Carmel, California bans pickleball at public park over noise complaints

The wealthy oceanside town of Carmel, California, banned pickleball in its public park after residents complained that the constant sound of paddles hitting the balls was too loud.

The Carmel City Council voted earlier this month to permanently ban the sport at Forest Hill Park, the only public pickleball court within city limits, the first such ban in the state, according to sfgate.com.

Residents of the area reported that the sound of an “explosion” echoed in the neighborhood as players participated in the game, which has become increasingly popular, especially among the elderly and retirees.

The council imposed a temporary ban last month until it found a permanent solution, according to the report. Their best idea was to need soft paddles and balls to reduce the sound caused by plastic balls hitting wooden paddles.

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But at the Nov. 4 city council meeting, many residents said the temporary ban helped them enjoy a quieter community after the constant noise of the game.

“It was very peaceful and quiet,” Carmel resident Kimberly Edwards said at the meeting, adding that there was “an increase in tennis players, especially young people.”

But Edwards was skeptical that the ban could be enforced.

“There’s going to be a problem,” he said. “These are not supervised courts. You know that. They are not; there are no parks and recreation departments. As I said in my letter: Who will enforce this? … Will I hear a noise and then call the police? Will a police officer have to sit in these courts and monitor them?”

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Carmel City Council voted earlier this month to permanently ban sports from Forest Hill Park. (iStock)

“You are all in this position to protect us,” he said. “That’s your number one goal. That’s your job; not to appease these pickle enthusiasts.”

Competitive pickleball player Barbara Lang, who said she no longer uses Forest Hill Park courts, argued that even playing “quiet” pickleball in the park was preferable to banning the sport.

“If you want to try it with the silent ball, I think it would be fair for the players to give it a shot,” he said, emphasizing that he spoke for the many pickleball players who did not participate.

The city council decided not to compromise by allowing the sport to be played with quieter equipment that would require monitoring.

Some residents said the temporary ban helped them enjoy a quieter community. (iStock)

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“We are overcomplicating the situation in the name of compromise,” said council member Alissandra Dramov, adding that he “should accept the fact that this is not a good place for pickleball.”

The city will draft an ordinance permanently banning pickleball in the park.

Opponents of the ban will have two more hearings to appeal after the law is created.

“This is a really difficult thing to enforce,” said Mayor Dale Byrne, who supports the ban. “And I can’t ask that [police] Let the chief send his men there. … It’s really sad that we can’t figure this out.”