Daily News
Noise Troubles at Saratoga’s Pickleball Courts
Hey there, pickleball fans and community members! Welcome back to Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report, where we keep you in the loop about all things pickleball. Today, we’re serving up a controversial topic that’s making waves over at El Quito Park in Saratoga, California. Grab your paddles and a snack as we dive into the noise — and not just the joyful sound of pickleball!
The Pickleball Factor
Thanks to a booming interest during the pandemic, Saratoga recently added two brand-spankin’-new pickleball courts to great fanfare. But what started as a way to enjoy the game has quickly turned into a cacophony that has some locals reconsidering their living arrangements. As reported by Isha Trivedi in the East Bay Times, the sound from the courts has led to complaints from nearby residents about what they describe as a “bombardment of noise.” Even long-time locals like Zack Petersen, who’s enjoyed three decades in the area, are expressing their frustrations. Zack went as far as to say the noise sounds like “shotguns” — yikes!
Check out the article: https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/09/16/pickleballs-bombardment-of-noise-rule-breakers-and-fence-climbers-at-saratoga-courts-lead-to-100000-soundproofing-and-lock-costs-after-neighbor-complaints/
It’s not just the noise that’s causing concern. With no installed lights on the courts, players often bring their own lighting, keeping matches going late into the night, sometimes past midnight. With the city struggling to enforce playtime limits, it’s clear why some residents are feeling overwhelmed.
In response to the uproar, Saratoga’s City Council has earmarked a whopping $100,000 to install soundproofing panels and a new magnetic locking system to keep the courts quieter and more organized. But here’s the catch — Zack fears this might just be a “band-aid” on the real issue. He’s observed that dedicated players have been known to climb over fences to keep the games alive even after the gates are locked. A real pickle indeed!
Despite the pushback from some neighbors, not all pickleball players are brushing off the complaints. Local pickleball ambassador Jason Tseng recognizes the need for soundproofing that works for both players and residents. He pointed out that how the city implements these sound-dampening measures could actually create an echo chamber within the courts, enhancing the noise inside rather than reducing it outside. Double yikes!
So, where does that leave us? With pickleball’s rising popularity, it’s clear something needs to be done to keep the spirit of the game alive while respecting the local community. We’re eager to hear your thoughts!
Do you think pickleball noise is a real issue for local neighborhoods, or is it just part of the game’s charm? Should the city invest in soundproofing and locking systems, or is that a waste of funds? We invite you to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and work towards solutions that benefit everyone involved!
Until next time, keep it friendly on the courts and consider your volume levels — your neighbors will thank you! And don’t forget… Let’s Pickle!
—Sleeves
Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/