Wellesley considering pickleball court changes after noise complaints
WELLESLEY – Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., but it seems not everyone is happy with its popularity.
A meeting was held in Wellesley Friday morning to discuss the growing game being played at Sprague fields. Neighbors say the noise is causing a nuisance and are asking the town to reconsider the position of the courts.
"It's really annoying. I can hear it in every room of my house," says John Macini, whose house overlooks the four pickleball courts now in question after neighbors complained to the town.
The noise in question is the popping sounds made when the plastic perforated ball is hit by paddles on a badminton-sized court.
"It's like hearing a perpetual game of ping-pong," said Christopher Garris, who lives next to the courts.
Wellesley Recreation Commission chairperson, Paul Cramer, hosted a meeting Friday allowing neighbors to voice their concerns or support for pickleball in Sprague Park.
"We have to discuss this," says Cramer.
Some neighbors, like Christine Mezzi, joined the meeting fighting for the courts to stay.
"It's hard to disregard the fact that residents who chose the live near tennis courts are now more upset by the noise level," says Mezzi.
Pickleballers, like Kenna Guliani, also expressed support for the courts, noting the joy the game brings to the community.
"Sprague courts have been our home for this activity," said Giuliani. "Yes, you may hear the noise of the ball hitting the paddle, but more importantly you hear the laughter and fun the players are having."
Though, neighbors say the sounds of tennis don't compare.
"Those courts were built for tennis," Eric Pajonk, a resident who lives near the courts, said. "I think all of us who moved in anticipated tennis noise would be made and suddenly you're having a much louder noise."
"Tennis is more about lower pitch, pickleball is higher pitch," says Garris, who lives feet away from the court with her son William.
"The current issue is they play non-stop sunup sundown. It really bothers us, bothers me," says Garris.
During the pandemic, the Sports and Fitness Industry Association said participation doubled, generating more players on the court and sadly more noise for neighbors.
"I don't think anyone is arguing against pickleball, per se," John Smitka said. "It's a great activity for people. That is not really what's an issue, what's [an] issue are people who are adversely affected by the location of it."
Wellesley is considering all solutions suggested by residents including relocation and a soundproof fence that could cost the city up to 30,000 dollars.
The town of Wellesley is getting help from Burlington who faced a similar pickle. Wellesley officials will talk to all neighbors before making a final decision but it's unclear when that will be.
