Quiet Pickleball Court Pilot Study

"Quiet" Pickleball Paddle Pilot Study

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is piloting a study to reduce pickleball noise, which we know can be disruptive to nearby communities, residences, business owners, etc. SPR in collaboration with USA Pickleball and a team from the University of Washington, identified courts across Seattle to install noise-reducing fencing and limit play to “Quiet-Category” paddles only. Currently, one public court is "quiet only".

Key innovative strategies that could be replicated in your department:

‍Accessibility:

• By making quiet-category paddles available for rent at nearby businesses, Seattle Parks and Recreation ensures that all players have easy access to the necessary equipment. This removes the barrier of needing to purchase specialized paddles, thus promoting inclusive participation in the sport.

Community Involvement:

• Engaging local businesses in the pilot study fosters a sense of community involvement and shared responsibility. These businesses become active participants in the initiative, contributing to the success of the pilot by providing convenient access to the quiet paddles.

Economic Benefits:

• This partnership can drive additional foot traffic to the participating businesses, potentially increasing their sales and fostering a positive relationship between local enterprises and the parks department. It creates a win-win situation where both the community and local businesses benefit.

Population: 750,000

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