people / 1000 lb Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Further Customs 11' Laguna 330 Inflatable Catamaran Further Customs 11' Laguna 330 Inflatable Catamaran $2,895.00 With an open bow and generous floor space providing room for extra guests and gear. ✔ Adjustable Seats, Bimini Top, Oars, & Pump Included ✔ Inflated Dimensions: 9'5" x 68" ✔ Max Payload: 1000 lb Learn More Explore All Inflatable Boats Here! For Questions or a Quote - Call or Email Dave 864.367.6161 dave@lightasairboats.com To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Button Text To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office preventedownload of this picture from the Internet.Custom We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 199 Packet Pg. 432 of 536 200 Vidal, Eric From:Postmaster <postmaster@paloalto.gov> Sent:Wednesday, May 6, 2026 12:27 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:You have new held messages To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Logo You have new held messages You can release all of your held messages and permit or block future emails from the senders, or manage messages individually. Release all Permit all Block all You can also mana e held messa es in our Personal Portal. Spam Policy sophie@virtualeaseservice.com One system to replace your entire workflow stack 2026-05-06 11:20 Release Permit Block Release all Permit all Block all To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. © 2019 Mimecast Services Limited. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 200 Packet Pg. 433 of 536 201 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 6, 2026 7:00 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:The Most Fun You Can Add To Your Waterfront! 🌊 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi first_name|default:'there', Bring Joy to Your Guests with a Fun Pedal Boat Ride! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Martini Nautica Jolie 6 Person Pedal Boat Martini Nautica Jolie 6 Person Pedal Boat $4,975.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Martini Nautica Sea Buggy 330 Pedal Boat 4 Person Martini Nautica Sea Buggy 330 Pedal Boat 4 Person $4,883.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Martini Nautica Sunny Time Special 5 Person Pedal Boat Martini Nautica Sunny Time Special 5 Person Pedal Boat $5,110.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Martini Nautica Happy Hour 5 Person Pedal Boat Martini Nautica Happy Hour 5 Person Pedal Boat $5,350.00 Learn More Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 201 Packet Pg. 434 of 536 202 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Martini Nautica Unicorn 4 Person Pedal Boat Martini Nautica Unicorn 4 Person Pedal Boat $5,497.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Martini Nautica Mallard Duck 4 Person Pedal Boat Martini Nautica Mallard Duck 4 Person Pedal Boat $5,497.00 Learn More EXPLORE MARTINI NAUTICA BOATS HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Adventure Glass Dragon Platform 4 Person Pedal Boat Adventure Glass Dragon Platform 4 Person Pedal Boat $4,403.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Adventure Glass Big Bird Swan or Pelican Platform Pedal Boat - 5 Person Adventure Glass Big Bird Swan or Pelican Platform Pedal Boat - 5 Person $7,872.00 Learn More EXPLORE ADVENTURE GLASS BOATS HERE For Questions & Quotes, Call Andi Tel:706.619.6670 andi@lightasairboats.com SEE ALL PEDAL BOATS HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water | Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 202 Packet Pg. 435 of 536 203 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 5, 2026 7:03 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Ahoy! Buoys & Fender Kits🛟 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi there, Protect people, vessels and waterways! Our Dock Expert Can Help You Design the Dock Layout That Fits Your Needs & Wants!! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Patriot Docks 32' Straight Roll-in Dock Patriot Docks 32' Straight Roll-in Dock $3,216.60 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Patriot Docks 32' Patio Roll-in Dock Patriot Docks 32' Patio Roll-in Dock $4,060.10 Learn More ☑ Built with quality materials and a sturdy design, this dock ensures long-lasting durability and offers a reliable and versatile solution for your waterfront needs. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 203 Packet Pg. 436 of 536 204 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Patriot Docks 40' Straight Roll-in Dock Patriot Docks 40' Straight Roll-in Dock $4,030.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Patriot Docks 40' Patio Roll-in Dock Patriot Docks 40' Patio Roll-in Dock $4,819.76 Learn More ☑ Extended length provides space for boat mooring, swimming, and other water activities. LEARN MORE ABOUT PATRIOT DOCKS HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Aeré 6’ x 10’ Inflatable Work Platform Aeré 6’ x 10’ Inflatable Work Platform $2,458.95 ☑ A work float that doesn't damage the boat on rough plywood or put chemicals in the water ☑ Inflates and deflates quickly. Includes a storage bag. Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Aeré Marine Inflatable Boat Fender Docking Kit for 30’ to 45’ Boats Aeré Marine Inflatable Boat Fender Docking Kit for 30’ to 45’ Boats $499.95 ☑ Includes 3 Inflatable Fenders, 3 Fenda-Sox Fender Covers,3 Fender Whips, and a Storage Bag. Kits are available for multiple- size vessels. Learn More LEARN MORE ABOUT AERE DOCKING HERE For Questions or a Quote - Call or Email Dave - 864.367.6161 dave@lightasairboats.com To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office preventedownload of this picture from the Internet.Button Text To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office preventedownload of this picture from the Internet.Custom We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 204 Packet Pg. 437 of 536 205 Vidal, Eric From:Francisco Valenzuela <fvalenzuela@sarc.org> Sent:Monday, May 4, 2026 4:35 PM To:Francisco Valenzuela Subject:San Andreas Regional Center's Superhero Summer Festivals CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast If you tried registering your organization for one of the Superhero Summer Festivals, sorry about that, for some reason the link froze. Try these. Register to Table at a Festival https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Bgd9VulYYv8B64viBcu9ZcoIiITDg14BVAx0qsv4yC4/viewform?pli=1&pli=1&edit_req uested=true Register to have Organization Logo on 5K/10K Shirt https://www.raceentry.com/races/superhero-5k10k-walk-run-roll-and-summer-festival-supporting-the-special-needs- community-hosted-by-san-andreas-regional-center/2026/register?mc_cid=8d06685835 From: Francisco Valenzuela <fvalenzuela@sarc.org> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2026 Annual Superhero Summer Festival's San Andreas Regional Center is excited to once again host our Annual Superhero Summer Festival in Salinas (June 13th) Santa Cruz (June 27th) Hollister (July 11th) & San Jose (July 25th) Service Providers / Organizations / Legislative Offices / Non-Profit Organizations / City & County Programs who would like to “Table” at one of the summer festivals: Register_Here Agency Logo on 5K/10K Shirt…. In San Jose, Walkers, Runners, and Rollers can join us on Saturday, July 25th for the Superhero Festival that will include a 5K/10K and Super Kid Dash Run. Organizations who would like to have their Agancy Logo ($100 cost) on the 5K/10K Walk~Run~Roll Shirt: Register_Here Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 205 Packet Pg. 438 of 536 206 Over the years our summer festivals have become a fun tradition for individuals with special needs and their families to attend an outdoor festival while dressing up in a superhero costume. Everyone in the community is invited to our festivals with the goal of providing individuals with an intellectual developmental disability to be part of a family friendly, inclusive, and multi-cultural event. At each festival children, kids, adults, and seniors with intellectual & developmental disabilities, family members, community-based organizations, service provider staff, and the community at large will dress up in their favorite superhero costume. Along with the festival activities, free backpacks will be giveaway while community-based organizations will be sharing information about services provided. We look forward to having our families, community, partners, stakeholders, and friends at one of our Superhero Summer Festivals. So, get your Superhero Costume ready and join us in Salinas, Santa Cruz, Hollister, and or San Jose. Francisco Valenzuela Director of Government Affairs / Community Relations San Andreas Regional Center Mobile: 408-210-5663 Office: 408-341-3809 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 206 Packet Pg. 439 of 536 207 Vidal, Eric From:Postmaster <postmaster@paloalto.gov> Sent:Sunday, May 3, 2026 12:10 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:You have new held messages To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Logo You have new held messages You can release all of your held messages and permit or block future emails from the senders, or manage messages individually. Release all Permit all Block all You can also mana e held messa es in our Personal Portal. Spam Policy teslamarketing10@gmail.com The future of sustainable energy 2026-05-03 08:10 Release Permit Block Release all Permit all Block all To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. © 2019 Mimecast Services Limited. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 207 Packet Pg. 440 of 536 208 Vidal, Eric From:Francisco Valenzuela <fvalenzuela@sarc.org> Sent:Friday, May 1, 2026 11:18 AM To:Francisco Valenzuela Subject:San Andreas Regional Center's Superhero Summer Festival in Hollister Attachments:San Andreas Regional Center Superhero Summer Festivals.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Annual Superhero Summer Festival's San Andreas Regional Center is excited to once again host our Annual Superhero Summer Festival in Salinas (June 13th) Santa Cruz (June 27th) Hollister (July 11th) & San Jose (July 25th) Service Providers / Organizations / Legislative Offices / Non-Profit Organizations / City & County Programs who would like to “Table” at one of the summer festivals: Register_Here Agency Logo on 5K/10K Shirt…. In San Jose, Walkers, Runners, and Rollers can join us on Saturday, July 25th for the Superhero Festival that will include a 5K/10K and Super Kid Dash Run. Organizations who would like to have their Agancy Logo ($100 cost) on the 5K/10K Walk~Run~Roll Shirt: Register_Here Over the years our summer festivals have become a fun tradition for individuals with special needs and their families to attend an outdoor festival while dressing up in a superhero costume. Everyone in the community is invited to our festivals with the goal of providing individuals with an intellectual developmental disability to be part of a family friendly, inclusive, and multi-cultural event. At each festival children, kids, adults, and seniors with intellectual & developmental disabilities, family members, community-based organizations, service provider staff, and the community at large will dress up in their favorite superhero costume. Along with the festival activities, free backpacks will be giveaway while community-based organizations will be sharing information about services provided. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 208 Packet Pg. 441 of 536 209 We look forward to having our families, community, partners, stakeholders, and friends at one of our Superhero Summer Festivals. So, get your Superhero Costume ready and join us in Salinas, Santa Cruz, Hollister, and or San Jose. Francisco Valenzuela Director of Government Affairs / Community Relations San Andreas Regional Center Mobile: 408-210-5663 Office: 408-341-3809 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 209 Packet Pg. 442 of 536 210 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Friday, May 1, 2026 7:02 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Transform Your Space on the Water! ⚓🌞 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi there, Just in Time For an Awesome Summer! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. BUY 1 GET the 2nd at 10% Off YACHTBEACH [BEACHCLUB] $500 Off AQUABANAS Pools and Slides [SPLASH] To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Yachtbeach Sport Zone 2.50 Hex Platform 8'2"x9'6" Yachtbeach Sport Zone 2.50 Hex Platform 8'2"x9'6" $1,699.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Yachtbeach Party Zone 2.50 Hex Platform 8'2" x 9'6" Yachtbeach Party Zone 2.50 Hex Platform 8'2" x 9'6" $1,799.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Yachtbeach Relax Zone 2.50 Hex Platform 8'2"x9'5" Yachtbeach Relax Zone 2.50 Hex Platform 8'2"x9'5" $2,099.00 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 210 Packet Pg. 443 of 536 211 Learn More Because Adults Need Spaces Too! EXPLORE HEX PLATFORMS HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Aquabanas 12' Yacht Slide - Ultimate Inflatable Water Slide Aquabanas 12' Yacht Slide - Ultimate Inflatable Water Slide $8,499.