Noise causes tension in some estates as pickleball gains popularity

Town councils have taken steps that include shortening the opening hours at courts

- Koh Ming Lun and Isabelle Liew

The noise made by people playing pickleball almost daily for months near a Bukit Panjang block of flats is frustrating a resident who wanted to be known only as Ms Tan, 77.

"The pickleball noise is disturbing us, especially for those who have to work night shifts," said the homemaker, who lives at Block 524 Jelapang Road.

Pickleball has grown in popularity over the past year, and the games produce sharp sounds when plastic balls strike hard paddles and ricochet off the floor.

But the noise has also been a source of tension among some residents, with the authorities taking measures to ensure a fair compromise.

Ms Tan said she has heard other frustrated residents yelling at pickleball players to stop playing. She keeps her main door shut to block out the noise, but has to put up with a stuffy flat as a result.

But some of her neighbours, like Ms Pauline Tan, 28, are less bothered.

"Actually, I kind of enjoy watching them play. I even bring my baby down sometimes to see," she said. "I think that it adds to the neighbourhood spirit."

Said Ms Julia Hassan, 60, a healthcare centre manager: "I might even consider joining if I have the chance because it helps me to stay active."

Complaints about noisy pickleball games have surfaced periodically on social media in recent years, along with the sport's growing popularity.