Neighbors Concerned About Pickleball Expansion

The explosion of the popularity of the pickleball phenomenon nationwide as well as locally has been remarkable. That success can be attributed to two factors. Its accessibility and its relative ease of learning. Secondarily it has a built-in source of players, as older tennis players find it easier as they age and still want to stay active.

Within our own community, it has found a welcoming audience. This has resulted in a revitalized interest in the city’s racquet center and the ensuing demand for court time. That expansion of the courts being utilized for pickleball has brought issues as well as support, and at the Monday evening council meeting, those affected came out in force to voice their concerns.

Led by their Condo Association President Harry Aronis, the residents of the San Marco Villas and their 148 homeowners came out to make their voices heard, as council would be discussing an update on projects being proposed to utilize Tourist Development Tax dollars.

Their concerns were the same being voiced by residents nationally, having to do with nuisance noise being created by the sport, specifically to do with that produced by the sounds of the impact of the paddle when it comes in contact with the ball. That noise can be measured at 70 decibels or more, quite a nuisance to those whose homes abut the city’s racquet center.

Some other states, like Colorado, have either put restrictions on or closed courts over noise complaints from nearby homes. No one is requesting such a draconian measure such as closure of the courts, but they are looking for some relief.

Aronis made his case, citing the potential decrease in property values and the loss of their quality of life. He would urge the city to relocate the proposed facility to Veterans Community Park or other city owned property not abutting residential homes.

Should the city continue to proceed with the present plans, he urged them to erect sound abatement barriers and proper landscaping. He also recommended that the city consider requiring players to utilize Owl Paddles in an effort to mitigate the unwanted sound issue, which has been shown to reduce the sound by 50%. Those paddles are now shown to be approved by the regulating authority of the USA Pickleball Association.

Council did not provide any feedback on the community’s concerns during the meeting.