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AquaBanas Inflatable 14'9" FT Yacht Slides AquaBanas Inflatable 14'9" FT Yacht Slides $9,499.00 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AquaBanas Inflatable 28'9" FT Yacht Slide | Ultimate Superyacht Water Slide AquaBanas Inflatable 28'9" FT Yacht Slide | Ultimate Superyacht Water Slide $13,499.00 Learn More Yachtslides are the perfect addition to yachts or boats, providing hours of water fun for guests, family, and friends. EXPLORE YACHT SLIDES HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AquaBanas POP 3 Ocean Pool Yacht 26' x 22' AquaBanas POP 3 Ocean Pool Yacht 26' x 22' Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AquaBanas Resort Floating Ocean Pool POP 3 AquaBanas Resort Floating Ocean Pool POP 3 Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of AquaBanas Pool Pop 2 Ocean Pool AquaBanas Pool Pop 2 Ocean Pool Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 211 Packet Pg. 444 of 536 212 Learn More Critter Free & easy to deploy - Aquabanas floating pools. EXPLORE SEA POOLS HERE For Questions & Quotes, Call Andi Tel:706.619.6670 andi@lightasairboats.com BUY 1 GET the 2nd at 10% Off YACHTBEACH [BEACHCLUB] $500 Off AQUABANAS Pools and Slides [SPLASH] To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office preventedownload of this picture from the Internet.Button Text To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office preventedownload of this picture from the Internet.Custom We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 212 Packet Pg. 445 of 536 213 Vidal, Eric From:O'Kane, Kristen Sent:Thursday, April 30, 2026 3:59 PM To:Ellson, Penny Cc:ParkRec Commission Subject:RE: "Announcement: The Cubberley Community Center Administrative Office is open by appointment only. Please call or email to schedule an appointment." Penny, There are staƯ at Cubberley including a facility manager, numerous custodians and facility attendants, and other staƯ who use the oƯices such as human services. The customer service position at Cubberley who would help people as they walked into the front oƯice area became vacant is not going to be ﬁlled due to budget reductions. Since the manager is often in meetings or out and about the facility we chose to make access by appointment only. Of all CSD facilities, Cubberley receives the fewest walk-ins and Mitchell is just down the road. Kristen From: pennyellson12@gmail.com <pennyellson12@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2026 2:50 PM To: O'Kane, Kristen <Kristen.O'Kane@paloalto.gov> Cc: ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: "Announcement: The Cubberley Community Center Administrative Office is open by appointment only. Please call or email to schedule an appointment." CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Kristen, From the city’s Cubberley Community Center web page, “Announcement: The Cubberley Community Center Administrative Office is open by appointment only. Please call or email to schedule an appointment.” How many staff are at Lucie Stern, the Art Center, Junior Museum, new Bryant Street Community Center each day? There is not even one staff person in the Cubberley office? Perhaps this explains Cubberley’s extremely dirty and rundown condition. No one from staff is there daily to notice. No one is on site to take daily ownership or responsibility for managing this large facility. We need Cubberley to be a community services anchor as the city grows, especially as the SARAP area gets built up--3,800-7,400 new housing units in the SARAP area alone moves forward —not to mention other housing being planned south of Oregon. Citywide demand for community services space will greatly increase as at least 25% more people will be living in higher density buildings with smaller, closer living spaces. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 213 Packet Pg. 446 of 536 214 Why has city staff abandoned Cubberley’s office? Penny Ellson Virus-free.www.avg.com Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 214 Packet Pg. 447 of 536 215 Vidal, Eric From:pennyellson12@gmail.com Sent:Thursday, April 30, 2026 2:50 PM To:O'Kane, Kristen Cc:ParkRec Commission Subject:"Announcement: The Cubberley Community Center Administrative Office is open by appointment only. Please call or email to schedule an appointment." CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Kristen, From the city’s Cubberley Community Center web page, “Announcement: The Cubberley Community Center Administrative Office is open by appointment only. Please call or email to schedule an appointment.” How many staff are at Lucie Stern, the Art Center, Junior Museum, new Bryant Street Community Center each day? There is not even one staff person in the Cubberley office? Perhaps this explains Cubberley’s extremely dirty and rundown condition. No one from staff is there daily to notice. No one is on site to take daily ownership or responsibility for managing this large facility. We need Cubberley to be a community services anchor as the city grows, especially as the SARAP area gets built up--3,800-7,400 new housing units in the SARAP area alone moves forward —not to mention other housing being planned south of Oregon. Citywide demand for community services space will greatly increase as at least 25% more people will be living in higher density buildings with smaller, closer living spaces. Why has city staff abandoned Cubberley’s office? Penny Ellson To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Virus-free.www.avg.com Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 215 Packet Pg. 448 of 536 216 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 216 Packet Pg. 449 of 536 217 Vidal, Eric From:Simon Ortiz <simon@citydata.ai> Sent:Thursday, April 30, 2026 8:24 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:CityData.AI On-site visit CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Greetings, Parks and Recreation Commission, How could we request an in-person meeting with the Parks Department or the Commission? We will be in the Bay Area the next month, and we’d like to further discuss opportunities of uncovering visitation trends and usage patterns for all your parks, trails, and open spaces, just like we do with cities and counties like Sonoma County, San Leandro and Santa Clara County. We’d like to walk you through a live demo for parks and recreation usage data, uncovering insights such as: • Visitation trends • Movement patterns • Events attendees • Average stay time • Visitor places of origin • Visitor demographics I’m confident that seeing their live data will spark some ideas for your next parks planning initiative. Are you open to a brief meet and greet? Thank you. CITYDATA.ai San Francisco, California, USA Mobility Intelligence: Apps + Big Data+ Ai for a smarter, safer, and sustainable planet. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 217 Packet Pg. 450 of 536 218 On Thu, Apr 23, 2026 at 8:23 AM, Simon Ortiz <simon@citydata.ai> wrote: Greetings, Parks and Recreation Commission Your neighboring Parks Departments—including Sonoma County Regional Parks, San Leandro, and Santa Clara County—are using anonymized cellphone data from CityParks.AI platform to understand true usage and visitation trends across all their parks, trails, and open spaces. This data is critical for making informed decisions about resource allocation and programming. We’d like to request an in-person chat and a quick stop to discuss and help you uncover insights such as: • Hourly & Daily Usage Patterns: Identifying exactly when parks and facilities hit peak capacity to manage overcrowding and maintenance. • Visitor Origins & Movement Patterns: Understanding the specific neighborhoods visitors come from to optimize community outreach. • Field Task Optimization: Prioritizing maintenance tasks for field teams based on real usage patterns. We will be in the Bay Area from April 26th to May 15th and we’d like to briefly stop by your office or city hall for a quick in-person chat while we are in the area. Are you open to a brief conversation on how your local peers are using this information? All the best, CITYDATA.ai San Francisco, California, USA Mobility Intelligence: Apps + Big Data+ Ai for a smarter, safer, and sustainable planet. On Thu, Apr 16, 2026 at 9:36 AM, Simon Ortiz <simon@citydata.ai> wrote: Greetings, Parks and Recreation Commission. Do it like Sonoma County, San Leandro, and Santa Clara: Understanding park usage and visit trends by using anonymized cellphone data from CityParks. We'll be in the Bay Area the week of April 26th to May 15th, and we would like to stop by your office or City Hall for a quick 20-minute introduction. CityData.AI supports hundreds of Parks and Recreation agencies across the US by providing big data + AI models about visitor footfalls, along with ground truth validation. We are honored to have been selected by the Arizona State Parks & Trails Department as well as Texas State Parks and Wildlife for usage analytics and visitation insights. Our CityParks product includes: Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 218 Packet Pg. 451 of 536 219 • Hourly & Daily Usage Patterns: Know exactly when your parks, trails and facilities hit peak capacity. • Visitor Origins & Movement Patterns: Understand the origin blocks, neighborhoods and counties where visitors to your parks come from. • 7-Year Historical Trends: Compare current attendance to 2020-2025 data to quantify true growth. • Inferred Visitor Demographics: Infer the income, age range, and household types of your park users to better target programming. • Attendance for Events & Festivals: Estimate attendance for events, festivals, and fairs organized by your city or county. • Field Task Optimization: Prioritizing maintenance tasks for field teams based on actual usage of parks and trails. Are you open to a brief conversation on this? If so, let me know, and we can find a time that aligns for an in-person visit at your office during that week. All the best, CITYDATA.ai San Francisco, California, USA Mobility Intelligence: Apps + Big Data+ Ai for a smarter, safer, and sustainable planet. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 219 Packet Pg. 452 of 536 220 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Thursday, April 30, 2026 7:02 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Keep Guests Safe in the Water 🛟😊 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi there, Before the Whistle Blows, Be Fully Equipped! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Steadfast Rescue Tube 48" – Professional Lifeguard Rescue Equipment Steadfast Rescue Tube 48" – Professional Lifeguard Rescue Equipment $124.99 Contoured edges enhance rescues, while the recessed center ensures a stable cradle position. Multiple grip options accommodate all hand sizes. Easily replaceable strap extends the tube’s lifespan, a smart, cost- effective investment for lifeguard teams everywhere. Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of ZOLL AED Plus Semi-Automatic Package – Complete Defibrillator Kit ZOLL AED Plus Semi-Automatic Package – Complete Defibrillator Kit $2,720.00 Keep your AED rescue-ready at all times. With clear voice prompts, visual indicators, and a durable design, the ZOLL AED Plus is ideal for workplaces, schools, public venues, and aquatic environments where safety is a top priority. Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Stop the Bleed Kit STAT 3 with QuikClot Dressing – Advanced Emergency Bleeding Control To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Water Safety Products Thin Strap Lifeguard Swimsuit Water Safety Products Thin Strap Lifeguard Swimsuit Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 220 Packet Pg. 453 of 536 221 Stop the Bleed Kit STAT 3 with QuikClot Dressing – Advanced Emergency Bleeding Control $67.95 Popular Quikclot bleeding control dressing that clots blood of wounds on contact, and the STAT brand tourniquet. The Deluxe bleeding control kit has the easiest tourniquet to use and the top-selling blood clotting dressing available. Learn More $44.25 Engineered for water safety professionals, they offer excellent flexibility for swimming, running, and rapid response. Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Rolyan Buoys Rope Float Models B035LO and B059LO Rolyan Buoys Rope Float Models B035LO and B059LO $12.00 ☑Used to mark off swim areas. These rope floats feature a self-locking design that allows the float to lock onto the rope without a fastener ☑ Available in 2 sizes: 3" x 5" and 5" x 9" Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Water Safety Products Plastic Lifeguard Chair-in-a-Box Water Safety Products Plastic Lifeguard Chair- in-a-Box $713.00 Plastic Lifeguard Chair-in-a-Box is made of weather resistant , low maintenance recycled plastic. Includes built-in drink and umbrella holders. Learn More See Lifeguard Supplies Here See All Buoys Here For Questions & Quotes, Call Andi Tel:706.619.6670 andi@lightasairboats.com Explore All Pool Equipment Here To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office preventedownload of this picture from the Internet.Button Text To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office preventedownload of this picture from the Internet.Custom Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 221 Packet Pg. 454 of 536 222 We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 222 Packet Pg. 455 of 536 223 Vidal, Eric From:Saksiri Tanphaichitr <saksiri@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 29, 2026 8:25 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:public comment for Middle School Athletics evaluation CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast (item 5 on the agenda for last night's meeting, 28 April) Hello, I have one child who has gone through JLS and two who are attending next year. I'll keep this short: Please support the RFP process for middle school sports in time to inform the 2026–2027 school year, and input from folks who have made a concerted, focused effort on getting nonprofit organizations involved, like Tom Haxton and PAMSACO. To say more: I've attended some of the past meetings over the last 18 months and read meeting notes, and what I am seeing is the perfect being the enemy of the good; that is, councilmembers who each focus on a singular issue to the detriment of improving the whole picture; and to the detriment of the students, for whom their entire time in middle school will go by before even an RFP is put out. I'll go further and say that the committee, in its actions, continues to support the majority of the $335 registration fees going to administrating the program rather than the benefit of the students; and for hypothetical reasons such as supporting other sports, when the current sports have demonstrably not been well supported (equipment not being made available, insufficient funds for coaches, poor scheduling coordination). Another reason or what-if arises every time the subject comes up for discussion. Please address this longstanding issue, and please do it now. Saksiri Tanphaichitr Midtown Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 223 Packet Pg. 456 of 536 224 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 29, 2026 7:31 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Make Lake Days Unforgettable! 