To: Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department, Bozeman City Commission

We, the undersigned residents and pickleball enthusiasts of Bozeman, Montana, respectfully request the extension of operating hours for the city-owned pickleball courts back to their original schedule of 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, or at a minimum, to extend the current closing time to at least 8:00 PM.

Recently, the hours were reduced to 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM in response to noise complaints from neighbors near the courts. While we understand the concerns of nearby residents, the current hours severely limit court access for working individuals, families, and community members who rely on evening play due to school, jobs, or other commitments.

The City has already taken positive steps to address noise concerns by installing acoustic panels to reduce sound levels from the courts. These proactive efforts demonstrate that noise mitigation is possible without needing to limit access so drastically.

We believe that 6:30 PM is an unnecessarily early closing time, especially during the spring and summer months when daylight extends well into the evening. A compromise of closing the courts at 8:00 PM would respect both the needs of the surrounding neighborhood and the broader community of pickleball players.

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport that promotes physical health, community connection, and outdoor activity. Bozeman residents of all ages and backgrounds have embraced it, and fair access to these public facilities should be preserved.

We urge the City of Bozeman to reconsider the current restricted hours and restore more reasonable access to these courts for the benefit of all.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned