Despite resident concerns over noise, park use, and contractor choice, Spring Lake Heights officials vote to move forward with a three-court pickleball installation at Joseph E. Robertson Park.
Schematic of the planned placement of the 3 new Pickleball courtsPhoto Credit: Jim Lonergan
Final Option for Pickleball Courts to be builtPhoto Credit: Jim Lonergan
One of the options for placement of the courtsPhoto Credit: Jim Lonergan
SLH resident/park neighbor coming before the council Photo Credit: Jim Lonergan
Spring Lake Heights Governing Body Photo Credit: Jim Lonergan
Schematic of the planned placement of the 3 new Pickleball courtsPhoto Credit: Jim Lonergan
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By Jim Lonergan
Published March 23, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Last updated March 23, 2025 at 8:01 PM
SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS, NJ — What started as a $100,000 grant opportunity has sparked debate, community tension, and choices needing to be made for Spring Lake Heights officials. As we first reported in October 2024, (click HERE for related story) the borough was awarded county funds to install new pickleball courts—either in the grove near the baseball field or by replacing the aging playground area. At the time, town leaders made it clear that accepting the grant didn't mean rushing into a decision of a choice between 2-4 courts. Fast forward to this month’s council meeting, and the conversation has come to a head, with concerns over noise, resident feedback, and the park’s intended use now colliding with growing demand for what is the fastest-growing sport in America.
At the time, both the governing body and the Business Administrator emphasized, “We've received the $100,000 grant, but we're not obligated to spend it. We must match or exceed that amount as part of the grant terms. Now is the time to finalize the pickleball plan—whether that means adding 2-4 courts in 'the grove' area or potentially relocating the courts to the current kids' playground, which has an equipment violation that needs addressing. The intent is to have this project completed by the summer of 2025."
At that October meeting, the governing body unanimously approved the grant to move forward. The open decision was whether they would choose between “2 to 4 courts” and the final location.
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At the recent council meeting, officials discussed the agenda item titled “Joseph E. Robertson Park – Pickleball Court Install,” followed by a resolution to award the installation contract to ATT Sports Inc. Councilman Capristo outlined the location options and confirmed the chosen site would be between the playground and the Little League field. He also noted that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., adding, “We see the same demand in Spring Lake Heights as we do across the country and in our neighboring towns.”
Councilwoman King questioned whether three courts were necessary to meet local demand, pointing to nearby towns as comparisons: “We have 2. Spring Lake has 2 (they have 6). Sea Girt has 3 combination courts (they're adding a paddle tennis court). Belmar has 3 (they have a grant request in for 3 more). Manasquan has 10 courts for residents (pending a grant for an undetermined number of new courts).” She added, “Not long ago, we tried to get a grant for walkways through the park. That project started years ago and should have taken precedence.”
A few residents who attended the October meeting returned to the latest council session to voice continued concerns about noise, whether pickleball fits the park's intended use, and a preference for no more than two courts—if any at all. Councilwoman King echoed their concerns, saying, “I have a real problem here because it feels like we’re not listening to our residents. The noise alone.”
The town engineer responded, “All these grants are publicly advertised. The descriptions are shared during public hearings. People often don’t attend those hearings, then return a year later with concerns after the opportunity for input has passed.”
King pushed back: “I know the hearing is done, but in this very chamber back in October, people were told there would be more discussion—because so many were upset. I can’t support this. Just because we received a grant doesn’t mean we have to use it.” The members debated just how many residents voiced their concerns back at the October meeting.
Ms. King also questioned the town’s choice of contractor, citing a lack of relevant experience based on the company’s website. The town engineer quickly corrected her, noting that the selected firm installs nearly every tennis and pickleball court in Monmouth County, including those in neighboring towns.
King then shifted focus, arguing, “This is a passive park—not meant for all types of active recreation. The people who live near it have been clear about that.” (The park currently includes baseball, softball, tennis, and had pickleball until August 2024.) “Adding two more pickleball courts here is unnecessary,” she added, raising concerns about the impact on nearby residents' quality of life.
Councilman Capristo countered, “I’d argue the courts enhance quality of life. I’ve never heard of pickleball being a burden on a facility or a town.”
Councilman Casagrande added, “The demand for pickleball is insatiable. I live near Ocean Road, and that court is used constantly.” Responding to concerns about noise, he said, “I may not have decibel studies, but I’m there daily and haven’t found it to be an issue.” He pointed to Spring Lake’s six courts, noting their consistent use and strong revenue. “Our residents—especially seniors—really enjoy playing, which is great to see. The new court location offers better buffering from nearby homes, and I’d support adding more measures to help minimize noise if needed.”
Councilman Capristo emphasized that pickleball isn’t new to the park, stating, “Let’s remember, it’s been played here for years. We’re not suddenly introducing it.” He explained that two courts were lost during the tennis court renovations, and by adding three, the town is only gaining one additional court. “The new court will be set deeper in the park, which should help buffer any noise. This conversation has shifted from where the courts should go to whether we should have them at all.” He also noted the ongoing public interest: “I believe we unanimously approved the grant back in October, and since losing those courts last August, residents have consistently asked when they’re coming back.”
After a lengthy and heated debate, the governing body went to a vote and the outcome was 3-1 in favor of continuing on with contracting with and beginning the build-out of the three pickleball courts. There has been no confirmation timeline yet of when the project is expected to be completed.
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