Halifax likely to close ‘tremendously tormenting’ pickleball court after years of noise complaints
Halifax Moves Forward with Plans to Convert Pickleball Court Back to Tennis Court
Halifax is taking steps to address noise complaints from neighbours by converting a pickleball court in Castle Hill Park back to a tennis court. The decision was made by the community planning and economic development standing committee, who agreed that the noise from the pickleball court was disrupting the quality of life for residents in the Rockingham area.
Coun. Trish Purdy emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of residents who have been affected by the noise. The proximity of the courts to residential buildings has led to complaints from neighbours who described the sound of the pickleball as a “psychological torture chamber.”
City staff had attempted to mitigate the noise issues by limiting court hours and introducing foam balls to reduce the sound of the plastic ball. However, these measures were not effective in resolving the complaints. Pickleball player Roger Daigle expressed understanding for the concerns raised by neighbours, acknowledging that the noise can be disruptive.
The decision to convert the courts back to tennis facilities aligns with standards set in other municipalities, such as Vancouver, where pickleball courts must be a certain distance away from residences to minimize noise disturbances. Donald Johnston, president of Pickleball Nova Scotia, supported the decision and emphasized the need for appropriate court locations.
While the closure of the Castle Hill pickleball courts is imminent, there are discussions about potential alternatives for pickleball players in the area. Suggestions to design new pickleball courts within Mainland Common in Clayton Park were not immediately approved by councillors, who preferred to review the budget before committing to new projects.
Despite the closure of the Castle Hill courts, there are numerous outdoor pickleball courts in the Halifax region. However, Daigle highlighted the importance of finding a suitable replacement in the Rockingham area due to the high demand for pickleball facilities.
As the city continues to explore options for accommodating pickleball players, residents can expect further updates on the future of the courts in Castle Hill Park. The decision to convert the courts back to tennis facilities reflects Halifax’s commitment to addressing community concerns and ensuring a harmonious living environment for all residents.
