A pickleball noise victory in Boise, Idaho

by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition

Photo credit: Mason Tuttle

MSN reports that the city of Boise, Idaho is shutting down pickleball courts in two of its parks. This happened after a couple living next to those courts sued the city following years of complaints and failed negotiations.

Pickleball play produces repetitive impulse noise incompatible with other human activities.  Experienced pickleball sound professionals recommend that courts within 100 feet of homes be moved or completely enclosed. Pickleball is a great way for people to get exercise and to socialize, but the noise can’t be allowed to disrupt the lives of others, either.

We hope that this lawsuit, and several scientific articles about pickleball noise that have recently appeared, will convince cities, homeowner associations and private clubs to carefully consider where new pickleball courts are installed.

Neighborhoods free from disruptive pickleball noise will be better and healthier neighborhoods for all.

DISCLOSURE: I am coauthor with Kathleen Romito, mentioned in the MSN report, of a recent article on pickleball noise.