While all systems are go for many of the proposed pickleball courts in Orland Park, those that were slated for Evergreen View Park are on hold and might not happen at all.
That is a relief to some of the residents in that area.
Three EV residents spoke at the Feb. 16 Committee of the Whole meeting opposed to pickleball courts in their neighborhood because of a noise issue to the 186 homeowners in the area.
A petition was presented to the board to reverse its desire for the courts in their neighborhood.
It could turn out to be a moot point.
Director of Recreation and Parks Ray Piattoni said the village did not receive an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and that put the project on hold.
“At this point we are re-evaluating the project as a whole and if any improvements should be made,” he said.
“We know that playground (improvement) is going to move forward but everything else we’re still in discussion about.”
Village Manager George Koczwara said there will be an open house planned about the future improvement plans at the park and residents will be invited.
Cheryl Johnson, an Evergreen View resident who had also opposed a splash pad to be built in the park in 2025, does not want pickleball courts in the neighborhood as well.
“Our board members concluded that they do not feel this feature is in the best interest of our residents,” she told the board. “A formal letter of their strong opposition was sent to you in early January.”
Noise was of chief concern to her.
“Pickleball courts in this location will have an undesirable impact on our neighborhood — especially due to noise.
“My own research about the noise from pickleball has been eye-opening.”
She said this is a problem in towns across the country.
“More and more towns are dealing with noise complaints,” Johnson said. “Many have attempted expensive mitigation efforts to modify or close the courts at a great cost to the taxpayer.”
She said she talked with people in other suburbs, such as Naperville, Libertyville, Deerfield and others and those who live within 750 feet of the courts can hear the noise inside their home.
Meanwhile, Orland Park officials say that the wheels are in motion for courts at Doogan Park, Centennial Park West and Sportsplex. They are expecting work to start in May with completion in the fall.