The affluent town of Carmel in California has decided to ban the sport of pickleball, citing the noise generated by the game as a nuisance to its residents. The Carmel City Council made the unprecedented decision to permanently prohibit the rapidly growing sport within the city’s boundaries earlier this month. This move is the first of its kind in California.
The decision came after numerous complaints from residents who were disturbed by the “popping” sound produced by the sport. Pickleball, which has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, particularly among retirees, has been causing a racket in the seaside community, much to the annoyance of its inhabitants.
In response to the complaints, the city council initially voted to temporarily ban pickleball from Forest Hill Park, the only public space in the town with courts for the sport. However, this temporary ban did not appease the residents. Council members Jeff Baron and Hans Buder proposed a solution that would require players to use “quiet” paddles and balls. This suggestion was met with skepticism from the residents, who doubted the feasibility of enforcing such a rule.
Carmel resident Kimberly Edwards voiced her concerns at a city council meeting on November 4. She questioned the practicality of the proposed solution, asking who would be responsible for enforcing the use of quiet equipment and whether residents would have to call the police if they heard noise from the game.
Despite the ban, pickleball enthusiasts are not ready to give up on their sport. They argue that a complete ban is unfair and that the council should at least give the quiet equipment a chance. Barbara Lang, a pickleball player, expressed her disappointment with the decision, advocating for a trial period with the quiet equipment.
The city council, however, remained firm in its decision. It unanimously voted in favor of extending the temporary ban and drafting legislation for a permanent one. Those opposing the ban will have two more opportunities to appeal against it once the legislation is finalized.