Carmel Limits Pickleball Hours at Forest Hill Park: Carmel officials have decided to limit pickleball hours at Forest Hill Park after neighbors raised concerns about the loud noise from the courts. The Forest and Beach Commission voted on Dec. 12 to restrict play to specific days and times for a 90-day trial period.
Complaints Over Noise Disturbance
Residents near Forest Hill Park have been complaining about the constant noise from the pickleball courts. John Kratchmer, a local resident, expressed his frustration, saying,
“Pickleball just isn’t a game that should be played in residential neighborhoods. It is loud and it is just ‘pop, pop, pop’ all day long.”( John Kratchmer)
He added that the high-pitched sound of the game makes it difficult to enjoy peace.
The Carmel City Council directed Public Works staff to study the issue. The staff found that the noise from pickleball exceeded city noise level regulations and occurred consistently throughout the day, seven days a week.
In response, the commission considered four options: banning pickleball, limiting the hours and days of play, requiring quieter equipment, or reducing the number of courts.
New Restrictions and Future Review
After careful consideration, commissioners voted to limit play to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
This new schedule will be in effect for 90 days starting in January, once new signs are posted at the park. At the end of the trial period, the commission will review the situation and make formal recommendations to the city council.
Support and Understanding from Pickleball Players
Despite the restrictions, some pickleball players, including Suzi Crary, are understanding of the changes. Crary, an 80-year-old national pickleball champion, said,
“Our group is certainly amenable to the changes. We’re not upset. We all empathize with the neighbors.”( Suzi Crary)
Crary and other players helped get the courts approved four years ago, and they’ve enjoyed playing in Carmel ever since.
Moving Forward
The decision to limit pickleball hours shows the city’s effort to balance recreation with residents’ concerns. With the new schedule in place, both players and neighbors will be able to assess how the changes impact the community. At the end of the trial period, the city will decide if any further adjustments are needed.
News in Brief: Carmel Limits Pickleball Hours at Forest Hill Park
Carmel officials decided to limit pickleball hours at Forest Hill Park after residents raised concerns about noise. For a 90-day trial, play will be restricted to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The city will review the impact after the trial period and consider further adjustments.
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