Pickleball Ban in Carmel, California

The affluent coastal town of Carmel, California, has decided to prohibit pickleball in its public parks. This move came about after residents expressed concerns about the disruptive noise made by paddles striking balls.

Earlier this month, the Carmel City Council enacted a permanent ban at Forest Hill Park, the only designated pickleball court in the city—marking it as the first of its kind in the state, according to local reports.

Residents reported a distinct “cracking” noise that reverberated throughout the neighborhood during games. Pickleball’s popularity has surged, particularly among seniors and retirees, which might explain the increase in complaints.

A temporary ban had been implemented last month while they sought a more lasting resolution. One suggestion was to introduce softer paddles and balls to lessen the sound produced when the plastic ball hits the wooden paddle.

At a City Council meeting on November 4, some locals appreciated the quieter atmosphere during the temporary ban. Resident Kimberly Edwards described the situation as “very peaceful and quiet,” noting an uptick in tennis players, especially younger ones.

However, she voiced doubts about the feasibility of enforcing the ban. “There will be problems,” she commented. “These are not guarded courtrooms. You know that. No, we don’t have a parks and rec department. Who’s going to police this? Are they going to hear a noise and call the police?”

Another resident, Barbara Lang, a pickleball player, argued that even “quiet” pickleball should not be banned entirely. She suggested that players should be given the chance to adapt to quieter options.

The city council ultimately decided against allowing pickleball with modified equipment that would require oversight. Some members echoed sentiments around the complexities of the situation. City Council member Alisandra Drumoff remarked that the locale simply may not be suitable for the sport.

The council is preparing to draft an ordinance to formally ban pickleball in all parks. Should the ban proceed, opponents of the decision intend to hold additional hearings and potentially challenge it.

In support of the ban, Mayor Dale Byrne expressed concerns regarding enforcement difficulties, indicating it’s a challenging situation. “It’s really sad that you can’t figure this out,” he added.