Pickleball Noise Complaints in Louisville: Pickleball is booming in Louisville, but its popularity has also raised concerns. Some neighbors near public courts say the noise is too loud, while players argue it’s no worse than other sports. The debate continues at parks like Wyandotte, where courts are filled with active and happy players.
Community Enjoys the Game
Joey Tyrrell and Bryan Works began playing pickleball two years ago, soon after six new courts opened at Wyandotte Park. “Probably just since they put these out here,” Bryan Works said.
When asked about the sport’s noise, Joey Tyrrell was surprised. “No, I’ve never heard anybody say it was loud before,” he said.
On Thursday, the courts were filled with energy, especially from students in a University of Louisville summer program for health professionals. The group, mostly young, was having fun and showing that pickleball isn’t just for older adults.
One player compared it to other sports, saying, “No, no, no. It’s not at all. Maybe like basketball — at times — when people get a little frustrated, like in any sport.”
Why the Sport Sounds Different
Pickleball creates a sharp, popping sound when the ball hits the paddle. This noise is different from the softer bounce of a tennis ball or basketball. The sound is louder when players use composite paddles, which are more common than wooden ones.
A couple of players hitting the ball may not seem loud, but a group of twelve can create a noticeable rhythm.
Legal Issues and Local Complaints
As pickleball grows, so do the complaints. Cities like Madison in Wisconsin and Minneapolis in Minnesota have seen residents ask for limited playing hours or changes to court locations.
One Louisville resident even filed a lawsuit over a backyard court that had been converted from tennis to pickleball. Court documents read, “While the parties disagree about the overall volume and frequency of noise from pickleball play, they agree that pickleball does generate more noise than tennis.” The judge ruled in favor of the court owner.
Noise was also a major reason behind the cancellation of a $65 million plan to build a tennis and pickleball complex at Joe Creason Park. The sound of paddles was listed among the top issues.
Still, at Wyandotte Park, the sound of a nearby ice cream truck was louder than the ongoing game.
What Comes Next?
Whether pickleball is too noisy for public parks remains up for debate. With more people playing and more courts opening, the city may have to find a balance between the growing love for the game and the need for quiet neighborhoods.
For now, players keep playing—and the paddles keep popping.
News in Brief: Pickleball Noise Complaints in Louisville
Pickleball is creating tension in Louisville as some neighbors complain about the noise. While players at Wyandotte Park say it’s not loud, court records and past lawsuits show the sport’s sound can be a problem. The city is still debating how to handle the growing popularity of pickleball.
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