Orange County Expands Pickleball Courts: As pickleball continues to surge in popularity across Orange County, local cities are working to add more courts while addressing noise concerns from nearby residents. A recent review by Chapman University and Voice of OC found around 220 public courts in the county, with plans for expansion in multiple areas.
Cities Add Courts to Meet Demand
Newport Beach and La Palma are moving forward with plans to increase pickleball facilities. Lake Forest is considering additional locations and modifying existing spaces to create more courts.
A public survey in the city showed strong support for adding pickleball lines to current facilities, according to Voice of OC. Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa are also working on expanding access to accommodate growing demand.
While some cities, like Laguna Woods and Aliso Viejo, have limited space for courts, other communities are finding creative ways to introduce more pickleball opportunities.
Addressing Noise Concerns in Laguna Beach
In Laguna Beach, residents near Lang Park have raised complaints about noise from nearby pickleball courts, which are located close to the Vista Aliso senior living community.
In response, the city council voted to require “quiet” pickleball paddles in an effort to reduce noise. According to Laguna Beach Recreation Manager Alexis Braun, 200 quiet paddles have already been sold to residents.
The issue remains a point of debate among locals. Some, like Susana Cruciana, say the noise has negatively impacted their health, while others, such as Joanna Liddiard, argue that pickleball players have already made compromises. Laguna Beach Mayor Alex Rounaghi has expressed support for restoring court hours if the quieter paddles prove effective.
Balancing Growth and Community Concerns
As more Orange County cities look to expand their pickleball offerings, they must also address concerns from residents about noise and space limitations. Officials are working to find a balance between meeting demand for the sport and maintaining quality of life in residential neighborhoods.
News in Brief: Orange County Expands Pickleball Courts
Orange County is expanding its pickleball courts while tackling noise complaints. Cities like Newport Beach and Lake Forest are adding courts, while Laguna Beach enforces quiet paddles to reduce noise. Local officials aim to balance the sport’s growth with residents’ concerns.
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