The rapid rise in pickleball’s popularity has led to significant noise complaints from residents living near courts, as exemplified by Maple Grove neighbors disturbed by the constant “pop, pop, pop” sounds. Despite attempts to mitigate the noise, including sound studies and court removals in some suburbs, Maple Grove recently banned pickleball at Fish Lake Woods Park due to disturbances, sparking backlash from players who launched a petition to reinstate the courts. The conflict escalated to police involvement as tensions grew between residents and players.
City officials in Maple Grove considered various noise reduction measures but ultimately decided against costly barriers, instead following research advising that pickleball courts be located at least 200 feet from homes, with sound abatement within 500 feet. This decision reflects the broader challenge communities face in balancing the sport’s growing popularity with residents’ quality of life concerns.
