Orange County Expands Pickleball Courts Amid Growing Popularity and Noise Concerns
Orange County is seeing a surge in the popularity of pickleball, leading local cities to expand their court offerings while addressing noise concerns from residents. A recent review found around 220 public courts in the county, with plans for expansion in multiple areas.
Cities like Newport Beach and La Palma are moving forward with plans to increase pickleball facilities, while Lake Forest is considering additional locations and modifications to create more courts. Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa are also working on expanding access to accommodate the growing demand for the sport.
However, some cities, like Laguna Woods and Aliso Viejo, are facing space limitations for courts. In Laguna Beach, residents near Lang Park have raised complaints about noise from nearby pickleball courts, prompting the city council to require “quiet” pickleball paddles to reduce noise. The issue has sparked debate among locals, with some expressing concerns about the impact on their health.
As Orange County continues to expand its pickleball offerings, officials are working to find a balance between meeting the demand for the sport and addressing residents’ concerns about noise and space limitations. The goal is to ensure that the growth of pickleball does not negatively impact the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.
