Title
Doogan Park Redevelopment Descoping
History
On April 21, 2025, the Village Board approved the redevelopment of Doogan Park. The approved plan include 10 lighted pickleball courts, adding lighting to the tennis courts, a restroom building with two restrooms, two bocce ball courts, a playground, pavilion, half-basketball court, sledding hill, 360’ x 210’ soccer field, 60’ baseline baseball field, parking lot and landscape improvements.
This plan was developed after gaining input from residents, the Recreation Advisory Board, Planning Commission and the Village Board.
The Doogan Park redevelopment project was awarded a $600,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Recent discussions have raised concern about the impact on residents living in close proximity to Doogan Park. While pickleball has experienced explosive growth, the repetitive popping sound from the paddle hitting the ball, along with verbal shouting by players, is known to be disruptive to nearby residents. In some communities, this has led to lawsuits, the removal of courts and altercations between residents and pickleball players.
At 100’, pickleball produces a sound decibel of approximately 70 dB which is loud similar to the sound level of a freeway. At 200’, play creates a sound decibel of approximately 64 dB which is on the high-end of moderate and similar to the ambient conversation of a busy restaurant.
Noise mitigation techniques include constructing courts 500’ from homes, installing sound barriers, installing shrubs, utilizing softer paddles and balls and limiting hours of play.
Sound barriers create a security concern, as do shrubs. Both are minimally effective. Softer paddles and balls create undesirable playing condition for players. Limiting hours reduces the time frame of noise, however, does not eliminate the sound challenges.
The farthest proposed court in the current plan is approximately 350’...
Click here for full text