Tecumseh’s Community Faces Pickleball Noise Challenges: As the popularity of pickleball surges across the country, towns like Tecumseh are facing challenges related to this growth. The Tecumseh Town Council is set to convene Tuesday night to discuss pressing noise complaints from residents living near the Zekelman Pickleball Complex and Shawanoe Park. Since the opening of the Lacasse Park complex in 2022 and the conversion of Shawanoe’s tennis courts in 2014, residents have raised concerns about decibel levels that frequently exceed acceptable limits defined by local noise bylaws.
Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti acknowledges the seriousness of the situation.
“We have to deal with this. I know a lot of pickleball complexes even in the county are being very specific in terms of location. Now we were one of the first ones, so when we chose Lacasse Park, we didn’t know about the sounds and the mitigating in terms of helping out with the reducing the noise.” – (Joe Bachetti)
A noise assessment conducted by Dillon Consulting has revealed that noise levels can soar between 75-80 decibels—well above the recommended 50-decibel threshold.
“I believe the acceptable decibel level for noise, even in terms of noise by-laws, is around 50 db and sometimes the pickleball is reaching 75-80 db. So it’s exceeding those numbers that have brought this attention to the town for us to try to assist with some low noise equipment.” – (Dillon Consulting)
Addressing Community Concerns
The council’s plan to apply for a provincial grant to install noise barriers reflects a commitment to balancing pickleball enjoyment with the peace of the surrounding community. Joe Bachetti emphasized the importance of finding a solution, stating,
“Whether we have to redirect funds from capital works, but it’s something we can’t ignore, and we have to deal with it.” – (Joe Bachetti)
The estimated cost for installing noise barriers at both locations is projected to range between $250,000 and $500,000, with the council planning to request $500,000 from the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.
As the meeting approaches, the council is under pressure to act swiftly. Local residents’ voices must be heard, but so should the growing demand for pickleball facilities that cater to players of all ages and skill levels. With the meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m., the outcome may shape the future of pickleball in Tecumseh and serve as a case study for other communities facing similar challenges.
News in Brief: Tecumseh’s Community Faces Pickleball Noise Challenges
As pickleball’s popularity grows, Tecumseh faces challenges, particularly noise complaints from residents near the Zekelman Pickleball Complex and Shawanoe Park. The Town Council will meet Tuesday to address these concerns, with noise levels reaching 75-80 decibels—well above the 50-decibel limit.
Deputy Mayor Joe Bachetti highlights the need for a solution, proposing to apply for a provincial grant to fund noise barriers, estimated to cost $250,000 to $500,000. The meeting could significantly impact the future of pickleball in Tecumseh.
ALSO READ: Colorado Springs Opens Stunning New Pickleball Courts at John Venezia Park
