'Pok pok pok' and loud music all day: Tiong Bahru resident wants pickleball banned
Pickleball games at a hard court near Block 77 Indus Road have left some Tiong Bahru residents with 'no peace', even on Sundays.
Stomper Ms Phua told Stomp the disturbance has been ongoing since early 2024 despite 'numerous complaints' to the authorities.
"This is not the first time feedback has been given - and sadly, it won't be the last," she said.
According to her, players occupy the court daily, including weekends and public holidays, often from early morning until about 6.30pm, followed by another group from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
"The constant, high-pitched 'pok pok pok' sound from the paddle striking the ball echoes through surrounding flats," she added.
"It is especially unbearable on Sunday mornings when residents should be able to rest."
Ms Phua said some players also play loud music while using the court, turning the space into "a noisy social area".
Advisory signs have been put up, but she claimed they are ignored and no enforcement action has been taken.
In a photo of an advisory taken by the Stomper, Jalan Besar Town Council (JBTC) strongly encourages residents to consider playing at Delta Sports Hall instead.
"We just want some peace in our own homes," she said. "If advisories work, why is the noise still going on every weekend?"
In screenshots of the town council's replies to Ms Phua seen by Stomp, they shared that they have put up notices in the area advising users to be considerate and to 'lower the volume'.
She noted that the hard court has no fencing or lock-up mechanism, allowing anyone to use it at any time.
"Many residents feel pickleball should be prohibited at hard courts within or facing residential blocks," she said.
"The sound produced is comparable to renovation noise - constant, sharp and mentally draining."
The Stomper said residents in the area are mostly elderly and have appealed for stronger action, such as restricting hours or banning the game altogether in the estate.
"This is not about being against sports, but about inconsiderate and unregulated use of public facilities that seriously affects residents' well-being," Ms Phua said.
Stomp has contacted JBTC for comment.
