City of University Park Addresses Noise Concerns from Pickleball Courts
The city of University Park is taking steps to address noise concerns surrounding the popular sport of pickleball. With more than 10 noise complaints from nearby homes, the city is exploring ways to make the game quieter at the Williams Park pickleball courts.
A recent sound study conducted by the city compared the volume of sounds made by different generations of pickleball paddles and balls. The study found that using generation two paddles and balls resulted in a five-decibel decrease in sound, making the game half as loud to the human ear.
To further reduce noise levels, the city is considering installing a sound-mitigation barrier around the courts or adding a second fountain in the pond to absorb some of the sound. Enforcement of a requirement for players to use only generation two equipment may also be implemented, with the possibility of fines for violators.
Council member Phillip Philbin emphasized the importance of communicating with the pickleball community about the noise issue and the value of using quieter equipment. Parks Advisory Committee member Ben VerHalen noted the difficulty in identifying different generations of paddles and suggested that noise reduction screens could be a solution.
In addition to addressing noise concerns, the City Council recognized Asst. Fire Chief Scott Green for his 27 years of service and voted to continue resident-only parking in certain blocks. The city will revisit parking regulations and street closures after completion of a traffic study in the area.