🌊 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi there Be guest ready! Made with heavy-duty, commercial-grade materials trusted by camps, resorts, and waterparks worldwide. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Waterslide Chutes Waterslide Chutes $1,280.00 There is nothing quite like the rush of a water slide on a hot summer day. These slides become the centerpiece of lake days, gatherings, and camp activities — the one thing everyone talks about long after the season ends. Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Spinera Spinning Endless Ride 4-6 People Commercial Tube Spinera Spinning Endless Ride 4-6 People Commercial Tube $3,399.15 Absolute eye-catcher on the water -- a tube that also spins on its own axis during the ride. As the speed of the boat increases, the tube rotates faster and faster around its own axis! Learn More SEE SPINNING TUBES HERE Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 224 Packet Pg. 457 of 536 225 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Island Hopper 20' Acrobat Water Trampoline 20PVCTUBE Island Hopper 20' Acrobat Water Trampoline 20PVCTUBE $5,349.00 A favorite of camps, resorts and lake home consumers, this model is commercial built to withstand years of hard use. Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of WaterBlob Extra Large Blob 40' X 10' WaterBlob Extra Large Blob 40' X 10' $6,250.00 From high-flying jumps to epic splashes, see how people of all ages enjoy bouncing, flipping, and launching into the water. Learn More SEE ALL BOUNCERS & TRAMPOLINES HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Okobee 8' Single Rotomolded Kayak Okobee 8' Single Rotomolded Kayak $425.00 Perfect for solo paddlers, with open sit-on-top design provides excellent stability and allows for easy entry and exit, and still comfortable seating area, molded footrests, and convenient rear storage space, you can paddle comfortably while keeping gear secure for longer adventures! Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Okobee 11' Double Rotomolded Kayak Okobee 11' Double Rotomolded Kayak $590.00 11-foot streamlined hull design, excellent balance between speed and stability, a tandem seating configuration allows two paddlers to enjoy the journey comfortably while maintaining great tracking and maneuverability. Ergonomically designed seating areas and ample legroom help reduce fatigue, allowing you to paddle longer and explore further Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Okobee 11'5" Single Rotomolded Kayak Okobee 11'5" Single Rotomolded Kayak $590.00 11'5", with spacious cockpit and ergonomic seating, with multiple storage options and a lightweight yet sturdy. Perfect for recreational paddling, fishing, and weekend adventures Learn More SEE ALL KAYAKS HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 225 Packet Pg. 458 of 536 226 For Questions & Quotes, Call Andi 706.619.6670 andi@lightasairboats.com CAMPS & PARKS CATALOG RESORTS CATALOG WATER RECREATION CATALOG To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Button Text To help prprivacy, Mprevented download from the InCustom We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 04.29.26-05.19.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 226 Packet Pg. 459 of 536 1 Vidal, Eric From:Clerk, City Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2026 7:55 AM To:ParkRec Commission Cc:Vidal, Eric Subject:FW: letter to Parks & Recreation Commission Attachments:Letter to PRC.docx Hi Eric, Please see the attached Public Comment Letter for the PRC meeting today. Thank you, Belle Farias Administrative Associate III Office of the City Clerk P: 650.329.2630 | E: Belle.Farias@PaloAlto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov From: Emily Renzel <marshmama2@att.net> Sent: Monday, May 25, 2026 9:13 PM To: Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Fwd: letter to Parks & Recreation Commission CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Sorry. I thought I was sending this to you at the Clerk’s office and accidentally sent it to the Council. Please forward it to the Parks and Rec Commission for their meeting tomorrow night. Thanks. Emily RenzelBegin forwarded message:From: Emily Renzel <marshmama2@att.net>Subject: let i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered b Mimecast CGBANNERINDICATOR Sorry. I thought I was sending this to you at the Clerk’s office and accidentally sent it to the Council. Please forward it to the Parks and Rec Commission for their meeting tomorrow night. Thanks. Emily Renzel Begin forwarded message: From: Emily Renzel <marshmama2@att.net> Subject: letter to Parks & Recreation Commission Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 227 Packet Pg. 460 of 536 2 Date: May 25, 2026 at 9:10:01 PM PDT To: City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> I could not find an email address for the Parks and Recreation Commission. Could you please forward this comment letter to them for their meeting tomorrow night? Please copy me. Thank you. Emily Renzel Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 228 Packet Pg. 461 of 536 Nellis Freeman, Chair May 26, 2026 Parks & Recreation Commission City of Palo Alto Dear Chair Freeman and Members of the Commission: I understand that you will be reviewing the Flood Basin Tide Gate issues as they relate to the proposed future Santa Clara Valley Water District Levee changes. Pages 77 to 83 of The March 1975 DRAFT EIR for the Palo Alto Refuse Disposal Area which was used to apply retroactively for a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to fill wetlands for the landfill, discusses landfill mitigation. The mitigation was to re‐introduce salt marsh into the Flood Basin. There was extensive discussion of the importance of periods of inundation in the encouragement of salt marsh. The timing of saltwater entering the Flood Basin can be very critical because the volume of water relates to tidal fluctuation out in the Bay. Nesting bird populations can be decimated if water rises too high. Ultimately the City mitigated the loss of 65 acres of wetlands by installing the automated gate which was designed to control those variable factors. The current City Practice does not meet the standards adopted in 1976. The 2008 Baylands Master Plan (pages 130 and 131) discusses the Flood Basin. It says, “In response to mitigation requirements of the 1976 permit to continue operations and expand the footprint of the landfill, the City engaged Water Resources Engineers to study restoring the marsh environment in the Flood Basin. The study, Mathematical Model of the Palo Alto Flood Basin noted that the Flood Basin had been cut off from tidal circulation when the original tide gates were built in 1956.” “Therefore, in 1977, the tide gate was modified to include a two‐way gate that allows Bay water into the Basin under controlled conditions. (emphasis mine) In an ongoing effort to maintain the marsh environment, Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 229 Packet Pg. 462 of 536 the tide gate was improved in 1993 and again in 2002. The most recent improvement included the addition of a hole through which fish can leave the Basin if conditions are not favorable.” “Today, the Palo Alto Park Ranger controls the tide gate with three primary objectives: 1. Flood Control which requires adequate space for rain flow down Adobe, Matadero, and Barron Creeks . 2. Vector Management which requires the water level to stay below a specified height (to prevent ponding and breeding habitat for mosquitoes). 3. Habitat Management which requires a daily flush of tidal water to bring in necessary nutrients and aquatic life.” There is no mention of the original mitigation of replacing the illegally filled wetlands that was the genesis of this project. The Refuse Fund charged residents $100,000/acre/year rent for FIFTY YEARS (!!!!!) beyond the original landfill closure date for the 126‐acre landfill. Surely the Refuse Fund can find the funds to properly repair the one required automated tidegate to protect the salt marsh in the Flood Basin. Thank you for doing what you can to protect this important habitat. Emily Renzel Planning Commissioner 1973‐1979 Councilmember 1979‐91 Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 230 Packet Pg. 463 of 536 3 Vidal, Eric From:Peter Giles <pbgiles@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2026 9:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Oppose converting more Mitchell Park Tennis Courts to Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. To council and commission members, I strongly object to the proposal to convert Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4 to eight pickleball courts. Currently there is a sustainable balance that well serves the community of tennis and pickleball players at Mitchell Park. Conver ng an addi onal two tennis courts to eight pickleball courts will severely impact tennis opportuni es, especially on weekends and unfairly disrupt that balance. Respec ully yours, Peter Giles 786 E. Meadow Dr Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 231 Packet Pg. 464 of 536 4 Vidal, Eric From:Emily Qiu <emilyqiu@hotmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2026 6:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Opposing Tennis courts conversion in Mitchell park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To whom it may concern: I am writing to oppose the plan of Tennis courts conversion into pickle ball courts in Mitchell park. The reason is that it will greatly impact the tennis courts availability for recreational activities in this area. Thank you for your consideration and support of tennis sports! Best regards Emily Qiu Get Outlook for iOS Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 232 Packet Pg. 465 of 536 5 Vidal, Eric From:Curtis Gleason <curtglea@pacbell.net> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2026 4:18 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Mitchell Park Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To whom it my concern, I play tennis (with 3 or 4 others from the neighborhood)) at Mitchell Park every Saturday morning. We arrive by 7:30 and Courts 3 and 4 are already occupied. Fortunately, we have been able to get on Court 1, sometimes Court 2 is occupied. But at 8:00 an instructor (authorized) takes Court 2 and at 9:00 another instructor (authorized) takes Court 1. Thus, only Courts 3 and 4 are available for the general public. It would be most cruel to take Courts 3 and 4 away from the tennis players. The Cubberley tennis Courts are not an option for displaced Mitchell Saturday morning tennis players. The Palo Alto Tennis Club uses Courts 1, 2, and 3 starting at 9:00. Many of those players start coming to warm up at 8:30. Courts 4, 5, and 6 are usually occupied, one or two of them by instructors of questionable authenticity. Ergo, Mitchell Courts 1, 2, 3, and 4 must be kept for tennis (at least for Saturday mornings). Is not there some land available East of Bayshore that can be used for a pickleball facility where the noise would not be a problem? They could also build an indoor facility to contain the noise (so any wild life is not disturbed) and be weather independent. By having their own facility, Mitchell Park pickleball Courts near the Magical Bridge playground could be returned to tennis Courts and the playground users could again enjoy peace and quiet (well quiet except for the noise of laughter that happy children generate). PLEASE, leave Mitchell Park Courts 3 and 4 for tennis (Courts 1 and 2 also). Thank you. Respectfully yours, Curtis Gleason 721 Charleston Ct. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 233 Packet Pg. 466 of 536 6 Vidal, Eric From:Erich Sonnberger <erich66@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2026 3:38 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Oppose Conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4 to Pickleball Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear Members of the Parks & Recrea on Commission and City Council, I am wri ng to strongly oppose the Palo Alto Pickleball Club's proposal to convert Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4 into eight pickleball courts. This conversion would leave Mitchell Park with only two tennis courts for community play and programs, making it signiﬁcantly harder for families, students, and recrea onal players to access court me. It would also increase pressure on Rinconada Park and other facili es as displaced players seek alterna ves. I understand the desire to expand pickleball in our community, and I support ﬁnding solu ons that serve all residents. However, elimina ng half of Mitchell Park's tennis courts is not the answer. I urge the Commission to explore alterna ve loca ons that do not come at the expense of exis ng tennis infrastructure. I ask that you vote against this proposal and work collabora vely with both tennis and pickleball communi es to ﬁnd a solu on that supports all park users. Thank you for your me and service to our community. Sincerely, Erich Sonnberger erich66@gmail.com Erich Sonnberger Intero Real Estate Services A Berkshire Hathaway Aﬃliate Realtor/Makler Immobilienverkäufe 650-505-9802 DRE#01435799 Don't wait to buy real estate, buy real estate then wait :) Reminder: email is not secure or conﬁden al. Intero Real Estate Services will never request that you send funds or nonpublic personal informa on, such as credit card or debit card numbers or bank account and/or rou ng numbers, by email. If you receive an email message concerning any transac on involving Intero Real Estate Services and the email requests that you send funds or provide nonpublic personal informa on, do not respond to the email and immediately contact Intero Real Estate Services To no fy Intero Real Estate Services of suspected email fraud, contact: Intero Client Services at 866 334 7356 and/or clientservices@interorealestate.com. