New Pickleball Regulations in Avondale Estates: As pickleball’s popularity soars, the rhythmic clacking of paddles and balls has become a familiar backdrop at the Avondale Swim and Tennis Club. With two tennis courts converted to house four pickleball courts, the once-quiet area has transformed into a bustling hub of activity.
Rising Concerns Over Noise
The decision to mark pickleball lines on the tennis courts two years ago has brought unintended consequences. Residents in the vicinity are finding the constant pickleball noise issue increasingly intrusive. City Manager Patrick Bryant acknowledges the issue,
“Since that decision was made, we’ve had multiple residents surrounding the court area let us know that the noise emanating from the game itself is bothersome.” – (Bryant)
“Given the fact that we allow for pickleball play without restriction as we do for tennis play, the unintended consequence has been that pickleball primarily dominates the court from open to close.” – (Bryant)
The courts operate from around 8 a.m. to dusk, leaving little respite for nearby residents from the incessant din of the game.
City Commission Deliberates Solutions
During the August 14 work session, the Avondale City Commission explored several potential remedies. Among the short-term fixes discussed were restricting pickleball hours, imposing a usage fee, and installing sound attenuation blankets. For a long-term solution, the city is considering relocating the courts away from residential areas.
The surrounding streets—Forrest Boulevard, Dartmouth Avenue, Craigie Avenue, Fairfield Drive, and Fairfield Plaza—were abuzz with concerned residents, many of whom attended the city commission meeting.
Voices from the Community
Residents like Ross Rubenstein raised critical concerns about the pickleball noise issue.
“There seem to be two issues – the noise from the game itself and the noise from players yelling. There are more than 20 people at the courts at times.” – (Rubenstein)
His wife, Kris Byron, highlighted the impact on their daily lives.
“I have to work now with music on and I have noise-cancelling headphones. Sometimes I turn it up a little louder than I probably should because I just have to drown it out. It’s so loud in our house.” – (BYRON)
Realtor Carol Reimer expressed worries about property values.
“It’s a perceived thing. If you perceive that it’s a problem… you’re perceiving that they’re devaluing your property because it’s loud.” – (Reimer)
Harry Vann, a vocal advocate for change, suggested a dramatic solution. “My opening position is that you have a low-cost option that you haven’t discussed, and that’s to get rid of pickleball,” he said. However, acknowledging the game’s popularity, he proposed limiting play hours to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and suggested using soft paddles to reduce noise—though he admitted enforcement would be a challenge.
Quality of Life vs. Recreational Enjoyment
Lynn Boyd, Vann’s spouse, showed the core issue: quality of life.
“I feel like our quality of life matters more than the sporting and recreational endeavors of non-residents, and possibly residents too, because this is our quality of life. This is our homes.” – (Boyd)
Despite having played pickleball herself, Boyd expressed reluctance to play at the Avondale Swim and Tennis Club.
“I would never step foot on that court and play pickleball knowing what it does to a neighbor of mine and how it completely destroys their quality of life.” – (Boyd)
City’s Path Forward
Bryant assured residents that the city staff would present more detailed information on adjusted hours, potential reservation fees, and sound attenuation options. Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Shortell echoed the need for immediate action, stating,
“It is really, really loud when you’re nearby, and even fairly far away, you can still hear the staccato of pickleball constantly.”
The commission is open to exploring short-term solutions but remains committed to finding a long-term fix. Bryant mentioned ongoing discussions with a property owner about relocating the courts to a non-residential area but provided no specifics on the potential site.
Additionally, discussions are underway with DeKalb County Schools and the Paideia School about a potential partnership to build new courts on land near the DeKalb School of the Arts. Mayor Jonathan Elmore expressed support for this idea, suggesting leasing property from the DeKalb County Board of Education and using the proceeds from selling the current courts.
“I personally would like to consider the option of leasing property from the DeKalb County Board of Education, those fields you mentioned, and paying to build pickleball by selling our courts, that is my personal choice, to the club.” – (Mayor Jonathan Elmore)
For now, the search for a balanced solution continues, as Avondale Estates navigates the intersection of recreational enjoyment and residential tranquility.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Regulations in Avondale Estates
Avondale Estates is addressing concerns over noise from its popular pickleball courts at the Avondale Swim and Tennis Club. Residents have reported disturbances due to constant play from 8 a.m. to dusk. At a recent meeting, the City Commission discussed options including limiting play hours, imposing fees, and installing sound attenuation blankets.
Long-term solutions might involve relocating the courts. Residents like Ross Rubenstein and Kris Byron have voiced concerns about the impact on their quality of life, with some suggesting removing the courts entirely. Discussions are ongoing with potential new locations and partners.
Also Read: Bonnerworth Park’s New Pickleball Courts: A Potential Noise Nightmare?
