As a dedicated pickleball player and someone that enjoys these courts, I am deeply concerned about the effort to remove the pickleball courts from Szymanski Park. These courts are not just a place where I play, but they serve as the only free, public facility for pickleball enthusiasts in our area. They are vital for fostering community spirit, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and offering a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to enjoy this wonderful sport. More info is here.

A neighborhood group is circulating a petition to permanently remove all four pickleball courts from Szymanski Park — the only free, public pickleball facility in South Burlington. On April 6, 2026, a Council motion to delay opening of these courts  failed by a 2-2 tie, indicating the crucial need for our voices to be heard by the full Council when they discuss this issue on Monday, May 4th.  While the council meeting begins at 6:30, this issue is slated for discussion around 8:20 PM. Please consider attending and bringing a friend. 

City Council meeting: Monday, May 4, 2026

Item 11 at 8:20 PM · 180 Market Street, South Burlington

Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93806375615 · Webinar ID: 938 0637 5615

We ask the Council to keep the courts open and support real mitigation instead.

The opposition petition asks the Council to act on claims that are not supported by the evidence. South Burlington Police data from 2024 shows an average vehicle speed of 13.72 mph near the park and zero traffic violations — the "egregious speeding" claim is not backed by city data. The EPA's 55 dB standard cited in the petition is a 1974 advisory for transportation noise, not an enforceable limit on daytime recreational sport.

We are not asking the Council to ignore neighborhood concerns. 

We ask the Council to:

1. Keep all four courts open under the current 9 AM–8 PM hours

2. Install speed bumps on Andrews Ave

3. Post a parking map at the courts identifying all available parking areas

4. Authorize arborvitae plantings along the fence line

5. Receive and acknowledge the Pickleball Good Neighbor Pledge

Removing South Burlington's only public pickleball facility is not a solution. It is a loss for the hundreds of players — seniors, families, and residents of all abilities — who depend on it.

We believe that by implementing realistic and community-oriented solutions, we can preserve this essential facility while addressing the legitimate concerns of all parties. Let's work together to keep pickleball courts open and accessible for everyone. Please sign this petition to let the South Burlington City Council know how much these courts mean to us and to encourage the expansion of supportive measures rather than resorting to removal.

More information is here - including the opponents petition, the pledge and talking points