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The Sound of Solutions: Addressing Pickleball Sound with Sensitivity and Innovation
The conversation around pickleball sound is a passionate one. It’s a conversation that affects communities, homeowners, and players alike. As someone deeply invested in both the sport and in finding real solutions to sound management, I want to take a moment to reflect, clarify, and move the discussion forward in a constructive way.
Words Matter—And We Can Do Better
In recent discussions, some language used in the Startland News article caused offense. In particular, I want to acknowledge concerns from those advocating for stronger sound regulations—people like Nalini Lasiewicz and others who have tirelessly raised awareness about this issue.
To be clear: I don’t see advocates for sound control as "haters." They are people who have experienced real disruptions to their daily lives, and they have every right to push for solutions that work. If my words suggested otherwise, that was not my intent. I regret any offense caused and want to make it clear that I respect and appreciate the voices of those advocating for peaceful neighborhoods.
We Hear You: Pickleball Noise Has a Real Impact on People’s Lives
Pickleball is an incredible sport. It builds community, improves health, and brings people together. But that doesn’t mean it comes without challenges. For those living near courts, the sound of play can be disruptive. Acknowledging that truth is critical to finding a way forward. Pickleball noise can be a nuisance.
At SLNCR, we are not here to dismiss the impact that sound has had on people’s lives. We recognize the stress and frustration that unmanaged sound can cause, and we are committed to working toward meaningful solutions that help mitigate that impact.
Noise Management Requires Thoughtful Innovation
There are different perspectives on how best to address pickleball sounds. Some argue that only distance works, while others believe that a mix of sound-absorbing technology and community planning can help strike a balance.
We believe in a solution set approach—one that includes:
✅ Absorptive and Reflective Sound Barriers – Effective sound management requires a combination of absorption (to reduce energy) and reflection (to prevent excessive transmission to another area).
✅ Modified hours of play - Limiting play during early morning and late-night hours minimizes impact when residents are most sensitive to sound.
✅ Utilization of quiet category equipment - Low noise paddles and balls help control sound pressure and tonal ranges.
✅ Weight-to-Performance Optimization – The effectiveness of barriers depends on their ability to absorb and deflect sound while remaining lightweight enough to avoid overloading fences or increasing shipping costs.
✅ Community-driven court placement & zoning solutions – Court location matters, and smart placement is key to reducing sound concerns.
✅ Acoustic testing & data-driven sound reduction strategies – We continually refine our approach based on real-world performance.
✅ Ongoing innovation & product development – We’re committed to engineering the absolute best weight-to-performance ratio for sound barriers, making them more effective, practical, and scalable.
We don’t claim to have a silver bullet, but we do believe that thoughtfully designed barriers—built with sound science in mind—can be a valuable part of the solution when integrated with broader sound management efforts.
Our Commitment to Progress
If we want to solve this problem, it won’t be through digging in our heels on opposite sides of the debate. It will come from listening, testing solutions, and making adjustments that work for everyone. To those who have felt unheard in this discussion—I hear you. Your concerns are valid, and I want to be part of the solution. That’s why we keep working—improving, testing, and innovating. Our goal is to make sound barriers more effective, more efficient, and more accessible for communities that need them.
Let’s keep the conversation going. If you have data, ideas, or solutions you believe should be explored, we want to hear from you. We can solve this problem together. We are on the same team.
Eliot Arnold Founder, SLN/CR
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