Walden Pickleball Court: A pickleball court in the southeast Calgary community of Walden has been shut down after the City of Calgary found it was too close to nearby homes. The court, located at 387 Walgrove Way SE, was closed on May 8, 2025, due to noise complaints and failure to meet distance rules. In place of the court, the city has set up a mini-golf course.
The court was only 13 metres away from homes, while the city’s guidelines now call for at least 80 metres of space in quiet neighborhoods. This has sparked protests from residents, including Muhammad Ali, who lives in the area and has started a petition to bring the court back.
Pickleball Court Removal Due to Noise
The City of Calgary placed signs at the court saying it didn’t meet the 80-metre distance recommendation from nearby homes. City officials explained the court was being removed after receiving multiple noise complaints, people playing too late, and the use of extra lights.
“In response to noise complaints and to align with the recommended setback standards, the court will be removed,” the city said. The court’s nets have been taken down, and the area is now being used for mini-golf instead of pickleball.
Petition Launched by Community Member
Muhammad Ali, a resident of Walden, is leading the effort to bring the pickleball court back. He says the city made the decision without asking people who live nearby.
“A decision has been made, without any consultation or engagement – and even against the wishes of the houses which are adjacent to the court.” – (Muhammad Ali)
He explained that each October, the city would place a sign saying the court was closed for the season. But last year, the net was cut down completely. Ali at first thought teenagers had damaged it, so he and others bought a new net. They continued to use the court a few times before winter.
This spring, they waited for the city to put the net back up, but nothing happened. The group installed another net themselves, but on May 8, the city removed it again and added mini-golf holes instead.
Muhammad Ali’s petition now has over 150 signatures, including from homeowners who live next to the court. He says the court has been in place since late 2020.
“We made friendship and we built some connection here, and we have enjoyed this court, very peacefully, for the last four or five years until.” – (Muhammad Ali)
Anyone interested in signing the petition can email Muhammad Ali directly.
City Explains Long-term Plans for the Court
The City of Calgary responded to the situation with a statement explaining that complaints began in 2024. Concerns included loud noise, people playing outside the allowed hours, and bad behavior that made the court less fair for others.
“In response, signage was installed to reinforce rules of play. Despite these efforts, issues continued, including unauthorized lighting used for extended play.” – (STATEMENT)
By 2025, more complaints were received. The city said they decided to temporarily stop pickleball use and try out mini-golf equipment while they worked on a better long-term solution. They also noted that more research is showing how pickleball noise may affect people’s mental health.
“As more studies and data emerge regarding the impact of pickleball noise exposure — particularly its effects on the mental well-being of neighbouring residents — many municipalities, including The City of Calgary, are beginning to establish more stringent guidelines on where courts should be installed.” – (STATEMENT)
“These include defined setback distances between active pickleball courts and residential properties to help mitigate sound impacts and ensure compatibility with surrounding neighbourhoods.” – (STATEMENT)
The city said the court’s 13-metre distance from homes was much less than the recommended 80 metres in quiet areas or 45 metres in busier areas.
“The recommended setback for one court in a ‘quiet residential community’ is 80 metres, and 45 metres in a ‘busy community.’ We recognize that the terms ‘quiet’ and ‘busy’ are subjective and open to interpretation, but the 13 metre setback at Walgrove Park still falls well below the recommended threshold.” – (STATEMENT)
City officials said the court will stay closed as they work with the community to explore future options.
News in Brief: Walden Pickleball Court
A pickleball court in Walden, Calgary, was shut down on May 8 due to noise concerns and distance issues. Resident Muhammad Ali has launched a petition with over 150 signatures to save the court. The city replaced the court with mini-golf and says long-term options are being reviewed.
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