HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-15-26 Public Comment - D. Strosnider - Concerns Regarding Proposed Pickleball Courts in the Cattail Creek Park CorridorFrom:strodude
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Concerns Regarding Proposed Pickleball Courts in the Cattail Creek Park Corridor
Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026 11:25:02 AM
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Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
I am writing as a resident of the Cattail Creek neighborhood to express my opposition to the addition
of pickleball courts, or any other sports-related courts, within the proposed park corridor, particularly
at the location shown in the concept drawings along Blackbird Drive near Sun Dew Lane.
While I support thoughtful investment in our parks and trail systems, I believe the addition of sports
courts at this location would create several unintended negative impacts on both the surrounding
environment and the neighborhood.
First, the proposed court location directly borders an existing wildlife habitat area that serves as an
important natural resource for local residents and wildlife alike. Inevitably, balls will leave the courts
and enter these habitat areas. As players, spectators, children, and dogs retrieve errant balls,
increased foot traffic will encroach upon sensitive habitat, potentially damaging vegetation and
disturbing wildlife that currently utilize the area.
Second, organized recreational court activities introduce a level of noise that differs significantly from
the passive recreational uses currently associated with the corridor. The sounds of frequent
gameplay, player interaction, and increased congregating would alter the character of this
neighborhood park space and diminish the peaceful qualities that many residents value.
Third, parking is already limited along Blackbird Drive. Introducing a destination activity such as
pickleball or other sports would likely increase parking demand beyond what the existing
infrastructure can reasonably support, resulting in additional congestion and safety concerns for
residents, pedestrians, and cyclists using the corridor.
Finally, the proposed courts would replace one of the few open grassy areas within this portion of the
park corridor. This space is regularly used by residents for passive recreation, including picnics,
reading, relaxing, and sunbathing. These types of low-impact activities are consistent with the
character of the existing park and require little infrastructure while serving a broad range of users.
Replacing this natural open space with hard-surfaced sports courts would reduce opportunities for
these passive uses and fundamentally change the character of an area that many neighborhood
residents currently enjoy.
I am also concerned by the apparent inconsistency in the public communication surrounding this
project. During discussions of the corridor design, residents were informed that the pickleball courts
had been "scrubbed" from the plan; however, the currently posted concept drawings continue to
depict these courts. This discrepancy has created confusion and uncertainty among residents
regarding what elements remain under consideration. I respectfully request clarification regarding the
status of the courts and, if they have indeed been removed from consideration, that all publicly
available drawings be updated accordingly.
I encourage the Commission to preserve this section of the corridor as a passive-use park space that
complements the adjacent wildlife habitat and serves the needs of the surrounding neighborhood.
The existing open grassy area provides valuable space for picnics, relaxation, and informal recreation,
all of which would be diminished by the introduction of sports courts and the increased traffic, noise,
and environmental impacts that accompany them.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to the Bozeman community. I appreciate the
opportunity to provide feedback and respectfully ask that the Commission reject the inclusion of
pickleball courts or other sports courts within this portion of the Cattail Creek park corridor plan.
Sincerely,
Darrin Strosnider
3020 Sun Dew Lane Unit A
Bozeman, MT 59718
602-750-8339
Cattail Creek Resident