Academy Field Pickleball Noise Complaints: Town officials in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, are reviewing noise complaints tied to the Academy Field pickleball courts. At a public workshop held Monday night, nearby residents said players are using the courts outside of posted hours, creating loud and disruptive noise in the early morning and late evening.
Concerns from Nearby Residents
Three neighbors who live close to Academy Field spoke out about the ongoing pickleball noise. Paul McCaffrey said the courts have become what he called “an attractive nuisance,” with players showing up as early as 6:00 a.m. and staying as late as 10:00 p.m., despite signs stating the courts open at 8:30 a.m. and close at sunset.
Paul McCaffrey added, “There’s a lot of people who don’t think the rules apply to them,” and said some players have even brought their own lights to play after dark.
Shawn Wallace, who lives across Spring Street, agreed. He said a major problem is players ignoring the rules and using the courts too early or too late.
Possible Solutions and Challenges
When the courts opened last year, one suggestion to reduce noise was to plant shrubs. However, Town Manager Andy Nota said they later learned that landscaping would not help reduce the sharp sound of pickleball games.
Officials also considered requiring “silent” pickleballs and quieter paddles. But as some speakers pointed out, the big question remains: “Who would enforce that?”
No final decisions were made during the meeting. However, the issue will be discussed again at the next public session on Thursday, September 25.
News in Brief: Academy Field Pickleball Noise Complaints
East Greenwich residents near Academy Field say pickleball noise is disrupting their mornings and evenings. Town officials are exploring solutions like quieter gear but face enforcement challenges. No actions have been decided, but a follow-up meeting is planned for September 25 to gather more input.
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