Pickleball and the Challenges of Noise Pollution
Pickleball, a fast-growing sport, is winning the hearts of players across various age groups with its simple rules and exciting gameplay. While the sport originated back in 1965, it only began to gain significant popularity in recent years. Its appealing combination of elements from tennis, badminton, and table tennis—utilizing paddles, a ball, and a net—has resulted in a surge of newly constructed pickleball courts to meet increasing demand. However, as the prevalence of this dynamic game continues to rise, so do the challenges associated with the noise it produces, making pickleball sound mitigation a pressing issue for communities in the vicinity of these courts.
The Genesis of Pickleball
In 1965, Rep. Joel Pritchard conceived pickleball at his home on Bainbridge Island, WA, as an innovative solution when the necessary equipment for a game of badminton was unavailable. Pritchard, his family, and businessmen Bill Bell cleverly improvised with ping-pong paddles and a plastic ball, which led to the creation of a new, family-friendly game. The fundamental rules were set forth, and the sport of pickleball was born.
To ensure the preservation and promotion of the sport, a corporation was established in 1972. Following this, pickleball tournaments started to emerge, providing the sport with a broader platform and significantly increasing its recognition.
Pickleball Sound Mitigation | The Noise Challenge of Pickleball
Despite its mounting popularity, pickleball brings along certain challenges that impact neighboring communities. The game, while enjoyable for the players, generates substantial noise—producing a distinct, sharp noise each time the paddle strikes the ball and when the ball bounces off the court. This issue is magnified when multiple games are played concurrently across various courts, with the cumulative noise levels becoming a significant disturbance for those residing or working near the pickleball courts.
According to a report by the LA Times, "Studies have demonstrated that the sound of a solid pickleball paddle making contact with the sport's hard, wiffleball-like plastic balls can be over 25 decibels louder than even the most powerful stroke of a Wilson tennis racket hitting a felt-covered tennis ball (Sheets)."
As resorts and country clubs increasingly incorporate pickleball courts into their premises, many of which are located close to residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, tackling the issue of the resonating pickleball noise has become a top priority. In the worst-case scenarios, prolonged exposure to such noise pollution could potentially lead to adverse mental and physical health effects for those living or working nearby. Consequently, there is an urgent need for effective pickleball sound mitigation solutions among residents living close to these courts.
The Emergence of Engineered Noise Barrier Walls for Pickleball
One well-documented and reliable solution to mitigate the noise produced by pickleball courts is the implementation of specially designed noise barrier walls.
These structures are engineered to absorb the sound generated by the sport, reducing the overall noise levels and significantly improving the quality of life for those residing in the surrounding areas. Engineered noise barrier walls present an effective and feasible solution for the growing pickleball noise problem, ensuring that the joy of the game can coexist harmoniously within our communities.
Contact us today if you are in need of pickleball sound mitigation and would like to learn more about our noise barrier wall products.