Port Stanley residents raised concerns about operating hours for the Kokomo Park pickleball courts at Central Elgin council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Richard Robson made the first delegation, followed by Linda Stewart, who represented the Kokomo Pickleball Players.
Kokomo Park was built in late 2024, adding pickleball courts, a playground, tables and green space to the residential neighbourhood. The pickleball courts were originally open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., but in mid-July 2026, the hours were changed to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Central Elgin stated on its website that the hours were changed to balance enjoyment of the courts with consideration for neighbouring residents.
At the Aug. 11 council meeting, Mr. Robson argued that people who purchased condos in the area were not aware the park would include pickleball courts and that residents had not been consulted. He referenced a 2024 report to council regarding the park’s concept plan that recommended council not approve the inclusion of pickleball courts. Council nevertheless decided to include the pickleball courts.
Mr. Robson supported retaining the reduced court hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., saying they struck a good balance between residents and park users.
Ms. Stewart spoke after Mr. Robson, requesting that the operating hours be re-evaluated through a thorough, transparent and evidence-based process. She also requested that staff restore the original 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. operating hours until the review was completed.
As a longer-term compromise, Ms. Stewart, representing the Kokomo Pickleball Players, recommended operating hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. She cited the sport’s benefits for community engagement and well-being, arguing that pickleball supports mental and physical health as well as social connection.
She also recommended that council and staff “research and implement effective sound mitigation” to address the noise.
Mayor Andrew Sloan invited Mr. Robson back to the podium after Ms. Stewart, and he reiterated his comments about the origins of the courts and the disruption they caused.
According to PickleTile.com, the average noise level during a pickleball match — including soft shots and pauses between rallies — is around 60 dBA (A-weighted decibels). According to the Center for Hearing and Communication, an air conditioner or dishwasher also produces around 60 dBA of noise.
Council made no decision regarding operating hours for the Kokomo Park pickleball courts.
By Jayden Davis, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Aug 19, 2026 at 07:10
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