Council bans non-tennis play on Libby Park courts, allows narrow Ojai Day exception after heated public comment

Councilmember discussion culminated in adoption of Ordinance No. 974, which amends the municipal code to prohibit use of Libby Park tennis courts for activities other than tennis with limited exceptions for permitted park events and a temporary allowance (up to two upper courts) for Ojai Day. The ordinance was reintroduced with edits to require staff to solicit and consider input from the Ojai Valley Tennis Club before approving any Ojai Day temporary uses and to allow staff-level approval with two-business-day club response windows.

The item produced extended public comment with residents near Libby Park testifying about repeated late-night pickleball noise and calling for a permanent ban; tennis advocates and tournament organizers cited the courts' historic role and limited public supply of championship-quality tennis courts. A student speaker said his informal, late-evening small-sided soccer games use empty courts and that the blanket ban would eliminate safe, lit space for youth activities. After debate the council approved the ordinance with a 4-1 roll call; one council member voted no. Staff said signage and enforcement will be part of implementation and that park staff will treat permit requests on a first-come, first-served basis outside the narrow exceptions.