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 234 Packet Pg. 467 of 536 7 Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 235 Packet Pg. 468 of 536 8 Vidal, Eric From:agi888@yahoo.com Sent:Monday, May 25, 2026 3:26 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Oppose further pickleballs expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Hi, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I express my strong opposi on to any further expansion or conversion of t ennis courts for pickleball. Agnes Wong 486 Anton Court Palo Alto, CA 94301 Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 236 Packet Pg. 469 of 536 9 Vidal, Eric From:Leny Tan <stephen.leny@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2026 7:59 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:A Fairmeadow Resident's Concern: Pickleball Noise at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, My name is Leny Tan. My husband, Stephen and I have 2 kids go to JLS and Gunn. We live on Fair Meadow Circle in the Fairmeadow neighborhood. I am writing to object to the proposal to convert Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4 into eight pickleball courts. I'll be honest — I don't live right next to the park. But on a typical afternoon and evening, I can already hear sounds drifting from Mitchell Park into my home. That alone tells you something about how close we are. Fairmeadow is just one street crossing away. Sound travels. Now picture eight pickleball courts running at full capacity. Pickleball noise is not just louder — it is a fundamentally different kind of noise. The sharp, repetitive popping sound hits at a frequency of around 1,000 Hz, which happens to be the pitch the human brain is most alert to. It is not background noise you can tune out. Research from acoustic professionals describes it as similar to a dripping faucet — the kind of sound that keeps pulling your attention back no matter what you are doing. The numbers back this up: - 4x louder than tennis in perceived volume - Up to 30,000 pops per day from just four courts — double that for eight - Studies confirm people do not habituate to it; it tends to get more annoying over time, not less I am not against pickleball. But placing eight courts in a park bordered by a quiet residential neighborhood — where residents can already hear today's activity — is simply the wrong location for this expansion. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 237 Packet Pg. 470 of 536 10 I respectfully ask that you reject this proposal and commit to finding a site that does not come at the expense of the people who live nearby. Thank you for your time. Stephen Cia and Leny Tan 93 Roosevelt Cir, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 238 Packet Pg. 471 of 536 11 Vidal, Eric From:Leny Tan <stephen.leny@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2026 7:26 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Oppose Conversion of Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 & 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, I am writing to oppose the Palo Alto Pickleball Club's proposal to convert Mitchell Park Tennis Courts 3 and 4 into pickleball courts. Mitchell Park currently serves a large number of tennis players — families, students, and community members who depend on these courts. Converting two of the four courts would leave only two tennis courts for community use, creating serious access issues and pushing overflow to already-strained facilities like Rinconada Park. I am not opposed to expanding pickleball in Palo Alto. However, doing so at the direct expense of existing tennis infrastructure is the wrong approach. There are other locations in the city that should be evaluated before reducing tennis access at Mitchell Park. I urge you to reject this proposal and instead explore alternative sites that can accommodate both communities without taking away from what already exists. Thank you for your time and consideration. Regards, Leny Tan 93 Roosevelt Cir, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 239 Packet Pg. 472 of 536 12 Vidal, Eric From:Diane Wang <danpingw@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2026 5:26 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Support New Pickle Ball Court CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To whom it may concern, I strongly support the project (converting tennis court into pickle ball courts) because more and more local residents involved in playing pickle balls than tennis ball which does not fit majority needs. Pickle ball has both official USA and world governing bodies.I'm very glad that Palo Alto Michell Park become pioneer pickle ball courts in Bay Area to meet the increase trend of local residents popular activities. Promote local people health in all kinds of ages. That's awesome! Please ignore one opposer who is against Mountain View pickle ball players to go to Michell Park, but this opposer often goes to Mountain View Senior Center for her activities. There is no cutoff line among surrounding cities. Also, pickle ball will not create any significant noises for library or closer residents. Noises need official measurement, not by the opposer rambling on. Sincerely, Diane D. Wang Cell: 650-796-2838 Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 240 Packet Pg. 473 of 536 13 Vidal, Eric From:Postmaster <postmaster@paloalto.gov> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2026 7:09 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:You have new held messages To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Logo You have new held messages You can release all of your held messages and permit or block future emails from the senders, or manage messages individually. Release all Permit all Block all You can also mana e held messa es in our Personal Portal. Spam Policy pennyellson12@gmail.com Pickleball Courts -- It is time for a change in our approach. 2026-05-23 17:32 Release Permit Block Release all Permit all Block all To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. © 2019 Mimecast Services Limited. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 241 Packet Pg. 474 of 536 14 Vidal, Eric From:Pamela Mayerfeld <pam.mayerfeld@stanfordalumni.org> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2026 3:23 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; PlayingFields; Howard, Adam Subject:Please, don't replace tennis courts at Mitchell Park with Pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Council & Parks & Rec, Please do not replace any more tennis courts at Mitchell Park with pickleball courts. I am an avid tennis player, playing ~6 times a week since I am now retired. However, I never play at Mitchell as it is already too congested & noisy. I often go to Ada's and the library and the parking is insane, mostly due to the pickleball players who traveled to come play at Mitchell Park. I can't imagine how horrible the environment would be at the park, library & Ada's if additional courts were placed there. Families enjoy Mitchell Park & the pickleball noise is presently somewhat muffled as most of the courts are slightly removed from the grassy area, this separation would not be the case if more courts were added at the Northern end of the park. Note that this is not the case near the Magical Bridge playground -- it is very loud there! I appreciate that Pickleball is a growing sport, but tennis is also. The loss of all the school courts was a severe blow, please don't take more tennis courts away from the Palo Alto community. And PLEASE don't make Mitchell Park even noisier and more crowded than it already is. (Requiring USTA teams to have 25% PA residents to reserve PA courts was a huge help in having courts open for drop-in play as well as reservations by legitimate PA teams. Thank you for that change.) Thank you, Pam Mayerfeld Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 242 Packet Pg. 475 of 536 15 Vidal, Eric From:Lee Christel <lee_xtel@pacbell.net> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2026 10:56 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:No Pickelball Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Council and Members of the Parks Commission, I strongly oppose any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. I would like the City to: * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 243 Packet Pg. 476 of 536 16 * Implement strict operational restrictions, including limiting play hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Thank you, Lee Christel Midtown PA Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 244 Packet Pg. 477 of 536 17 Vidal, Eric From:Bob Stillerman <bobstiller@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2026 10:54 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Please don't convert tennis to pickleball at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear commissioners, I am an avid tennis player and an enthusiastic pickleball player. I understand the issues on both sides of this discussion. I am also a former board member of the Palo Alto Tennis Club. I have been playing tennis in PA since 1978. When I moved here, I was very pleased at the number of public courts that were available. I continue to admire Palo Alto for that service. I know that during peak periods, courts can be scarce for both sports. Having the commission give priority to one over the other doesn’t seem like the right approach. I understand that there are other alternatives, including space near Geng Road, that could be considered for PB use. Given the sensitivity of this issue, I have recommended in a prior email to the commission and continue to recommend that you designate a community committee to come up with a proposal to present to the commission. The committee could consist of two reps from each of tennis and PB, and one P & R commissioner. It is my opinion that having the players themselves sort this out is a better approach than having an oversight organization decide. I’m sure you are aware that the PA Pickleball Club has been very aggressive with its large membership in encouraging players’ voices to be heard. While this is a clever tactic, the commission shouldn’t be swayed by sheer numbers, because the tennis community is not as well organized as pickleball. Thanks for listening. Bob Stillerman Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 245 Packet Pg. 478 of 536 18 Vidal, Eric From:Jake Hsen <info@lovejrhsen.com> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2026 10:01 AM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Concern Regarding Proposed Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commission Members, I am writing to express my concern regarding the proposal to convert Tennis Courts 3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into additional pickleball courts. Mitchell Park currently has 15 pickleball courts and only 4 tennis courts. Converting two of the remaining tennis courts into six or eight additional pickleball courts would significantly reduce public access to tennis at this location and would essentially eliminate Mitchell Park as a viable place for community tennis play. While Courts 1 and 2 may still be available for lessons and classes, the loss of Courts 3 and 4 would have a major impact on local tennis players who rely on Mitchell Park for recreational play. This would also place additional pressure on other tennis facilities, such as Rinconada Park, as displaced Mitchell Park players would need to find alternative courts. As a result, court availability for the broader tennis community would become even more limited. I understand and respect the growing popularity of pickleball, but I believe it is important to maintain a fair balance between the needs of pickleball players and tennis players. Tennis continues to serve many community members of all ages, including students, families, recreational players, and those participating in lessons and organized programs. I respectfully ask the Commission to carefully consider the impact this proposed conversion would have on the tennis community before making any decision. Preserving adequate tennis court access at Mitchell Park is important for maintaining balanced recreational opportunities for all Palo Alto residents. