Jurong Play Grounds defends noise control at 7 new pickleball courts after Stomper says he's going 'insane'
A Toh Guan resident is calling for stronger noise control after more than 10 pickleball courts opened just metres from some Housing Board (HDB) blocks.
Stomper WM told Stomp that the constant sharp 'pok-pok' sounds and shouting have become unbearable since the courts managed by Jurong Play Grounds (JPG) and Straits Pickle Club opened in September.
Seven of the courts are managed and operated by JPG, which the Stomper says are 'directly facing' the HDB blocks.
The other three courts are managed by Straits Pickle Club and are equipped with 'sound baffles to reduce echo'.
"Having lived here for many years, we are exposed to various sounds within our small city," said the Stomper.
"Construction work and road traffic noise are still tolerable. However, this noise is on a different level.
"The loud and sharp noise combined with frequent shouting by players echoes directly to nearby blocks, especially upper floors. It gets worse during weekends and public holidays due to the continuous influx of players from 8am to 10pm."
WM lamented that the current soundproofing insulation cover 'barely works' and that he can still hear these loud and sharp sounds after closing his windows and doors.
He added that there are also pickleball competitions almost every weekend, during which he can hear announcements loud and clear enough from his room to hear all the players' names.
"While I understand that players need suitable venues to enjoy their sport, the well-being of nearby residents must also be considered," he said.
"Being rudely awakened early in the morning and enduring persistent noise throughout the day disrupts our rest and quality of life."
The Stomper said he hopes the authorities and operators will review the situation, including improving sound barriers, shortening operating hours, and requiring players to use noise-reducing equipment and maintain appropriate noise levels.
"Honestly, given the rise in complaints across Singapore, this game is really not suited for locations near residential units and should be played in proper enclosed environments," he said.
"All my life, I have never made a single noise complaint or feedback of any sort. This being a first for me shows how disruptive it really is!
"Exposure to this on a daily basis and continuously for hours, especially during weekends, can really drive any tolerant individual insane."
Jurong Play Grounds: Noise was considered from the start
In response to a Stomp query, a JPG spokesperson said the pickleball facility was developed with the necessary planning permissions and noise mitigation in mind.
"Noise considerations were not an afterthought, they were incorporated into the design requirement from the very beginning," a JPG spokespersons said.
"From the outset, we incorporated high-grade sound-dampening barriers, which required us to build larger support structures and thicker, higher-strength concrete foundations to safely bear the resultant increased wind load.
"As a result, the construction cost of these courts was approximately three times higher than that of a standard open hardcourt facility.
"These measures were implemented to ensure the facility would be appropriate for a mixed-use environment and to minimise potential sound spill to neighbouring areas."
JPG added that it recognises Singapore is a dense and highly built-up city with competing land-use needs and noted that many sporting and recreational facilities such as stadiums, basketball courts, street soccer courts, playgrounds, and skate parks are located within short distances of residential blocks.
"The key consideration is how thoughtfully these spaces are designed, operated, and integrated," the spokesperson said.
"In this regard, JPG's purpose-built pickleball courts with acoustic treatment represent a clear improvement over typical void deck and open hardcourt play areas, where play tends to be louder due to harder reflective surfaces and unstructured play.
"We acknowledge that individual experiences may differ. We are committed to continuing to improve. Currently, we are:
- Studying if we are able to further enhance the acoustic barrier solutions
- Developing community play and quiet-hour alignment to better balance needs
- Introducing discounted resident play rates for Toh Guan residents
- Launching free beginner pickleball introduction sessions for seniors and youths, to build shared understanding of the activity
"That said, we take resident feedback seriously. Our team has personally walked the blocks facing the facility and spoken with residents, including during the later evening hours when play is ongoing."
JPG shared that the general sentiment has been positive and many residents have said that JPG has brought meaningful improvements and amenities to the neighbourhood such as a long-requested sheltered walkway between IMM and the blocks, better safety, CCTV coverage, a free public dog run and inclusive recreational spaces.
"Our goal has always been to be a responsible and responsive stakeholder in the Toh Guan community, balancing the interests and needs of the residents with the provision of accessible recreational space," the spokesperson said.
"JPG was created to be a shared space where different groups of families, seniors, youth, dog owners, and sports enthusiasts can participate in healthy, positive activities together.
"We are happy to meet with the resident to better understand their experience and work constructively on solutions, and we remain open to constructive suggestions."
