In the affluent coastal enclave of Carmel, California, the local government has made a decisive move to ban pickleball in its public park due to noise complaints from residents. The decision, which has caused a stir, came after locals voiced their concerns about the incessant sounds of paddles striking balls, a noise they found disruptive.

Earlier this month, the Carmel City Council voted to permanently prohibit pickleball at Forest Hill Park, the city’s sole public venue for the sport. According to sfgate.com, this marks the first instance of such a ban within the state.

The complaints centered around the distinctive “popping” noise made during games, which has become more frequent as the sport gains popularity, particularly among older adults and retirees. This persistent sound has echoed through the neighborhood, prompting the council to take action.

In response to the noise issue, the council initially implemented a temporary ban while exploring long-term solutions. Among the proposals was a requirement for players to use softer paddles and balls, aiming to mitigate the noise generated by the traditional plastic balls and wooden paddles.

Notably, this decision highlights the tension between recreational activities and community tranquility in this picturesque town by the sea. As Carmel adjusts to these changes, it remains to be seen how the local pickleball enthusiasts will adapt to the new regulations.

However, at a city council meeting on Nov. 4, several residents said the temporary ban helped them enjoy a quieter community after the constant noise from the game.

“It’s been so peaceful and quiet,” Carmel resident Kimberly Edwards said at the meeting, adding that there had been an “uptick in tennis players,” especially younger people.

But Edwards was skeptical that the ban would be able to be enforced.

“There’s gonna be a problem,” she said. “These aren’t supervised courts. You know that. They’re not — there’s no parks and rec department. So as I addressed in my letter: Who’s going to enforce this? … Am I going to have to hear a noise and then call the police? Is a police officer going to have to be, you know, sitting there on these courts, supervising them?”

The Carmel City Council voted earlier this month to permanently prohibit the sport at Forest Hill Park. (iStock)

“You guys are all in this position to protect us,” she said. “That’s your number one goal. That’s what your job is — not to placate these pickleball enthusiasts.”

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

“If you want to try it with the quiet ball, I think it’s only fair to the players to give that a chance,” she said, stressing that she speaks for many pickleballers not in attendance.

The city council decided against compromising by allowing the sport to be played with quieter equipment, which would have required monitoring.

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

“We’re just overcomplicating it in the name of compromise,” council member Alissandra Dramov said, adding that she had to “accept the reality this is not a good location for pickleball.”

The city will draft an ordinance to permanently ban pickleball at the park.

Opponents of the ban will have two more hearings to appeal the ban once it is created.

“It’s just a really difficult thing to enforce,” Mayor Dale Byrne said, siding with the ban. “And I can’t ask the [police] chief to send his people up there. … It’s really sad that we can’t figure this out.”