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 246 Packet Pg. 479 of 536 19 Jake Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 247 Packet Pg. 480 of 536 20 Vidal, Eric From:Xinran Liu <ellaxliu@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2026 8:02 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Save Our Tennis Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Council Members, We urge the Parks Commission to vote No for the pickleball expansion proposal. We support expanding pickleball—just not at the expense of our existing tennis courts. There are other locations that can and should be considered. Passing the proposal would result in • Mitchell Park being left twitch ONLY 2 tennis courts for community play and programs • It being much harder for families, students, and players to find court time • Rinconada Park will be further impacted as Mitchell Park players are forced to look elsewhere Thank you for your time and consideration. Best, Xinran Liu Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 248 Packet Pg. 481 of 536 21 Vidal, Eric From:christine seto <cljseto@yahoo.com> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2026 5:25 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Opposition to Proposed Pickleball Conversion at Mitchell Park Tennis Courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and Palo Alto City Council, I am a Palo Alto resident writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal to convert Mitchell Park tennis courts #3 and #4 into pickleball courts. While I support the growth of pickleball in our city, it should not come at the expense of our active and established tennis community—especially our youth. Mitchell Park’s courts are a vital asset for local families. My own children use these courts on a weekly basis. Because the park is within safe biking distance from our house, they are able to independently meet up with friends to play, while enjoying the facilities of Mitchell Park. Thanks to having this local access, they have successfully developed their skills over the years and now play for the JLS and Gunn tennis teams. Tennis is a lifetime sport for them. Losing these two courts would be devastating to the local tennis community. Even now, finding an open court in Palo Alto is a frequent challenge. Removing 2 more courts from Mitchell Park's tennis capacity will severely bottleneck access for everyone, leaving only 2 open courts that are frequently utilized by the City of Palo Alto for lessons. Tennis has a rich, long-standing history in Palo Alto, supporting youth programs, school teams, and amateur leagues. If you spend time at Mitchell Park, you will see a vibrant, diverse community: Competitive leagues holding match play, friends meeting up for casual weekend games, parents teaching their young children the basics, and families like mine playing "King of the Court" together. I urge the city to evaluate alternative options or locations for dedicated pickleball courts so that both sports can thrive without forcing one community to sacrifice for the other. Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to keeping Palo Alto’s recreational spaces balanced and accessible. Regards, Christine Seto Palo Alto resident Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 249 Packet Pg. 482 of 536 22 Vidal, Eric From:Google <noreply@google.com> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2026 4:54 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Google Verification Code CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help prprivacy, Mprevented download from the In Google Verification Code This email address was recently used to start a visitor session. You can use this code to verify that this email belongs to you. 788119 © Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You received this email to confirm the address for a visitor session. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 250 Packet Pg. 483 of 536 23 Vidal, Eric From:Kathy Fan <kathyxfan@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2026 3:33 PM To:Vidal, Eric Cc:ParkRec Commission; Howard, Adam Subject:Re: Video Permission at May 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello Eric, This is Kathy Fan. I am a Palo Alto resident and the organizer of the “Stop New Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park” petition (https://www.change.org/NonewPicklect). I am writing this email to follow up on my request to play a video at the May 26 PRC meeting: https://youtube.com/shorts/j4p4QmM6uIA?si=DXBk8Vq5IHAvu4_n The video is a recording of the pickleball noise as heard from the property line of Stevenson House. Everything presented in this video is entirely fact-based. Could you please review it to see if it is okay to play during free speech session at the meeting? As you may agree, no one should have the right to derive enjoyment at the cost of others’ well-being. To address this, I propose restricting pickleball court playtime from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This restriction would provide immediate noise relief for nearby residents while we wait for a permanent sound buffer to be installed around the courts. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Best regards, Kathy Fan On Thu, May 21, 2026 at 3:07 PM Kathy Fan <kathyxfan@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Adam, Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 251 Packet Pg. 484 of 536 24 Good afternoon! May I have permission to play this video at the May 26 meeting? https://youtube.com/shorts/j4p4QmM6uIA?si=E-vC7tGE1B6fpNS2 This video would serve as a presentation of the residents living at Stevenson House. We encouraged the elderly residents who have been affected to file complaints and/or speak at the PRC meeting. Unfortunately, they are concerned about possible retaliation. Not only did they decline to speak, but they also asked us to delete their contact information. Thank you very much for your consideration. Best regards, Kathy Fan Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 252 Packet Pg. 485 of 536 25 Vidal, Eric From:Hien Nguyen <nguyenthanhhienvov@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2026 1:15 PM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; papc.secrectary@gmail.com Subject:Fewer courts, fewer tennis opportunities! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear City Council Members, I am a Palo Alto parent writing to ask you to please reconsider the proposal to convert the tennis courts at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. My children, my husband, friends and many other kids in our community use these courts regularly for lessons, practice, and matches. Mitchell Park is one of the few places where young players can consistently learn and grow in the sport. Tennis has been such a positive part of our children’s lives. It teaches discipline, focus, confidence, resilience, and respect. More importantly, it gives kids a healthy activity, friendships, and a sense of community. I understand that pickleball is growing quickly, and I respect that many people enjoy it. But I hope the city can find a solution that supports pickleball without taking away important spaces that youth tennis players already depend on. Please keep Mitchell Park tennis courts available for our children and families. Once these courts are gone, it will be very difficult to replace the opportunities they provide for youth in our community. One more thing I’ve noticed is that it’s already sometimes difficult to find available tennis courts because so many people actively use them for tennis. Reducing the number of courts would make access even harder for kids, families, and community programs. If more tennis courts are converted into pickleball courts, many Palo Alto residents — especially kids and families who play tennis regularly — may have fewer opportunities to play tennis. At the same time, many people from nearby cities can already access pickleball courts in other locations. I hope the city will consider preserving enough tennis courts for the local community and youth programs that already depend on them. Thank you for listening and for supporting the future of youth sports in Palo Alto. Sincerely,  Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 253 Packet Pg. 486 of 536 26 Hien Nguyen Ms Nguyen Thanh Hien Reporter of international Division, VOV1 41-43 Ba Trieu- Ha Noi Tel: 04.39364183 Mobile: 0983827482 Email: Nguyenthanhhienvov@gmail.com Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 254 Packet Pg. 487 of 536 27 Vidal, Eric From:Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2026 1:04 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Re: Agenda for Mar 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Gentle bump. On Wed, May 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> wrote: Hi, 1. In the Staff Report, it says "designating tennis courts 6 and 7 as multi-use courts". Where can I find the rules for "multi-use designation"? Under what circumstances can the courts be switched to other use? 2. "Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) provides an additional 27 tennis courts that are generally available". I believe some of these courts are also multi-use and drawn for pickleball? Do you know how many? Should the Report mention that too? Robert On Wed, May 20, 2026 at 11:58 AM Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> wrote: Thank you Sarah. On Wed, May 20, 2026 at 11:19 AM ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@paloalto.gov> wrote: Hi Robert, The agenda packet was posted yesterday and can be found here: Meeting Pickleball Facility Usage and Expansion Evaluation Staff Report: Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 255 Packet Pg. 488 of 536 28 dbcbf39c-ef23-4102-ade1-d76eac6115a1.pdf - OneMeeting Attachment A: Court Counts PDF Viewer - OneMeeting Public Comments from 4.29.26-5.19.26 PDF Viewer - OneMeeting The public comments will be updated again on Tuesday. Sarah SARAH ROBUSTELLI Division Manager Open Space, Parks, and Golf Community Services Department (650) 617-3518 | Sarah.Robustelli@PaloAlto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov From: Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 15, 2026 2:22 PM To: ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Agenda for Mar 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi, Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 256 Packet Pg. 489 of 536 29 I am hearing that the Parks and Rec Commission will be discussing the Pickleball Conversion at Mitchell Park at the May 26 meeting, and is asking for public feedback by May 18. However, I can't find the agenda: https://www.paloalto.gov/Events-Directory/Community-Services/Parks-and-Recreation- Commission-Meeting Can you confirm the exact topic being discussed? Thanks, Robert Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 257 Packet Pg. 490 of 536 30 Vidal, Eric From:Eric Chan <ericcmp1@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2026 11:17 AM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission Subject:Urgent: Please Preserve the Remaining Tennis Courts at Mitchell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To Members of the City Council: As a resident of Palo Alto, I am writing to formally request that the City Council reconsider the proposal to convert the remaining tennis courts at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. While I appreciate the city’s efforts to accommodate new recreational trends, it is vital that we maintain a balanced approach. I urge you to keep these courts dedicated to tennis for the following reasons: 1. Supporting Local Youth and Sustainable Transit Unlike pickleball, which currently attracts a large demographic of adults who often drive in from other neighborhoods, our tennis courts are a primary resource for local children and school-aged players. These young residents typically travel to the park by bicycle or on foot. By removing these courts, you are forcing our youth—who have limited transportation options—to seek facilities much further away. We should be prioritizing the needs of our local children over creating a regional hub for adult commuters. 2. Preservation of Sporting Diversity Many tennis courts in Mitchell Park have already been converted. To ensure fairness and diversity, the remaining courts must be preserved. Tennis remains a vital outlet for physical activity; removing the remaining courts at Mitchell Park would effectively displace a dedicated community of players. 3. Mitigating Traffic and Parking Congestion Pickleball is a high-density sport that attracts a high volume of players per square foot. Converting these courts will transform our local park into a "regional pickleball hub," bringing in significant Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 258 Packet Pg. 491 of 536 31 traffic from neighboring cities. Our park’s infrastructure, which serves the city library, baseball field, and playground, cannot handle this additional parking demand. 4. Maintaining a Well-Rounded Community Hub Mitchell Park should remain a multi-use space that serves everyone. With limited parking already stretched between library patrons and families using the playground, we must avoid allowing a single sport to dominate the public facility. A "well-rounded" community (Library, Baseball, Tennis, and Pickleball) is far more valuable than a specialized site that crowds out other residents. 5. Investing in Future Generations Tennis is a lifelong sport with a deep heritage. We have a responsibility to ensure that our children have the opportunity to learn and enjoy tennis in their own neighborhood. Not everyone wants to play pickleball, and we must protect the variety of sports available to the next generation. I ask the Council to value the long-term balance of our park and the accessibility needs of our local youth. Please keep the remaining tennis courts at Mitchell Park as they are. Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community. Sincerely, Ming Chan Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 259 Packet Pg. 492 of 536 32 Vidal, Eric From:Henry <terasearch@yahoo.