In an effort to address noise complaints related to pickleball, the city of Long Beach is taking proactive steps by expanding its pickleball court infrastructure. This move aims to shift the noise away from residential neighborhoods and provide a more enjoyable experience for both players and residents. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of how Long Beach plans to solve the problem of pickleball noise pollution.
The Growing Popularity of Pickleball
Pickleball has gained immense popularity in recent years, with enthusiasts of all ages enjoying the sport. However, the sport’s success has brought about a unique challenge—noise. The constant sound of plastic balls hitting paddles can be disruptive to nearby residents, leading to increased noise complaints.
The Solution: Building More Pickleball Courts
The Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department has taken a proactive approach to tackle this issue. They are in the process of constructing 16 new pickleball courts that will be open to the public. These courts will be located in two different areas: eight at DeForest Park and eight more at Veterans Park. The strategic choice of these locations is aimed at minimizing the impact on nearby neighborhoods, as both parks have their dedicated parking lots.
Addressing the Noise Issue
The primary objective behind spreading out the pickleball courts across multiple locations is to reduce the concentration of players in specific areas. This redistribution is expected to alleviate the noise concerns voiced by residents like Sean Charles, who have been adversely affected by the constant racket.
Sound Barriers: A Step Towards Quieter Play
To further mitigate noise pollution, the city of Long Beach has taken steps to install sound barriers around the courts. These barriers are designed to absorb and minimize the sound generated during pickleball matches. According to Hurley Owens, bureau manager of maintenance and operations for the city of Long Beach, “We’ve got this sound deadening board that’s going to deaden the sound of the actual ball hitting the paddle.” This addition is expected to reduce noise levels by up to 30%.
Adjusting Court Lighting
Apart from sound barriers, the city has made adjustments to the court lighting. The timers for the court lights have been modified to turn off at 9 p.m. instead of the previous 10 p.m. This change aligns with efforts to ensure a quieter and more peaceful environment for nearby residents during evening hours.
Community Empathy and Future Planning
While these measures are commendable, residents like Sean Charles emphasize the need for empathy towards those living near pickleball courts. Charles suggests that cities should consider allowing pickleball only on courts that are not in close proximity to residential areas and provide dedicated parking facilities.
The Example Set by La Canada
Taking a cue from Long Beach’s efforts, the city of La Canada has gone a step further. They have removed pickleball lines from the tennis court at Glenhaven Park due to ongoing noise complaints. This move ensures that the court is now exclusively used for tennis, eliminating noise conflicts.
Conclusion
Long Beach’s proactive approach to addressing noise complaints related to pickleball sets an example for other communities facing similar challenges. By building additional courts, installing sound barriers, and adjusting lighting, they aim to strike a balance between accommodating sports enthusiasts and maintaining the peace and quiet of residential areas.
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