Pickleball Noise Sparks Community Clash: Greenbriar Hills Country Club and its neighbors are in a heated debate over the noise from four pickleball courts built in 2023. The country club is seeking approval to raise a sound-mitigating fence, but residents say this won’t fully address the issue of noise affecting nearby homes.
The Noise Concerns
The pickleball courts, located about 20 yards from several homes, have drawn complaints from residents about the noise. Julie Missey, a resident of Briargate Lane, said she never imagined that discussions about the courts would continue three years after the proposal.
“I could not have imagined back in 2022 when Greenbriar first proposed building these courts a mere 60 feet from my property that we would still be talking about this three years later. There is one major thing my neighbors and I did predict, though — the fact that the (pickleball) courts would exceed the St. Louis County noise ordinance.” – (Missey)
The city approved the construction of the courts with the condition that they comply with the county’s noise ordinance before being used. According to city staff, the courts have failed two noise tests, but the current fence height of 15 feet meets city regulations. The country club has now requested approval to add five feet of acoustical fencing to better control the sound.
Proposed Solutions and Opposition
Greenbriar’s attorney, John Nations, argued that the proposed 5-foot fence would help the country club comply with the noise ordinance.
“We believe, based on what we’ve seen, that adding the 5-foot acoustical fence is consistent with the plan, harmonious with all of your conditions, and will allow us to comply with the St. Louis County noise control ordinance.” – (John Nations)
However, residents like Julie and Steve Missey believe a taller fence won’t solve the issue.
“Even if the acoustical fence is raised an additional 5 feet, it will not block the line-of-sight to our bedrooms and decks, and therefore it will not mitigate the sounds.” – (Steve Missey)
He added that the noise affects his son’s bedroom, where the sound is particularly troubling.
Community Support for Greenbriar
While some neighbors oppose the plans, others have voiced support for Greenbriar. John Bickel, the club’s 2024 president, emphasized the importance of the pickleball courts for the club’s future.
“We want Greenbriar to remain the attractive pillar of Kirkwood that it has been for generations.” – (Bickel)
He also mentioned plans to plant more trees near the courts to improve the aesthetics of the area.
What’s Next?
In June 2024, the Kirkwood Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-3 against the proposal to raise the fence. The matter is now in the hands of the Kirkwood City Council, which is expected to vote on the request at its meeting on April 17, 2025.
News in Brief: Pickleball Noise Sparks Community Clash
Greenbriar Hills Country Club seeks approval to raise the fence around its pickleball courts to reduce noise. Neighbors argue that it won’t be enough, while supporters of the club stress its importance for the community. The Kirkwood City Council will vote on the proposal on April 17, 2025.
ALSO READ: East Petersburg Acts on Pickleball Noise: New Hours and $6,500 Acoustic Wrap