City of Ottawa Proposes New Pickleball Courts: The City of Ottawa has disclosed a draft plan for outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, aiming to address growing demand and noise concerns. The strategy, available on Engage Ottawa, outlines plans to add new courts, set noise limits, and establish guidelines for reducing disruptions to nearby residents.
Balancing Growth and Noise Concerns
As pickleball gains popularity, conflicts have arisen over shared court spaces with tennis. Ottawa currently has 315 outdoor tennis courts and 172 outdoor pickleball courts, with shared courts counted for both sports.
The city anticipates adding 24 new tennis courts and 39 new pickleball courts by 2031. However, increased play has led to noise complaints from residents near existing courts.
To address this, the city enlisted BAP Acoustics Ltd. as technical advisors. Their research informs recommendations such as placing courts farther from homes and using natural barriers like berms or foliage to mitigate noise.
The plan sets a maximum noise limit of 50 decibels and introduces setback distances ranging from 35 to 175 meters, depending on court numbers and surrounding ground hardness.
Guidelines for Court Placement and Use
The strategy suggests prioritizing sites with soft ground, such as grass or foliage, to absorb sound. It also advises against placing courts where they would be overlooked by residences or high-rise buildings. Noise barriers are not part of the city’s standard provisions but may be considered case by case.
To limit disturbances, new signage will enforce designated playtime restrictions at existing outdoor pickleball courts.
The report also touches on public court access, including wait times, lighting, net requirements, and court surfacing. No new practice walls will be installed, though existing walls will be repaired as needed.
Future of Pickleball in Ottawa
Applications to add pickleball lines to tennis courts will be reviewed in March and September each year. By setting guidelines for court placement and use, the city aims to support the growth of pickleball while minimizing conflicts with residents.
News in Brief: City of Ottawa Proposes New Pickleball Courts
The City of Ottawa has released a draft strategy to address pickleball’s rising popularity while managing noise concerns. The plan proposes new courts, noise limits, and setback rules to reduce disruptions.
Future applications for court modifications will be reviewed twice a year, ensuring a balance between accessibility and community impact.
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