Get Help
Fighting pickleball noise pollution requires a broad range of knowledge and skills. The people and resources listed below may be of help to you.
Neighbor Planning a Backyard Court or Playing Pickleball Nearby
If your neighbor is planning to build a pickleball court or convert an outside surface, talk with them about the project. Proactive discussions, education and collaborative site planning can save time, money and relationships.
If your neighbor is creating a noise nuisance by playing pickleball near your property, talk with her/him about your concerns. People playing pickleball may be unaware of the impact of noise on neighbors. Unfortunately, some people don't care about their neighbors.
If you can't reach a solution that ensures the peaceful enjoyment of your property, contact your municipality, homeowner's association and/or a licensed attorney.
Pickleball Noise Relief Facebook Group (community with similar experience)
Consider reaching out to people on Facebook
This group launched in June 2023, and now connects over 1100 members who share their experiences, support and resources
Ask the community questions and share what you've learned with others
Participate in Zoom calls with experts and other stakeholders from the Facebook group
Neighbors in Your Community
When faced with a current or potential noise nuisance situation, it's important to contact your neighbors to coordinate your efforts. Generally, the more people who report a noise nuisance, the more likely it is that authorities will take action.
Ask your neighbors to submit noise nuisance reports if they are also affected by pickleball noise. Authorities are more likely to respond when multiple people complain.
If the noise nuisance persists, make sure you and other affected neighbors periodically report the noise nuisance so authorities don't assume that the issue has been resolved on its own.
Licensed Attorney
It may be less expensive and more effective in the long run to hire a qualified licensed attorney early in the process. An experienced attorney can help you weigh your options and guide you through resolution of your noise nuisance issue.
Several resources are available to help you find a professional attorney. Lawyers are in high demand so start your search early.
Local Authorities
If asking pickleball players to stop creating a noise nuisance doesn't improve your situation, report active noise nuisance events by filing a complaint with local police or use a non-emergency noise reporting system.
When resolving noise nuisance disputes, residents are often asked if they previously reported the issue to the authorities. Having data from multiple noise complaints helps authorities monitor frequency and extent of noise nuisance events.
Acoustical Engineer/Professional
Acoustical professionals can perform proactive noise assessments (estimates of potential noise for new courts) or on-site sound level monitoring of active pickleball courts. Choose an expert with experience measuring "highly impulsive noise".
It is not unusual for people to try to save money by performing their own sound level study. Suitable sound level monitoring equipment is expensive (~$4000 +) and impulsive sound level monitoring requires special skills. Do-it-yourself studies often lead to confusing and questionable results and support bad decisions.
Decision Makers
Report noise nuisance events and potential noise nuisance issues (e.g. new pickleball courts close to your home) through reporting channels that fit to your situation.
Public Pickleball Courts
Contact local government officials or public park representatives to voice your concerns. Find a champion who will help you pull together the case you need to present to the full commission or city council..
Private Pickleball Court(s)
If you and the court owner both live within a community governed by covenants, conditions, and restrictions, contact your HOA Board of Directors (or similar governing body) for assistance. You may still need to consult a licensed attorney to resolve your situation.
Healthcare Providers
People affected by pickleball noise often describe physical and/or mental health concerns.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY:
For a life-threatening emergency: Call 911
For 24-hour suicide prevention or a mental health crisis: Call or text 988
Long-term exposure to noise pollution has been linked to increased stress and stress-related health conditions. If pickleball noise is negatively affecting your health, speak with your healthcare provider to ensure that new health conditions are detected and treated.