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 11:18 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Opposed the conversion of more pickleball courts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. We have lived in Palo Alto for 22 years and close to Mitchell Park. I have seen the tennis courts being converted to pickleball courts over the years and over me it’s overtaken part of the park. It’s become too much, and naturally they are emboldened to ask for more. I don’t see much family orienta on: it’s essen ally a private club using our public property. Thank you Henry Yu Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 260 Packet Pg. 493 of 536 33 Vidal, Eric From:Minh Nguyen <minh230215@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 9:16 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:PAPC tennis court conversion request argument CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • Similar name as someone in your company. • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello, my name is Minh, and I am currently 11 years old. I am writing this email regarding the PAPC’s request to convert Mitchell Park’s tennis courts. People in favor of converting these courts may argue that because two tennis courts holding 8 people can be converted to hold 32 pickleball players, it helps use the park’s space efficiently—let's check the reality of that logic. This is only true if there were an extremely tiny number of tennis players, which there is not. Your calculation is only measuring the amount of pickleball players using the space, not the tennis players who are being displaced. How is that using the park’s space efficiently? It is simply taking space away from us tennis players. Other people may also argue that there are more active pickleball players than tennis players in the area. Let’s analyze this more carefully. Pickleball might look more crowded at Mitchell Park because players from all over the region drive to Palo Alto to play. This isn’t a sign of pickleball having a larger overall population; it is just the pickleball population condensing into one Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 261 Packet Pg. 494 of 536 34 single area. Tennis players are spread out across all the various courts in Palo Alto, and they also have many players waiting for their turn. This brings me to my third argument: the kids who play tennis. While kids who play pickleball aren’t less important than kids who play tennis, kids who play tennis have to make massive commitments. Tennis takes years to get good at, whereas pickleball can be learned in a matter of months. Converting these tennis courts will leave fewer spaces for youth tennis players to fulfill their long-term commitments to the sport and overcome the hardships of training. Finally, Palo Alto has become a destination for many pickleball players who are not even Palo Alto residents. Why does Palo Alto have to sacrifice its own tennis courts rather than neighboring cities like Mountain View, Cupertino, or San Jose? You have accommodated not only our local pickleball population, but non-residents as well. I strongly respect that, but I believe that in order to primarily serve Palo Alto’s own community, you should not convert these courts. In fact, 42% of PAPC members aren’t even Palo Alto residents! They come here because their own cities refuse to build pickleball hubs since Palo Alto already has a strong one. If you don’t convert the Mitchell Park’s courts, then other cities will be forced to accommodate for their own citizens. Sincerely, Minh Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 262 Packet Pg. 495 of 536 35 Vidal, Eric From:Harriet Stern <harriet@magicalbridge.org> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 5:52 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Re: Item shared with you: "Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov" CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Awesome! Thanks so much. It is 51 seconds. May I introduce it? "This was recorded on my iPhone at the Magical Bridge Playground on Sunday April 26 at 9:30 am during a visit by Scouts working on their Disability Awareness Merit Badge. Pickleball noise significantly affects the playground. Imagine how it sounds to people who have auditory or other sensory sensitivities." Harriet On Thu, May 21, 2026 at 5:32 PM ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@paloalto.gov> wrote: Good Afternoon Harriet, I was able to download the video to be shared for next week’s PRC meeting. We look forward to seeing you . Eric Vidal Coordinator Rec Prog | Open Space, Parks, and Golf Community Services Department (650) 496-6962 | Eric.Vidal@paloalto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 263 Packet Pg. 496 of 536 36 From: Harriet Stern (via Google Drive) <drive-shares-dm-noreply@google.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 4:16 PM To: ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Item shared with you: "Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov" CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Harriet Stern shared an item Harriet Stern (harriet@magicalbridge.org) has shared the following item: Learn more This is the video I would like to shown for agenda item 4 in lieu of speaking in the public comment section. Thanks for your help. Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 264 Packet Pg. 497 of 536 37 Open Use is subject to the Google Privacy Policy. Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkwa y, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You have received this email because harriet@magicalbridge.org shared a file or folder located in Google Drive with you. Delete visitor session Google Workspace Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 265 Packet Pg. 498 of 536 38 Vidal, Eric From:ParkRec Commission Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 5:33 PM To:Harriet Stern Cc:ParkRec Commission Subject:RE: Item shared with you: "Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov" Good Afternoon Harriet, I was able to download the video to be shared for next week’s PRC meeting. We look forward to seeing you . Eric Vidal Coordinator Rec Prog | Open Space, Parks, and Golf Community Services Department (650) 496-6962 | Eric.Vidal@paloalto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov From: Harriet Stern (via Google Drive) <drive-shares-dm-noreply@google.com> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 4:16 PM To: ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Item shared with you: "Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov" CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Harriet Stern shared an item Harriet Stern (harriet@magicalbridge.org) has shared the following item: Learn more This is the video I would like to shown for agenda item 4 in lieu of speaking in the public comment section. Thanks for your help. The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 266 Packet Pg. 499 of 536 39 Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov Open Use is subject to the Google Privacy Policy. Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkwa y, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You have received this email because harriet@magicalbridge.org shared a file or folder located in Google Drive with you. Delete visitor session Google Workspace Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 267 Packet Pg. 500 of 536 40 Vidal, Eric From:Howard, Adam Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 5:25 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Automatic reply: Visitors affected by Pickleball at Mitchell Park I'm sorry I missed your email. i'm out of oƯice but will return on Tuesday May 26th. For immediate assistance please call Mitchell Park front desk, they can assist. Thank you Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 268 Packet Pg. 501 of 536 41 Vidal, Eric From:Harriet Stern (via Google Drive) <drive-shares-dm-noreply@google.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 4:16 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Item shared with you: "Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov" CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Harriet Stern shared an item Harriet Stern (harriet@magicalbridge.org) has shared the following item: Learn more This is the video I would like to shown for agenda item 4 in lieu of speaking in the public comment section. Thanks for your help. Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov Use is subject to the Google Privacy Policy. Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkwa y, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You have received this email because harriet@magicalbridge.org shared a file or folder located in Google Drive with you. Delete visitor session Google Workspace Open Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 269 Packet Pg. 502 of 536 42 Vidal, Eric From:Harriet Stern <harriet@magicalbridge.org> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 4:12 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Submitting video to be played as in person public comment CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious • The sender's email address couldn't be verified. • You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, On Tuesday, May 26th at 7pm I will be in the Council Chambers to comment on Agenda Item 4. Instead of me speaking, I would like the attached video played. It is less than a minute long. It was filmed with my iPhone on the Magical Bridge Playground, Sunday, April 26 at 9:30am According to the City Clerk's office, this is allowed. Would you please tell me specifically how to do this. Thank you so much, Sincerely, Harriet Harriet Stern Curator of Community Kindness Magical Bridge Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit) www.magicalbridge.org To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Magical Bridge Playground Sunday morning.mov Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 270 Packet Pg. 503 of 536 43 Vidal, Eric From:Kathy Fan <kathyxfan@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 3:08 PM To:Howard, Adam Cc:ParkRec Commission Subject:Video Permission at May 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • Some Recipients have never replied to this person. • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi Adam, Good afternoon! May I have permission to play this video at the May 26 meeting? https://youtube.com/shorts/j4p4QmM6uIA?si=E-vC7tGE1B6fpNS2 This video would serve as a presentation of the residents living at Stevenson House. We encouraged the elderly residents who have been affected to file complaints and/or speak at the PRC meeting. Unfortunately, they are concerned about possible retaliation. Not only did they decline to speak, but they also asked us to delete their contact information. Thank you very much for your consideration. Best regards, Kathy Fan Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 271 Packet Pg. 504 of 536 44 Vidal, Eric From:Leslyn Leong <leslynl@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 2:17 PM To:ParkRec Commission Cc:Robustelli, Sarah Subject:Mitchell Park: Proposed Conversion of Courts 3 and 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Commissioners, Thank you for your time and diligence in understanding how to provide pickleball courts while also balancing the concerns of other park users and the surrounding neighborhood of Mitchell Park. I’m heartened by the City’s and Adhoc Sub-committee’s findings and recommendations that were thoroughly investigated by Adam Howard and his team. I have played tennis and pickleball for about 2-4 times per week for the past 20+ and 2 years, respectively, at Mitchell Park. I’ve also been an avid user of the park- having used the play structures when my children were young; taking them to soccer classes, and attending community events like the Summer Concerts. Mitchell Park is truly a unique gem that was one of the reasons why my husband and I moved to Palo Alto. In order to fully understand all the issues regarding the proposed conversion, I researched, read, and spoke to many different people to ensure that my conclusions were based on data, and not emotions. The result was a comprehensive document that organizes much of what was said in emails in this hearing’s Packet. Below is a link from a virtual binder on LiveBinder.com titled "Mitchell Park Conversion of Tennis Courts” that provides data and specifics that is consistent with your finding. While my document may seem long, it is organized to give you a snapshot (i.e. the "Overview” tab) of all issues related to the proposed conversion, and provide information that has not been articulated before. If you want more specificity on a given Section, then just hit one of following tab which will open a new document. Each tab corresponds to the identified section of the “Overview”. