Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. It offers a plethora of benefits and adds significant value to associations, in the ways described in this article. By introducing pickleball, associations can enhance the quality of life for their residents, foster community spirit, and boost property values. The sport’s accessibility, social benefits, and health advantages make it an ideal addition to any residential community.

First and foremost, pickleball is highly accessible and inclusive. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, and it is played on a smaller court with a lower net, making it less physically demanding than other racket sports. This accessibility allows individuals of all ages and fitness levels to participate, from children to seniors. The ease of learning the game ensures that new players can quickly pick up the basics and start enjoying themselves, which encourages widespread participation within the community. Additionally, the relatively low cost of equipment—primarily a paddle and a few balls—makes it an affordable option for all residents.

The social benefits of pickleball are substantial. The sport naturally lends itself to doubles play, promoting teamwork and interaction among players. By providing a shared interest and a gathering place, pickleball courts can help break down social barriers and foster new friendships among neighbors. Regularly scheduled games or tournaments can create a sense of tradition and camaraderie within the community, enhancing the overall social fabric. These interactions are particularly valuable in an association setting, where fostering a strong sense of community can lead to a more harmonious living environment.

Health benefits are another significant advantage of incorporating pickleball into a community. The game provides a full-body workout, improving cardiovascular health, coordination, balance, and agility. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and pickleball offers an enjoyable way to achieve this. For older adults, in particular, the sport provides a low-impact exercise option that can help improve mobility and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The social nature of the game also contributes to mental well-being, reducing stress and promoting a positive outlook.

From an economic perspective, the installation of pickleball courts can enhance property values within the community. Prospective homeowners often look for amenities that support an active and engaging lifestyle, and the presence of pickleball courts can be a significant selling point. Well-maintained recreational facilities reflect positively on the community, suggesting that the association is invested in providing a high quality of life for its residents. This perception can make properties more attractive to potential buyers, thereby increasing demand and property values.

Furthermore, pickleball can serve as a versatile amenity in community event planning. Association boards can organize clinics, leagues, and tournaments, providing structured opportunities for residents to engage with the sport. These events can attract participation from various demographic groups within the community, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that everyone feels welcome to join in the fun.

The Arguments Against Pickleball

On the other hand, while pickleball has gained popularity for its accessibility and social benefits, there are reasons some people argue it should be banned from community associations, primarily due to noise and other nuisance related complaints. Some of those reasons may be compelling.

The primary issue with pickleball in communities is the noise generated during play. The distinct “pop” sound of the ball hitting the paddle can be surprisingly loud and persistent to some residents. Given that pickleball games often last 60-90 minutes and are usually played as doubles, the noise can become a disruption to some. Residents living near pickleball courts often report disturbances, especially when games are played early in the morning or late into the evening. It is reasonable to argue that such noise disturbances may lead to stress, interrupted sleep, and a general decline in the quality of life for nearby residents.

Additionally, the noise nuisance can exacerbate tensions within a community. Disputes over pickleball noise can lead to conflicts between resident players and non-players, fostering division rather than unity. The very presence of pickleball courts can become a contentious issue at association meetings, consuming valuable time and resources that could be better spent addressing other community concerns.

Moreover, the nuisance extends beyond noise. Increased traffic and parking congestion around pickleball courts can disrupt the normal flow of the community. The solution to all of these problems is thoughtful rule-making with lots of input from the community. Enacting reasonable, concise operating rules, including putting in place limits on hours of play, types of paddles allowed to be used, and guest use of courts can significantly (and at no cost to the association) eliminate most potential issues or concerns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the incorporation of pickleball by an association into a community offers numerous benefits that enhance the overall living experience for residents. Its accessibility and affordability make it an inclusive sport suitable for all ages, while its social and health benefits contribute to a stronger, healthier community. Economically, the presence of pickleball courts can boost property values and attract prospective homeowners. By fostering community spirit and providing a versatile recreational amenity, pickleball may prove to be a valuable addition to a community, promoting a vibrant, active, and cohesive living environment. While some boards may be tempted to ban pickleball outright, all of the benefits discussed above may certainly outweigh the potential for complaints regarding the noise nuisances pickleball allegedly creates.

The decision about whether or not to permit pickleball is not a one size fits all solution and should be considered by each board on a community-by-community basis. To avoid as many issues and complaints as possible, and rather than banning pickleball completely, boards should perform a reasonable inquiry into the benefits and possible detriments of adding pickleball to their communities. To perform such an inquiry, a board should consult with its management team, legal counsel, and other relevant experts to determine whether permitting pickleball is within the best interest of the association. If the board determines that pickleball is a worthwhile investment for their association, the association should follow an open, input-driven rule-making process to help ensure that pickleball play remains in harmony with the community. If the board decides that pickleball should not be allowed in the community, the board should work closely with legal counsel on the implementation of its ban.