SINGAPORE: Pickleball, a sport that has grown in popularity across Singapore, is drawing noise complaints from residents living near outdoor courts.
The sharp sounds produced when plastic balls strike hard paddles and echo between blocks have led to rising tensions in several estates.
One Tengah resident, who goes by Anon, told local media Stomp that players at Block 119A Plantation Crescent have been causing daily disturbances.
“These pickleball players don’t have common sense. Of the whole Tengah, they chose this particular badminton court as it’s bigger than others in the estate,” he said.
He explained that the court’s location between two blocks worsens the problem.
“Noise will echo. The sound can still be heard even after closing our windows. Furthermore, we can’t always just close our windows every time they start playing.”
According to him, the group plays almost every day, often for up to five hours, conducting competitions and lessons.
Despite the town council’s advisory limiting playtime to between 8.30am and 9.30pm, some players begin as early as 7.30am.
“Someone from the town council came down to talk to the group leader and asked them to minimise the sound, but the noises keep going on,” Anon said, adding that players sometimes even set up makeshift courts at the void deck.
Noise Issues in Bukit Panjang
At Bukit Panjang’s Block 524 Jelapang Road, residents have also voiced their frustration.
“The pickleball noise is disturbing us, especially for those who have to work night shifts,” said Tan, a homemaker, to The Straits Times.
She added that the noise has been a source of tension among some residents.
She has heard neighbours yelling at pickleball players to stop playing, and keeps her main door shut to block out the noise.
However, this leaves her flat stuffy and uncomfortable.
Not all residents are upset, though. Some said they enjoy watching the matches and may even consider joining if given the chance.
MPs and Town Councils Respond
Complaints about pickleball have been surfacing on social media in recent years, reflecting the sport’s rapid growth.
A post in the Complaint Singapore Facebook group in February 2025, for instance, highlighted players starting games at 8am on weekends, with noise persisting for over a year.
In response, MPs have urged pickleball players to be considerate about their playing hours, while town councils have introduced measures to address noise concerns.
Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC MP David Hoe acknowledged the tension, noting that some players had reported objects being thrown at them by angry residents.
He encouraged both sides to engage in respectful dialogue.
His town council has suggested the use of quieter balls and is considering bringing forward the cut-off time to 9pm, with residents and players to be consulted before changes are made.
In Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC, the town council has switched off lights earlier at selected courts to discourage late-night play.
It received 90 pickleball-related complaints in 2025, most of which concerned noise, compared with 30 complaints in 2024.
Signs have been put up to remind players to keep noise levels down and to play only during designated hours.
A spokeswoman said council teams have also engaged players on site to encourage considerate play and the use of quieter equipment.
In the west, Marsiling–Yew Tee Town Council has reduced court hours at a badminton court near Block 636A Choa Chu Kang North 6 and put up signs reminding residents about proper use.
The court now closes at 9pm instead of 9.30pm daily, except on Mondays, when it closes at 9.30pm.
A spokesperson said the council continues to remind residents about responsible court use and to minimise inconvenience to nearby households.
Bishan–Toa Payoh GRC has also tightened restrictions, limiting pickleball playing times to three two-hour slots between 10am and 8pm on weekdays, and between 3pm and 8pm on weekends.
Residents are encouraged to use the indoor court opposite Bishan Community Club, while additional courts have been set up at the newly opened Thomson Community Club.
Bishan East–Sin Ming MP Elysa Chen said it was important to build neighbourhoods where residents feel welcome to use facilities, while also ensuring a restful environment for others.
In Chua Chu Kang, the town council has advised residents to play only between 8.30am and 9.30pm.
To enforce this, court lights are switched off promptly at 9.30pm, and advisories have been placed around the area reminding players not to produce excessive noise and to observe quiet hours between 10.30pm and 7am.
A spokeswoman said the council recognises the sport’s growing popularity but stressed the need to balance active lifestyles with residents’ need for rest.
She added that the council will continue to monitor the situation and adjust lighted hours if necessary, while seeking cooperation from residents to maintain a harmonious living environment.
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