Calgarian launches petition in protest of Walden pickleball court closure

Walden pickleball players have been served up some disappointment after their community court was shut down by the city.

A pickleball court in the southeast Calgary community of Walden has been closed after it was determined it was too close to other properties.

The City of Calgary has put up signs at the court, located at 387 Walgrove Way SE, that say it “does not meet the recommended setback distance of 80 metres from the properties in a residential area.”

“In response to noise complaints and to align with the recommended setback standards, the court will be removed.”

The nets at the court have since been removed, and a makeshift mini-golf course has been placed on it instead.

The decision isn’t sitting well with area resident Muhammad Ali, who has launched a petition to preserve access to the pickleball court and ensure maintenance to the court continues.

“A decision has been made, without any consultation or engagement – and even against the wishes of the houses which are adjacent to the court,” Ali said.

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He says every October, a sign from the City of Calgary would be put at the court saying it was closed for the season.

However, last October, the net was cut down altogether.

Ali said he initially thought it was teenagers who had vandalized the court, so he and a group of players bought a new net and continued to use the court a few more times before the winter.

This spring, Ali and other area pickleball enthusiasts were patiently waiting for the net to be put back up, but it wasn’t happening.

Eventually, they again put up their own net.

According to Ali, the net was removed from the court and mini-golf holes placed on it on May 8.

Ali’s petition has garnered more than 150 signatures from residents who want the pickleball court to stay, including homeowners adjacent to the court.

He says it’s been there since the fall of 2020.

“We made friendship and we built some connection here, and we have enjoyed this court, very peacefully, for the last four or five years until,” he said.

Those who wish to sign his petition can email Ali at [e-mail].

City of Calgary responds

A statement from the City of Calgary says multiple complaints about the court were filed starting in 2024, highlighting concerns about excessive noise, court use outside of designated hours and player conduct that limited equitable access.

“In response, signage was installed to reinforce rules of play. Despite these efforts, issues continued, including unauthorized lighting used for extended play,” reads the statement.

By 2025, more concerns were raised. To address the situation, a short-term plan was implemented to stop pickleball use and instal mini golf equipment temporarily.

“As more studies and data emerge regarding the impact of pickleball noise exposure — particularly its effects on the mental well-being of neighbouring residents — many municipalities, including The City of Calgary, are beginning to establish more stringent guidelines on where courts should be installed.

“These include defined setback distances between active pickleball courts and residential properties to help mitigate sound impacts and ensure compatibility with surrounding neighbourhoods.”

The city says the court in Walden is a mere 13 metres from residential properties.

“The recommended setback for one court in a ‘quiet residential community’ is 80 metres, and 45 metres in a ‘busy community.’ We recognize that the terms ‘quiet’ and ‘busy’ are subjective and open to interpretation, but the 13 metre setback at Walgrove Park still falls well below the recommended threshold.”

The city says the court is closed as they assess long-term options in collaboration with community members.