Whitefish Bay Approves Compromise on Pickleball Hours at Klode Park

New ordinance limits pickleball play during peak seasons to address neighbor noise concerns.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After years of debate, the Whitefish Bay Village Board has approved a new compromise on pickleball hours at Klode Park. The ordinance roughly halves pickleball play time during peak seasons to address ongoing noise complaints from neighbors living near the park. The compromise was developed by a working group of both pickleball players and residents.

Why it matters

The rapid growth of pickleball has led to noise conflicts between players and nearby residents across the country. This compromise in Whitefish Bay aims to balance the community's desire for recreational activities with the need to preserve the quality of life for those living closest to the park.

The details

The new ordinance limits pickleball play at Klode Park to specific hours, with more restricted hours during the peak season of May 1 to October 15. The village also voted to purchase locks for the courts to help enforce the new hours. Village staff will continue monitoring the situation and may pursue additional changes if needed.

  • The new hours take effect on May 1, 2026.
  • In mid 2025, the village limited playing time from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and installed some sound barriers.
  • In September of 2025, the board sought a different compromise to limit pickleball play from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but tabled the decision.

The players

Whitefish Bay Village Board

The governing body of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin that voted 5-2 to approve the new pickleball compromise ordinance.

Kelsey McElroy-Anderson

The Whitefish Bay Village Manager who convened a working group of pickleball players and neighbors to develop the compromise.

Kevin Buckley

The Whitefish Bay Village President who acknowledged the compromise would leave some residents unhappy, but said it was a necessary step.

Neighbors around Klode Park

Residents living near the park, some as close as 50 feet, who have raised concerns about the noise from pickleball play for several years.

Pickleball players

Advocates for the sport who say it promotes active lifestyles, builds community, and encourages people to use public parks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are not seven votes on this board to eliminate pickleball at Klode Park. There are not seven votes on this board to keep the hours exactly as they are.”

— Kelsey McElroy-Anderson, Whitefish Bay Village Manager

“The goal was to try to bring the sides together and to get to a place that, quite honestly, no one liked, but everybody could at least tolerate.”

— Kelsey McElroy-Anderson, Whitefish Bay Village Manager

“No one needs to play pickleball. Everyone needs to sleep and have a good quality of life.”

— Jay Saunders, Whitefish Bay Village Trustee

“We have an opportunity to compromise. I think we should take that opportunity and preserve this as a recreation, but also recognize neighbors' needs.”

— Jacob Haller, Whitefish Bay Village Trustee

“The neighbors here did us a solid, frankly, and gave us the framework for a deal that they are willing to accept.”

— Brian Vanevenhoven, Whitefish Bay Village Trustee

What’s next

If pickleball players do not abide by the new hours, the village could pursue additional changes to further restrict play or even eliminate it from Klode Park.

The takeaway

This compromise in Whitefish Bay demonstrates the challenges communities face in balancing the growing popularity of pickleball with the need to preserve quality of life for nearby residents. It shows the importance of open dialogue, community input, and a willingness to find middle ground solutions.