Pickleball Noise Complaints Controversy: Pickleball has grown rapidly in the U.S., becoming one of the fastest rising sports. August 8 is now National Pickleball Day, showing its popularity in places like retirement communities, parks, and among celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio. However, not everyone likes the sport.
The Noise Problem
Many people say they dislike pickleball because of its unique sound. The hollow plastic ball makes a sharp popping noise when it hits the paddle. Residents near courts often find this noise disturbing. Mary McKee of Arlington, Virginia, said she hoped the sound would fade, but it remains loud near her home.
Clint Ellis of York, Maine, described the noise as “a torture technique.” John Mancini from Wellesley, Massachusetts, and Debbie Neagle from Scottsdale, Arizona, live in gated communities with courts nearby. Mancini compared it to “having a pistol range in your backyard,” while Neagle said, “Living here is hell.”
In one sad case, Dan Lavery of West Linn, Oregon, shared that a neighbor with cancer found the noise worse than his illness.
For example of Pickleball Noise Complaint
Why is the Sound So Annoying?
Bob Unetich, a pickleball player and founder of Pickleball Sound Mitigation, explained that the sound can reach 70 decibels from 100 feet away, louder than normal background noise. It’s not just the volume but the high pitch and rhythm that bother people. Unetich said the vibrations can be very annoying to humans.
Other Criticisms
Not all complaints are about noise. On the “SmartLess” podcast, actor Will Arnett joked about pickleball, calling it “a fat man’s sport” and said it has replaced racquetball. He described the game as standing in the middle waiting for the ball to come to you.
Growing Popularity and Criticism
Pickleball continues to grow despite some people’s dislike. Its fast rise has led to more courts in communities, causing noise concerns for neighbors. As the sport spreads, balancing enjoyment and neighborhood peace remains a challenge.
News in Brief: Pickleball Noise Complaints Controversy
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports, celebrated on National Pickleball Day, August 8. However, many people dislike the sharp noise made by the ball hitting the paddle, calling it annoying or worse. Experts explain the noise’s volume and pitch make it hard to ignore.
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