Camas Mayor Halts Pickleball Plans: Camas city officials are facing mounting pressure from residents frustrated by the noise generated by pickleball courts at Crown Park. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, pickleball has drawn attention for its popularity and, unfortunately, for the complaints from neighbors about noise levels. City leaders are now looking for ways to address these issues while still accommodating the sport.
Residents Speak Out
At recent meetings of the Camas Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council, dozens of Crown Park neighbors expressed their frustrations. Many described the noise from the pickleball courts as comparable to the sound of a garbage truck backing up.
“It is really loud,” said one resident during a council workshop in September.
“My home is about 75 feet away from the new sports court being built at Crown Park. I love the park and the playground, but this is something that is on an entirely different level.” – (resident reaction)
While these residents are vocal about their concerns, they also acknowledge the importance of keeping pickleball in Camas. They’re asking city officials to consider relocating the courts to areas farther from residential homes.
City Officials Respond
Camas Communications Director Bryan Rachal acknowledged the noise issues and emphasized the need for noise mitigation strategies.
“We’ve heard some concerns from residents that pickleball can be pretty noisy. It is one of the fastest-growing sports, and it’s a Washington-born pickleball sport, so we are looking into options.” – (Bryan Rachal)
Currently, the city offers shared-use tennis and pickleball courts at Crown Park and Grass Valley Park. The plan to expand pickleball facilities at Crown Park was halted by Mayor Steve Hogan, who decided that the new sports court—expected to be completed in 2025—will only serve basketball.
“The mayor has decided to stop the striping of pickleball on the new sports court and focus on noise mitigation at the existing Crown Park pickleball court,” Rachal explained during a September Parks and Recreation meeting.
Addressing Noise Regulations
A significant challenge for Camas officials is that the city’s noise code doesn’t specify a maximum decibel level or mention sports like pickleball.
“I don’t know if we’ll do a noise test yet. Some cities have done sound mitigation on pickleball courts, and we’re exploring those options.” – (Rachal)
Camas operates a shared-use model at its parks, allowing pickleball players to use tennis courts during designated hours. For instance, at Crown Park, tennis players have exclusive use of the courts from 1 to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while pickleball players can use them at other times.
Despite this arrangement, some residents, including long-time tennis players, say the current system is leading to conflicts over court usage.
“The schedule is being completely ignored by the pickleball group. I’ve been confronted and told to go to Camas High School to play.” – (resident reaction)
Community Impact
The noise from the pickleball courts is affecting nearby residents’ quality of life. “It seems that a small minority’s preference is being considered over the needs of the community,” one neighbor remarked. Another resident expressed frustration over the unruly behavior at the courts, noting difficulties in finding parking and witnessing disruptive behavior.
“I’m concerned Crown Park is becoming a destination. It doesn’t seem that everyone there is treating the park in a friendly way.” – (resident reaction)
Residents are calling for collaboration with city officials to find a solution that balances the needs of the pickleball players and the peace of the neighborhood.
Exploring Noise Mitigation
During the Parks Commission’s September meeting, members discussed potential noise-mitigation options before making recommendations on the shared-use courts. Commission Chairperson Ellen Burton mentioned studying a report from Lake Oswego, Oregon, that highlighted the benefits of using soundproofing materials.
Rachal was tasked with investigating noise mitigation products, including softer paddles and balls, as well as fencing and landscaping options. The Commission plans to gather more information to address the noise issues from pickleball effectively.
A Wider Issue
The problems faced in Camas are not unique. Cities across the nation have dealt with similar complaints, leading some to install noise mitigation devices or close courts altogether. For instance, the Irvington Club in Portland recently shut down its pickleball courts after receiving noise complaints from a neighbor living nearby. In 2023, Lake Oswego also decided to close its only pickleball court, seeking a better location that wouldn’t disturb local residents.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, finding a balance between pickleball community enjoyment and neighborly peace remains a challenge for cities like Camas.
News in Brief: Camas Mayor Halts Pickleball Plans
Camas city officials are responding to noise complaints from residents near the pickleball courts at Crown Park, describing the sound as similar to a garbage truck. While residents support the sport’s presence, many are calling for the pickleball courts to be relocated. Camas Communications Director Bryan Rachal acknowledged the issue, while Mayor Steve Hogan paused plans to expand the facility, prioritizing noise mitigation.
The city is exploring options, including soundproofing materials. This issue reflects a nationwide issue as cities strive to balance growing pickleball popularity with community peace.
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