Laguna Beach Silences Pickleball: Pickleball players at Lang Park in Laguna Beach must now use quiet paddles as of Thursday, April 10. The city passed a law requiring the new paddles to reduce noise that has disturbed nearby residents. Players face fines if they use traditional, louder paddles.
City Responds to Noise Complaints
The new rule comes after years of complaints from residents of Vista Aliso, a nearby senior community. The sound of the game—described as loud popping—led to many efforts to reduce noise. The city had installed sound barriers and limited play hours, but complaints continued.
In February, the City Council voted to require quiet paddles. By April, the law was officially in effect. Laguna Beach Police Department Park Rangers will enforce the rule. The city sold 220 quiet paddles at cost, about $120 each.
Councilmember Sue Kempf said the city also offered to install double-pane windows for affected residents. The goal was to reduce the sound from the courts, which were once tennis courts converted for pickleball.
Mixed Reactions from Residents and Players
Susana Cruciana, a resident of Vista Aliso, has pushed for relief from the noise since she was 68. She is now 75.
“I started advocating at 68, and now I’m 75,” she recently told councilmembers. “When you reduced the hours last year, it gave the residents some quiet time.”
She said the noise has affected residents’ daily lives.
“Residents lose control over the sounds in their home,” Cruciana said. “Why pass an ordinance that does not solve the problem?”
Another resident added, “Why do people have to have this kind of noise for other people’s play? I work out, I’m in shape, but my workout doesn’t make other people sick.”
Others supported the changes. One woman who plays with a group of 12 women said, “They play almost like regular balls,” while suggesting using quiet balls as well.
A north Laguna player said, “I’d like to see my hours back. We’ve come to the point as pickleball players where enough is enough. This is our community, too, and 140 people attend Lang Park.”
Players Adjust to New Equipment
On Wednesday, two of the three courts at Lang Park were active. Nearly every player had already purchased the new quiet paddle.
“I was expecting it to feel different,” Daisy Firebaugh, of Laguna Niguel, said of her new paddle. “I resisted for a long time. I was surprised it didn’t impact the game.”
Kerry Satterthwaite, of Laguna Beach, agreed the paddles made a difference.
“It takes a little while to get used to them. Part of pickleball is the noise.” – (Satterthwaite)
Both women said the expense was worth it to keep playing at Lang Park. “When all 12 are playing, no one has complained,” Gail Taleisnik of Laguna Beach said. Dee Cannata of Laguna Niguel was the only one still using a traditional paddle. “I like playing here,” Cannata said about her upcoming purchase.
“That’s the only reason I’m getting one. I don’t need it where I play in Laguna Niguel.” – (Cannata)
What Happens Next
Quiet paddles are now required at Lang Park, but not yet at Alta Laguna Park or the Community and Recreation Center. The limited play hours remain in effect. City officials may still consider moving the courts in the future if noise continues to be an issue.
News in Brief: Laguna Beach Silences Pickleball
Laguna Beach now requires quiet paddles at Lang Park pickleball courts to reduce noise complaints from nearby residents. The rule took effect April 10. Players paid about $120 for new paddles sold by the city. Police Park Rangers will enforce the law. Play hours remain limited as before.
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