Pickleball noise complaints? Stomper suggests solutions for town councils
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Pickleball is one of Singapore’s fastest-growing sports, but for residents living near HDB courts, the game’s distinctive 'pok, pok, pok' sound has become a daily frustration.
Stomper Tan shared with Stomp a series of suggestions for town councils on how to reduce pickleball noise, especially in communities where courts are located close to residential blocks.
“The primary source of noise is the hard plastic ball snapping back into shape against a hard paddle,” he explained. “There are effective ways to address this without taking the fun out of the game.”
According to Tan, the most effective way to tackle the problem is at its source: the equipment.
Paddles made with softer polymer cores or sound-dampening materials produce a quieter hit, while balls made from slightly softer plastic reduce the sharp pop.
He suggested introducing 'quiet hours' where only such equipment is used, or even mandating them permanently.
Environmental modifications could also make a big difference.
Acoustic barriers such as fences or walls lined with sound-absorbing materials can trap noise before it reaches nearby flats. Alternatively, planting dense rows of trees or shrubs provides a natural buffer that deflects sound.
For new facilities, the Stomper suggested placing courts further away from blocks or making use of natural features like hills to muffle noise.
Another solution is to adjust gameplay and scheduling.
Restricting pickleball to after 8am and before 8pm would respect quiet hours, while promoting softer play styles could tone down the sharpest sounds. Limiting court usage or rotating schedules might also give residents predictable periods of peace.
“The most direct and effective way is to use quieter paddles and balls,” Tan said. “If this is combined with acoustic barriers and enforced quiet hours, it creates a comprehensive and neighbour-friendly approach," he said.
What do you think?
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