Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with 4.8 million players as of last year according to pickleballplayer.com. In the two years between 2019 and 2021, the number of players increased by almost 40%, and its popularity continues to grow among people of all ages.
I understand why people love to play pickleball. It’s easy on the joints, affordable, social, and easy to learn. So, why in the world is it a controversial sport?
What is Pickleball?
For those not yet familiar with the sport, pickleball is a popular racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Players typically engage in this sport on a rectangular court with a net in the middle, much like a tennis court, but with smaller dimensions. You play the game with a special ball, similar to a wiffle ball, and use solid paddles to hit the ball back and forth over the net. Pickleball is the official name of the sport, but some refer to it as pickle ball, pickelball, or pickel ball.
Why Do So Many People Love Pickleball?
People love pickleball because it’s a fun, social, and easy-to-learn sport. It provides a great workout, can be played by people of all ages and skill levels, and fosters a sense of camaraderie among players. Pickleball is less physically demanding than some other sports like tennis, which is one of the reason some older adults play often.
Why Pickleball Is Unpopular Among Those Who Don’t Play
People who live near pickleball courts object to the noise. They say the near-constant sounds from the courts are so loud they cannot open their windows most of the year. Though the volume is not dangerous to human ears, it still causes a major disturbance.
Have you ever been to an outdoor wedding at a country club? At the last one I attended, the noise from a tennis match during the ceremony was beyond distracting. Considering pickleball is a sport that is similar to tennis, but with a plastic ball and wooden paddle, I understand why noise is a problem. When the plastic and wood connect, they make a distinct popping sound, much louder and at a higher frequency than what you hear during a tennis match. The frequency is a problem because human ears tend to be sensitive to high-pitched sounds.
Pickleball Noise Complaints Need to be Taken Seriously
According to thecrazypickleballlady.com, pickleball sound levels within 100 feet of courts are as loud as the noise you might hear if you lived near a freeway. At 200 feet, the level drops significantly but is still louder than normal conversation. Those who live a bit farther out say the constant and repetitive noise, while perhaps not terribly loud, is still extremely annoying. Homeowners are fighting back, especially those who purchased homes near tennis courts that are now used as pickleball courts. The noise is turning neighbors into activists.
Complaints about noise prompted the closure of some pickleball courts and forced other municipalities to restrict the hours people can play. Some homeowners even filed lawsuits for violation of noise bylaws.
Is Pickleball Noise a Significant Issue for Most Communities?
The significance of pickleball noise as an issue can vary from one community to another. In some areas, it might be a notable concern, especially if courts are located close to residential areas. In other places, it may not be a major issue due to court locations or the use of noise-reducing equipment.
Solutions for Pickleball Noise
Pickleball is a fun game, enjoyed by many older adults. For that reason, it makes sense to think about ways to remedy the situation. Some communities might explore innovative solutions, such as using specialized court surfaces that absorb sound or experimenting with new paddle and ball materials designed for quieter play. Collaborating with acoustic experts or researching noise-reduction technologies can also offer potential solutions.
One affordable and effective solution is to change the type of ball you use. Balls made of foam, such as those from GopherSport, are made from a light and soft material and are much quieter than regular balls.
Another realistic option is to use a quieter paddle. Many excellent paddles on the market today have a noise-reducing function. Here’s a list of the five best quiet pickleball paddles selected by Pickleball.mate.
The third solution, installing an acoustic fence, is not necessarily a simple or inexpensive one. And it is likely not one you can implement yourself on a public court. Designed originally to isolate offshore oil-rig sounds, this type of fence absorbs noise and prevents sound from traveling outside the court area.
Quash Pickleball Noise with Acoustifence® – USA Pickleball
Other Reasons People Complain About Pickleball
People have various reasons for complaining about pickleball, and the concerns can vary depending on the specific context and location. Noise is the most frequent complaint voiced in communities because the sport can produce loud irritating noises during play. This is especially true when the ball makes contact with the paddle and the court surface or walls. In residential areas or places with shared facilities, the noise is frequently a source of annoyance for nearby residents, However, there are other common reasons for complaints about pickleball which include:
Lights and Hours of Play
If pickleball courts have lighting for nighttime play, some residents might object to the lights’ brightness or extended playing hours, especially in residential areas.
Social Gatherings
Some complaints may be related to the social aspects of pickleball. In places where players gather after games, noise, and increased traffic may lead to tensions with nearby residents.
Safety Concerns
In areas with heavy pedestrian traffic or proximity to homes, some people may raise concerns about the potential safety hazards related to balls leaving the court area or players crossing paths with pedestrians.
Court Availability
In some areas with limited court space, pickleball’s growing popularity can lead to competition for court availability. This can be frustrating for players who want to use the courts but find them consistently occupied.
Space Limitations
Pickleball courts require specific dimensions, which might not be readily available in certain locations. The need for dedicated space for courts can create tension in areas where available land is scarce.
Impact on Other Sports
In some cases, pickleball courts may be constructed or repurposed at the expense of other sports facilities, leading to complaints from enthusiasts of those other sports.
Lack of Regulation
Complaints may arise when there are no clear rules or guidelines regarding court usage, equipment, or noise management. Without proper regulation, conflicts can emerge between players and residents.
While some individuals may have legitimate concerns, others might be more resistant to change or new activities in their communities. In such cases, open communication between players, community members, and local authorities can help address concerns and find compromises that allow for the enjoyment of pickleball while respecting the needs of the community as a whole.
Is Pickleball Noise a Problem For You?
Pickleball games generate loud and annoying sounds. I get it.
I also understand that many older adults love the exercise and community the sport provides and don’t want to stop. It can’t be denied, though, that nearby residents should not be subjected to repetitive and constant noise on a daily basis – that’s enough to make anyone crazy.
If you are a pickleball player, think about replacing your ball or racquet with ones that allow for quieter play. Due to the popularity of the sport, let’s also hope that city-owned pickleball courts decide to install an acoustifence whenever possible. One city-owned park that I know in Tampa, Fl did just that to keep its residents happy.
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