East Petersburg Acts on Pickleball Noise: The East Petersburg Borough Council has voted to adjust the hours for its pickleball courts and install an acoustic wrap to reduce noise following ongoing complaints from nearby residents. The new court hours will be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., an hour earlier than the previous closing time of 10 p.m.
Resident Concerns Over Noise
Since the courts opened last spring, residents living near the park have raised concerns about the noise. In June, neighbor Susan Piefer asked the council to shorten the hours, install signs reflecting the schedule, and add sound barriers around the court fence.
Becky Jones, another resident, supported the changes, saying she can hear games from her back porch and sympathizes with those who live even closer. However, Piefer believes the only real solution is moving the courts at least 500 feet from homes.
“Proximity to houses is the problem,” Piefer said.
Acoustic Wrap Chosen for Noise Mitigation
Project Supervisor Jeff Moseman presented research on four different sound-reduction products for the courts. The chosen solution, Fence Screen’s acoustic wrap, costs $6,500 for 120 feet of material and has a lifespan of eight to 10 years.
“It will dampen the sound,” Moseman said, though he acknowledged it would not eliminate the noise entirely.
Pro-tempore council member Adam Gochnauer expressed similar concerns, noting that while the effort is well-intended, some residents may still be dissatisfied.
“It’s a good intention to help, but it is not going to make all the sound go away,” Gochnauer said.
Next Steps and Upcoming Meetings
The council will vote on purchasing and installing the Fence Screen product at its next meeting.
The next council meeting is scheduled for April 1 at 7 p.m., followed by a committee meeting on April 24 at 6 p.m.
News in Brief: East Petersburg Acts on Pickleball Noise
East Petersburg Borough Council has reduced pickleball court hours to 7 a.m.–9 p.m. and plans to install a $6,500 acoustic wrap to reduce noise. While some residents support the changes, others believe the courts should be moved farther from homes. The final vote on the noise barrier will take place at the April 1 meeting.
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