Pickleball Debate Heats Up at Topsail Beach: Tensions erupted at a recent Topsail Beach Board of Commissioners meeting over proposed changes to park guidelines affecting the town’s pickleball courts near Topsail Beach Town Center. What began as a discussion on court access quickly escalated into a passionate debate.
On Wednesday, Residents at the recent Topsail Beach Board of Commissioners meeting voiced strong opinions regarding proposed revisions to the town’s park guidelines concerning access to pickleball courts situated near the Topsail Beach Town Center.
Tensions Rise
“I can’t believe I’m sitting here having a conversation about pickleball, Of all the things we have to deal with in this town.” – (Manager Doug Shipley)
Approximately six individuals voiced their concerns at the commissioners’ meeting, following a few who had also attended the July 2 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting. The focus of public comments centered on the regulation of the hour-long rule currently in place. Initially, the first group arriving at the courts can play for a continuous hour, after which groups must alternate after each game.
Proposed changes now suggest limiting court usage to just one game per group. Each game typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, with the winning team being the first to reach 11 points, leading by a two-point margin. In cases of ties or near-ties, teams can continue playing for up to 15 points, after which the game concludes.
These adjustments align with standard pickleball scoring protocols as outlined on the Pickleball Union website. Additionally, a paddle-holder system remains in effect to manage court access, tracking which groups are next in line.
“That’s when it got ugly and I said: ‘Back off, do not come at me as an assertive male,” explained Burke, recounting the heated exchange with another resident, Robert Carbone, who sought to enforce court usage rules.
Community Debate and Decision-Making
Former Chapel Hill parks and recreation director Jim Bernstein criticized the hour-long rule, arguing it unfairly benefits early arrivals and disrupts pickleball etiquette.
“There are etiquette rules that are out there for pickleball just like all the other sports, and guideline seven appears to me to be a little off kilter from the normal etiquette guidelines that are out there.” – (Jima)
Pat Gunter, speaking at the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting, expressed concerns about the rule’s impact on fair play and community harmony. The rule, instituted four years ago to manage a rise in pickleball players during the summer months, has come under heightened examination
“There has been resentment sometimes underneath the surface and sometimes bubbling right to the top, to the extent that a few weeks ago it was a threat to call 911, which is kind of ridiculous over pickleball courts.” – (Pat Gunter)
The commissioners were tasked with deliberating on the proposed change to the hour-long rule. Commissioner Gunter faced criticism from Commissioner Joe Bell over the issue. Bell supported the notion that the initial group arriving should have the privilege of playing for an hour, arguing that learning the sport, particularly with younger children, is challenging in shorter, rotating intervals.
In contrast, Gunter opposed the idea, viewing the extended play time for the first group as unfair. Bell clarified that the group adhered to the existing guidelines by securing their place first before Gunter intervened in the discussion.
“I’m talking, keep your mouth shut, I’m not finished, some of the groups are “rude and disruptive.” – (bell)
Mayor Steven Smith swiftly defused the argument by urging both the commissioners to settle down. Meanwhile, some members of the public expressed dissatisfaction with the rotating rule, citing frustration over insufficient playtime in the brief single-game sessions.
“That’s just not fair when we play with the rotating system, everybody gets in 20 minutes, tops.” – (Chriss Grave)
Shipley highlighted that the town currently lacks enforcement of these guidelines, highlighting that passing an ordinance would be necessary to hold rule violators accountable, potentially through fines. He also recalled a previous proposal he had put forward for a court reservation system, which had been rejected.
Mayor Smith attributed the issue of court availability to the limited number of dedicated pickleball courts on Topsail Island, noting that only two courts are specifically designated for pickleball.
The Surf City Recreation Center’s indoor courts are occupied by summer programs and tennis, requiring pickleball players to bring their nets and set up their court lines. In a close vote of 3-2, with opposition from Bell and Frank Baxton, the board decided to eliminate the rule allowing players to utilize the courts for a continuous hour.