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 272 Packet Pg. 505 of 536 45 I hope you find my document helpful. If you have any questions, concerns or response, feel free to call or email me. Thank you for your time. Best, Leslyn P.S.: Apologies for not getting my document to you earlier. http://www.livebinders.com/b/3710863 Leslyn S. Leong, Esq. Mobile: 650.388.8980 Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 273 Packet Pg. 506 of 536 46 Vidal, Eric From:Henry Riggs <hlriggs@comcast.net> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 1:56 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Proposed Mitchel Park pickleball court conversion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Commissioners, I play both tennis and pickleball. Both are worthy sports, and there is no reason why they cannot co-exist. That said, the conversion of tennis courts to serve pickle ball is simply robbing Peter to pay Paul, and most surprising that an established city should even consider restraining one of their most popular, enduring rec sports. PA tennis courts are much in demand at peak hours, and most of those players are your residents. It has been noted that a city that could spend 9 million to build a bike bridge that has perhaps dozens of users can surely build new pickleball courts. If you’re convinced they’re needed, build them in a location with parking, access, and noise tolerance. Mitchell Park no longer has all of these - meanwhile the number of Palo Alto p-ball courts is now way out of proportion to the city population. I admire the dedication and unity of the p-ball players who keep going back to the well in PA to ask for more, but Mitchell Park has been assaulted enough. Please put an end to this. Respectfully, Henry Riggs Drop in Director Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 274 Packet Pg. 507 of 536 47 Palo Alto Tennis Club Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 275 Packet Pg. 508 of 536 48 Vidal, Eric From:Light As Air Boats <hello@lightasairboats.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 7:03 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Our Best In Class Inflatable Kayaks.🌊 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. SHOP NOW Hi there Offer Great Experiences, & Be A Memory Maker This Season! To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Gumotex SEASHINE 15′ 5″ Inflatable Kayak Gumotex SEASHINE 15′ 5″ Inflatable Kayak $2,700.00 굗굙굘 For one, two or three paddlers and baggage. 굗굙굘 Length x width: 15'5" x 2'8" 굗굙굘 Weight: 42 lbs 굗굙굘 Max load: 551 lbs Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Gumotex SEAWAVE 14'11" Inflatable Kayak Gumotex SEAWAVE 14'11" Inflatable Kayak $1,800.00 굗굙굘Fast & easy to control 굗굙굘Can be converted from a 3-person into a 1 or 2 person굗굙굘 14'11" x 2'9" 굗굙굘2 + 1 Learn More SEE GUMOTEX INFLATABLE KAYAKS HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 276 Packet Pg. 509 of 536 49 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Spinera Kayak Tenaya 160 Inflatable Kayak 3 Person Spinera Kayak Tenaya 160 Inflatable Kayak 3 Person $1,549.00 With a weight capacity of up to 620 lbs, the Tenaya 160 is robust and reliable. 굗굙굘 Designed for up to 3 Adults 굗굙굘 Dimension : 15.6 ft x 35.5 inches 굗굙굘Weight : 40.8 lbs Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Spinera Molveno 140 Inflatable Kayak Spinera Molveno 140 Inflatable Kayak $999.00 Lightweight and Designed for up to 2 Adults + 1 Child/Pet 굗굙굘 Dimension : 14.1 ft x 27.6 in 굗굙굘 Weight : 37.5 lbs Learn More To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Spinera Kayak Tenaya 140 Inflatable Kayak 2 Person Spinera Kayak Tenaya 140 Inflatable Kayak 2 Person $1,429.00 Weight capacity of up to 420 lbs! 굗굙굘 Designed for 2 Adults 굗굙굘 Dimension : 14' x 2'11.5" 굗굙굘 Weight : 36 lbs Learn More SEE SPINERA INFLATABLE KAYAKS HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Image of Scout 365 Hybrid 12’ Inflatable Kayak/Boat Scout 365 Hybrid 12’ Inflatable Kayak/Boat $1,299.00 Stand and fly fish or tour굗굙굘 Combined with a small outboard motor (gas or electric) the Scout365 is perfect for a lake excursion. Learn More SEE SCOUT INFLATABLES HERE To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.Button Text To help prprivacy, Mprevented download from the InCustom We don’t want to spam you. If you're no longer interested in enjoying adventures out on the water Unsubscribe here. Light As Air Boats 13801 Walsingham Rd. Suite A-116 Largo, Florida 33774 Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 277 Packet Pg. 510 of 536 50 Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 278 Packet Pg. 511 of 536 51 Vidal, Eric From:Daniela Betco <daniela.betco@turftank.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2026 5:04 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Reminder: Friend you’re Invited to the Turf Tank Field Day at River Oaks Golf Course CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi Friend, Quick reminder: Our Field Day at River Oaks Golf Course is coming up on June 4th, don't miss your chance to join us! What you're missing if you don't come: • Seeing a live demo of Turf Tank in action on the field • Seeing exactly how much time and labor you could save on your fields with Turf Tank • Networking with fellow field managers facing the same challenges you do • Getting advice, asking questions, and learning more about robotic line markers Plus, free lunch while you connect with industry peers. Event Details: • Date: June 4th • Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm • Location: River Oaks Golf Course - 3441 Golf Links Rd, Ceres, CA 95307 REGISTER NOW! Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 279 Packet Pg. 512 of 536 52 Don’t miss this opportunity to see Turf Tank up close and discover how it could benefit your operations, with no commitment and no strings attached. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.field-day - River Oaks DANIELA BETCO EVENTS AND MARKETING MANAGER To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. m: +1 (239) 758-0294 e: daniela.betco@turftank.com w: www.turftank.com a: Skjoldet 20, 9230 Svenstrup J, Denmar Turf Tank, 1110 Allgood Industrial Ct, Marietta, Georgia 30062, United States, 877-396-4094 Unsubscribe Manage preferences Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 280 Packet Pg. 513 of 536 53 Vidal, Eric From:Shawn N <shawnn@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2026 8:45 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Re: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 - Pickleball Facility Usage and Expansion Evaluation CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Commissioners, I would like to state on the record my strong desire to maintain existing tennis facilities at Mitchell Park. Without question, the existing four tennis courts are used to capacity by the public for the vast majority of daylight and evening hours, and the loss of even a single court would cause considerable harm to the Palo Alto tennis community. In principle, I have no opposition to adding new facilities for other popular sports should demand exist. But in no circumstances should existing well-utilized facilities be sacrificed. Doing so creates a rob- Peter-to-pay-Paul scenario, pits community against community, and is overall bad city governance. Thank you for your time, and thank you for preserving Palo Alto tennis courts. Shawn Nematbakhsh Ross Road Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 281 Packet Pg. 514 of 536 54 Vidal, Eric From:Walter Murray <walter@stanford.edu> Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2026 6:47 PM To:city.counsil@cityofpaloalto.gov; ParkRec Commission Subject:Plundering more tennis courts at Michell Park CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Members: I find it annoying that greed can be rewarded by I and many others will have to waste my time attending a Council meeting to stop once more the Pickleball players plundering Mitchell Park tennis courts. People in Northen part of the City would never have to do that. Perhaps I’ll start a movement to have the Little League ground turned into Pickleball courts. A much bigger space and far less used. No consideration to the noise level the children using the Magic Roundabout , some of whom have issues with excessive noise, when the first set of courts were taken. Some of the messages on this issue supporting the plundering of the courts are from Mountain View. When I asked why they did not lobby for more courts in Mountain View their response was Mitchell is a Public park. This greed should never have been rewarded other than a cursory consideration and then turned down. Walter Murray PS Bounced off Mitchell courts last Friday when the court I was on was used for teaching kids a tennis lesson. I bike to the courts. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 282 Packet Pg. 515 of 536 55 Vidal, Eric From:Linda Wang <lindaw816@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2026 6:33 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Protect Mitchell Park: no more Pickleball Court Expansion CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing the following critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: • Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 283 Packet Pg. 516 of 536 56 • Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. • Implement strict operational restrictions, including limiting play hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third- party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Thank you, Linda Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 284 Packet Pg. 517 of 536 57 Vidal, Eric From:Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2026 2:00 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Re: Agenda for Mar 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hi, 1. In the Staff Report, it says "designating tennis courts 6 and 7 as multi-use courts". Where can I find the rules for "multi-use designation"? Under what circumstances can the courts be switched to other use? 2. "Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) provides an additional 27 tennis courts that are generally available". I believe some of these courts are also multi-use and drawn for pickleball? Do you know how many? Should the Report mention that too? Robert On Wed, May 20, 2026 at 11:58 AM Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> wrote: Thank you Sarah. On Wed, May 20, 2026 at 11:19 AM ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@paloalto.gov> wrote: Hi Robert, The agenda packet was posted yesterday and can be found here: Meeting Pickleball Facility Usage and Expansion Evaluation Staff Report: dbcbf39c-ef23-4102-ade1-d76eac6115a1.pdf - OneMeeting Attachment A: Court Counts PDF Viewer - OneMeeting Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 285 Packet Pg. 518 of 536 58 Public Comments from 4.29.26-5.19.26 PDF Viewer - OneMeeting The public comments will be updated again on Tuesday. Sarah SARAH ROBUSTELLI Division Manager Open Space, Parks, and Golf Community Services Department (650) 617-3518 | Sarah.Robustelli@PaloAlto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov From: Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 15, 2026 2:22 PM To: ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Agenda for Mar 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi, Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 286 Packet Pg. 519 of 536 59 I am hearing that the Parks and Rec Commission will be discussing the Pickleball Conversion at Mitchell Park at the May 26 meeting, and is asking for public feedback by May 18. However, I can't find the agenda: https://www.paloalto.gov/Events-Directory/Community-Services/Parks-and-Recreation-Commission- Meeting Can you confirm the exact topic being discussed? Thanks, Robert Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 287 Packet Pg. 520 of 536 60 Vidal, Eric From:Yanqing Guan <guanyanqing@hotmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2026 1:10 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:URGENT: Protect Mitchell Park – Oppose Further Pickleball Expansion and Prioritize Palo Alto Residents CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Mayor, Council members, and Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I am writing to express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 288 Packet Pg. 521 of 536 61 * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Implement strict operational restrictions, including limiting play hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Thank you for your time, leadership, and dedication to our community. Sincerely, Yanqing 887 Colorado ave Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 289 Packet Pg. 522 of 536 62 Vidal, Eric From:Garrett Post <garrett@rootssc.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2026 12:05 PM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Oakland Roots Camp Day! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Hello, My name is Garrett with Oakland Roots SC, the East Bay's professional soccer team! I hope your planning for summer camp is going well! I wanted to reach out about an opportunity that might be perfect for your summer camps! Oakland Roots SC is hosting its first ever Camp Day on Wednesday, June 17th at 12:00 PM at the Oakland Coliseum. This game is specifically designed as a group outing for summer camps and youth programs. Why Camp Day works for summer programs: • Special Camp Day pricing - Exclusive rates designed specifically for camps and youth programs; just $15 per person! • Pre-game activities - We're planning special programming to get kids engaged before kickoff • Midweek afternoon timing fits perfectly into camp schedules • Easy, turnkey activity - we handle the entertainment • Gives kids a professional sports experience many have never had • Local team, local pride, local connection We'd love to have you join us for this inaugural event! I'm happy to hop on a quick call to discuss logistics, pricing, and answer any questions. