Just weeks after Arlington’s new outdoor pickleball complex at Walter Reed Community Center opened for play, a battle over operating hours is underway.
With some pickleball supporters circulating a petition to expand the schedule, a representative of the Columbia Heights Civic Association went to Saturday’s County Board meeting to denounce the idea.
Armand Ciccarelli used the Board’s June 13 public-comment period to say any change in operating hours would represent a breach of faith by the local government.
“The current operating hours were not chosen arbitrarily. They were a product of a lengthy, challenging process,” Ciccarelli said.
“Commitments were fundamental in achieving a compromise residents could live with,” he said. “It relied on the county’s assurances those restrictions would remain in place.”
The new facility opened in May. Hours for drop-in play on the six courts are weekdays from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from 1-7 p.m.
Board members who responded to Ciccarelli’s comments said they were not inclined to revisit operating hours anytime soon.
Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said it was “vastly premature” to consider changes, and indicated he would likely oppose any alterations that are not backed by neighbors.
Another Board member, Takis Karantonis, appeared more open to considering changes, though only down the road.
“It’s relatively early to revisit that,” Karantonis said. “We have to give it enough time to see how this works. This is just too early to discuss.”
Julius “JD” Spain, Sr., seemed more aligned with de Ferranti’s view.
“I want to stay committed to what the agreement was, the compromise was,” he said.
But Spain offered himself some wiggle room going forward.
“We’re just opening this up,” he said of considering changes. “I don’t want to put the cart before the horse.”
Spain also asked County Manager Mark Schwartz to return with information about noise levels since the facility opened.
