Acoustical Barrier Reduces Noise from Nearby Pickleball Court

Overview:

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, bringing new courts to a variety of different locations. As more courts and facilities are built near homes and residential communities, noise mitigation has become a hot-button issue among local HOAs, with some situations turning into legal disputes. Ketchum & Walton partnered with a local HOA to provide a custom-made noise-control solution that helped reduce noise while preserving the game.

Challenge

Pickleball is known for its distinctive sound; every time a paddle strikes a plastic ball, it creates a loud noise that travels much farther than most people would expect. Add several courts operating at once, and those sounds quickly overlap into a cacophony of “dinks” and “pops” that create a steady stream of noise throughout the day. Hearing those “dinks” on the court while someone tries to hit their ball in your kitchen is expected, but hearing them while you’re at home in your real kitchen is an issue.

For local homeowners associations that want to add courts to their development, this presents a unique challenge: satisfying residents who enjoy pickleball while safeguarding those seeking a quiet evening. This was the case with a local HOA looking to put an end to the tsunami of complaints coming in about the nearby pickleball court.

Solution:

Every site is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to pickleball noise. Before recommending a solution, Ketchum & Walton evaluated the layout of the courts, their proximity to residential areas, and the natural path of the sound.

For this project, we supplied an outdoor acoustical barrier system designed to reduce sound traveling beyond the courts. The barrier was directly installed onto the existing fencing. This creates a solid acoustic surface that significantly mitigates paddle noise before it reaches neighboring properties.

Results:

Pickleball continues to grow, and thoughtful acoustical planning is becoming an important part of the building process of these courts. This awareness of the noise is just as impactful as the court layout, lighting, and player amenities. At Ketchum & Walton, we work with owners, architects, and contractors to develop practical noise-control solutions that help facilities remain enjoyable places to play while supporting their long-term success.