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks for all you do for youth in our community! Sincerely, Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 290 Packet Pg. 523 of 536 63 Garrett Post he/him/his Senior Account Executive, Ticket Sales & Fan Development, Oakland Roots and Soul SC garrett@rootssc.com | 510-488-1139 oaklandrootssc.com To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.unnamed Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 291 Packet Pg. 524 of 536 64 Vidal, Eric From:Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2026 11:58 AM To:ParkRec Commission Subject:Re: Agenda for Mar 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Thank you Sarah. On Wed, May 20, 2026 at 11:19 AM ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@paloalto.gov> wrote: Hi Robert, The agenda packet was posted yesterday and can be found here: Meeting Pickleball Facility Usage and Expansion Evaluation Staff Report: dbcbf39c-ef23-4102-ade1-d76eac6115a1.pdf - OneMeeting Attachment A: Court Counts PDF Viewer - OneMeeting Public Comments from 4.29.26-5.19.26 PDF Viewer - OneMeeting The public comments will be updated again on Tuesday. Sarah Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 292 Packet Pg. 525 of 536 65 SARAH ROBUSTELLI Division Manager Open Space, Parks, and Golf Community Services Department (650) 617-3518 | Sarah.Robustelli@PaloAlto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov From: Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 15, 2026 2:22 PM To: ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Agenda for Mar 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi, I am hearing that the Parks and Rec Commission will be discussing the Pickleball Conversion at Mitchell Park at the May 26 meeting, and is asking for public feedback by May 18. However, I can't find the agenda: https://www.paloalto.gov/Events-Directory/Community-Services/Parks-and-Recreation-Commission- Meeting Can you confirm the exact topic being discussed? Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 293 Packet Pg. 526 of 536 66 Thanks, Robert Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 294 Packet Pg. 527 of 536 67 Vidal, Eric From:ParkRec Commission Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2026 11:19 AM To:Robert Chien; ParkRec Commission Subject:RE: Agenda for Mar 26 meeting Hi Robert, The agenda packet was posted yesterday and can be found here: Meeting Pickleball Facility Usage and Expansion Evaluation Staff Report: dbcbf39c-ef23-4102-ade1-d76eac6115a1.pdf - OneMeeting Attachment A: Court Counts PDF Viewer - OneMeeting Public Comments from 4.29.26-5.19.26 PDF Viewer - OneMeeting The public comments will be updated again on Tuesday. Sarah SARAH ROBUSTELLI Division Manager Open Space, Parks, and Golf Community Services Department (650) 617-3518 | Sarah.Robustelli@PaloAlto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov From: Robert Chien <chienr@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 15, 2026 2:22 PM To: ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Agenda for Mar 26 meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi, I am hearing that the Parks and Rec Commission will be discussing the Pickleball Conversion at Mitchell Park at the May 26 meeting, and is asking for public feedback by May 18. However, I can't find the agenda: https://www.paloalto.gov/Event-Directory/Community-Services/Park -and-Recreatio i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast CGBANNERINDICATOR The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 295 Packet Pg. 528 of 536 68 Hi, I am hearing that the Parks and Rec Commission will be discussing the Pickleball Conversion at Mitchell Park at the May 26 meeting, and is asking for public feedback by May 18. However, I can't find the agenda: https://www.paloalto.gov/Events-Directory/Community-Services/Parks-and-Recreation-Commission- Meeting Can you confirm the exact topic being discussed? Thanks, Robert Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 296 Packet Pg. 529 of 536 69 Vidal, Eric From:Hongbo Yang <yhbyhb@hotmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 11:02 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:URGENT: Protect Mitchell Park – Oppose Further Pickleball Expansion and Prioritize Palo Alto Residents CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Mayor, Council members, and Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I am writing to express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I support diverse recreational activities, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, the Magical Bridge Playground, and surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high-turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 297 Packet Pg. 530 of 536 70 We applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. We respectfully demand that the City: * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Implement strict operational restrictions, including limiting play hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third-party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Thank you for your time, leadership, and dedication to our community. Sincerely, Hongbo 887 Colorado ave Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 298 Packet Pg. 531 of 536 71 Vidal, Eric From:Gracie Sheng <sheng.gguicheng@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 10:42 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Howard, Adam; PlayingFields Subject:URGENT: Protect Mitchell Park – Oppose Further Pickleball Expansion and Prioritize Palo Alto Residents CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, I play pickleball regularly at Mitchell park, however, as a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I am writing to express my strong opposition to any further expansion or conversion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I love pickleball, I recognize that Mitchell Park has reached its absolute carrying capacity. It is a vital, multi-use neighborhood hub anchored by the Mitchell Park Library, Community center, the Magical Bridge Playground, and various weekend activities, as well as the surrounding residential communities. Unchecked pickleball expansion is actively dismantling the core functions of these essential civic spaces. We are currently facing three critical crises that the City must address before any further infrastructure decisions are made: 1. Severe Parking Deprivation for Families & Seniors: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are chronically gridlocked. Families with toddlers wanting to visit the playground and seniors attempting to access the library are routinely forced to turn away because parking spaces are overwhelmed by high- turnover pickleball traffic. 2. The Regional Subsidy Disparity: Data indicates that a vast majority of the current pickleball influx consists of non-residents coming from surrounding Bay Area cities that have rightfully restricted pickleball growth. I have many neighbors wanting to play pickleball but turned away when waiting line at the court could be as long as 30 min. While I love to be able to make friends with players from other cities, Palo Alto taxpayers should not sacrifice their local peace and tax dollars to absorb the regional demand of other municipalities. 3. Unmitigated Noise Pollution: I also recognize the constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball is fundamentally different from tennis and creates an unlivable environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users. I applaud the Council's past inclinations to halt expansion, but we need permanent, legally binding policy protections. Therefore I respectfully demand that the City: * Enact an immediate, permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construction or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 299 Packet Pg. 532 of 536 72 * Mandate a "Palo Alto Resident Priority" system using a zip-code verified reservation portal, allocating at least 70% of peak-hour slots exclusively to local residents. * Enforcing the use of certified "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and conducting independent, third- party noise and parking impact audits. Our public parks must serve the broad public good of Palo Alto's families, children, and seniors, not the aggressive expansion goals of a single sports club. I urge you to stand firmly with your local constituents and protect the integrity of Mitchell Park. Thank you for your time, leadership, and dedication to our community. Sincerely, Gracie Sheng Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 300 Packet Pg. 533 of 536 73 Vidal, Eric From:Rohan Kadakia <rmkadakia@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 9:41 PM To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Tennis Courts #3 and 4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention • This is a personal email address. • This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Dear Parks and Recreation Commission, I am a long time Palo Alto resident. I have heard that the Palo Alto Pickleball Club is pushing a proposal to convert tennis courts #3 and 4 at Mitchell Park into pickleball courts. I am writing to you in opposition to this proposal. Mitchell already has 15 pickleball courts to just 4 tennis courts. 2 of the 4 tennis courts are used for city lessons, leaving only 2 exclusively for community play. Also, the tennis courts at Mitchell are lighted, which makes them especially valuable to keep as is; losing two lighted tennis courts would leave only Rinconada for community play at a Palo Alto public park in the evenings. There is plenty of open space at Mitchell (and elsewhere) in which to build new pickleball courts without sacrificing the precious remaining tennis courts. I will not be able to attend next week's meeting at City Council Chambers in person since I will be enjoying my tennis lesson at Mitchell that same evening, hence I am writing to you in this way. Tennis has already lost courts at Mitchell to pickleball; please decide against any further conversion of tennis courts. Thanks for your consideration. Best, Rohan Kadakia Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 301 Packet Pg. 534 of 536 74 Vidal, Eric From:M S <ms1967@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 19, 2026 5:52 PM To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission Subject:Opposition to Further Tennis Court Conversion at Mitchell Park - Balancing Multi-Use Infrastructure CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organiza on. Be cau ous of opening a achments and clicking on links. Dear Members of the City Council and the Parks and Recrea on Commission, As a resident, taxpayer, and voter in Palo Alto, I am wri ng to express my strong opposi on to any further conversion or expansion of tennis courts for pickleball at Mitchell Park. While I deeply value Palo Alto’s welcoming and open nature and support diverse recrea onal op ons, Mitchell Park has reached its absolute physical carrying capacity. Further expansion threatens to completely eliminate vital tennis infrastructure that serves our local community. Mitchell Park originally had 7 tennis courts. Of those, 3 have already been converted into pickleball courts. Addi onally, the park's footprint was expanded by the size of another en re tennis court to add 4 more pickleball courts, leaving only 4 tennis courts remaining. Of these 4 remaining courts, 2 are regularly reserved for city coaches who get preference, meaning residents must vacate them. This leaves the general public with only 2 unreserved courts. Furthermore, the Mitchell Park courts represent one of only two sets of public tennis courts in the en re city that are lighted, which is absolutely cri cal for early morning and evening play, especially during the winter. Tennis players simply have nowhere else to go, whereas pickleball has already absorbed the majority of the footprint. The current concentra on of sports traﬃc at this single loca on has created severe logis cal challenges: 1. Chronic Weekend Parking Gridlock: The parking lots at Mitchell Park are rou nely overwhelmed, par cularly on weekends. Families with toddlers wan ng to visit the Magical Bridge Playground and seniors a emp ng to access the Mitchell Park Library are frequently forced to turn away because parking spaces are en rely consumed by high-turnover sports traﬃc. 2. Regional Demand vs. Local Capacity: Because Mitchell Park has become a premier des na on, it is currently absorbing a massive inﬂux of players from surrounding Bay Area ci es that have restricted pickleball growth. While we pride ourselves on being an open community, our neighborhood parks are physically constrained and cannot act as a regional buﬀer without dismantling the mul -use harmony of the space. 3. Environmental and Noise Impacts: The constant, high-frequency impact sound of pickleball creates a challenging environment for adjacent residents and quiet library users, requiring careful opera onal boundaries. With Palo Alto's popula on density, balancing public space is essen al. At Mitchell Park, the ra o is heavily skewed: 16 pickleball courts compared to just 4 tennis courts (and eﬀec vely only 2 fully open to the public during coaching hours). This leaves an unsustainable metric of roughly 17,000 residents per tennis court compared to about 4,250 residents per pickleball court at this facility. I respec ully request that the City: - Enact a permanent moratorium on any new pickleball court construc on or tennis court conversion at Mitchell Park to protect the remaining tennis infrastructure. - Implement a balanced reserva on system that ensures local Palo Alto residents, families, and taxpayers who fund these parks have dependable, equitable access to courts during peak weekend and evening hours. - Establish strict opera onal guidelines, including clear play hours, the requirement of cer ﬁed "quiet gear" (paddles and balls), and independent parking and noise impact audits. Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 302 Packet Pg. 535 of 536 75 Our public parks must serve the broad public good of all users—families, children, seniors, and athletes alike. I urge you to protect the mul -use integrity of Mitchell Park. Sincerely, Maithreyan Srinivasan Item A Public comments 05.19.26-05.26.26 Item A: Staff Report Pg. 303 Packet Pg. 536 of 536