Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is working to advance racquet sports play across the city with the implementation of updated racquet court hours at Gilman Playground, Laurelhurst Playfield, and Mt. Baker Park and the launch of a new pickleball open-play pilot at Green Lake East.
Updated Court Hours at Gilman Playground, Laurelhurst Playfield, and Mt. Baker Park:
Beginning September 15, 2025, SPR will implement updated operating hours for racquet courts at Gilman Playground, Laurelhurst Playfield, and Mt. Baker Park.
This change follows noise studies conducted in partnership with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI), which show that play at these locations is producing sound levels that exceed the limits established under Seattle Municipal Code, Chapter 25.08.
Under the new schedule, courts at the three locations will be open for play from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and City-observed holidays. These hours bring the facility use into alignment with the City’s noise ordinance, while continuing to provide broad public access.
A framework has been established to ensure compliance with the new racquet court hours. Any violations document outside of posted hours that are supported with timestamped visual evidence will result in temporary lock installation for a minimum of 30 days. During this 30-day period, facility access will be managed according to staff availability for daily unlocking and locking. After the initial period, locks will be removed unless a subsequent violation occurs. Any further violations will require locks to be permanently installed, restricting play on an ongoing basis to times when staff are available to provide access.
Open Play Pickleball Pilot at Green Lake East:
Beginning October 1, 2025, SPR will launch a one-year open-play pickleball pilot at the Green Lake East courts. The program provides scheduled times, listed below, for community members to participate in an open play format, where individuals arrive at the courts and rotate into games using a paddle stacking system that helps ensure fair and inclusive participation.
Open play times:
- Monday: 8–10 a.m.
- Wednesday: 1–3 p.m.
- Saturday: 9–11 a.m.
- Sunday: 4–6 p.m.
Ambassadors will be present during open-play hours to help organize games and assist participants with the paddle stacking system. This pilot will allow SPR to evaluate how scheduled open play can improve the shared use of courts and inform future programming.
SPR appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation as we balance recreational opportunities with the needs of neighboring residents.
For more information and a full list of guidelines, please visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/racquet-sports or contact Jonathan Garner at Jonathan.Garner@seattle.gov.
