More than 700 noise complaints have been made about pickleball in Singapore

Pickleball has surged in popularity across Singapore, with monthly court bookings rising to nearly 8,000. However, the sport’s distinctive “knock, knock, knock” sound has also triggered more than 700 noise complaints over an 18-month period. In response, some residential areas have installed physical barriers, while authorities are considering tighter operating hours—from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.—or relocating courts farther from housing estates.

The rhythmic “tap, tap, tap” of a hollow plastic ball striking a hard surface is a defining feature of pickleball. In Singapore, however, this sound has become a source of growing tension. According to reported statistics, pickleball-related complaints reached a record high in the 18 months leading up to August, drawing attention at the parliamentary level and highlighting concerns beyond individual neighborhoods.

This tension is evident in a riverside area near Tiong Bahru. After repeated complaints about constant pickleball play, local authorities erected two metal fences—each over 1.5 meters high—effectively closing off a once-popular community badminton court. Reports note that the court’s location within a residential zone intensified the noise impact on nearby residents.

Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and its low barrier to entry has driven rapid adoption. Players need only a small court, and the fast-paced, interactive nature of the game encourages social play. While globally associated with community bonding, the sport faces unique challenges in Singapore, where high population density and compact living spaces dominate the urban landscape.

Singapore is home to more than six million people within an area less than half the size of London. In such conditions, high-frequency sports noise played near residential buildings reverberates off high-rise facades and persists for the duration of play. As a result, what might otherwise be a minor disturbance becomes an issue of urban management rather than personal tolerance.

Although pickleball has existed in Singapore for over 30 years and was once viewed as a pastime for older players, recent global trends have attracted younger participants and accelerated its growth. This shift is reflected in booking data and the rapid expansion of tournament participation.

Indicator	Data by source
Field bookings	From fewer than 20 visits per month in 2014 to nearly 8,000 visits per month in the first half of this year.
Annual tournament scale	The number of participants in the Singapore Pickleball Association's tournament has increased more than fivefold in three years.
Noise complaint	Over 700 cases in the 18 months to August.
Current playing time slots	8:30 AM to 9:30 PM

Not all recreational sports generate the same level of controversy. Pickleball’s hollow plastic ball and rigid paddle produce a sharp, repetitive sound that many residents describe as mentally taxing rather than momentarily loud. In densely populated areas, this persistent rhythm can feel intrusive and difficult to escape.

Timing further complicates the issue. Singapore’s hot and humid climate encourages play during early mornings or late evenings—periods when residents typically expect quiet. Sound reflections from tall buildings allow the noise to travel well beyond the courts, amplifying its reach.

With roughly 80% of Singaporeans living in residential estates, most disputes arise within shared community spaces. This shifts the discussion from competing interests to a broader debate about quality of life and coexistence in high-density environments.

In response, some local councils have erected barriers to prevent the conversion of badminton courts into pickleball courts. Critics, including coach Roger Ho, argue that such measures are unreasonable and potentially unsafe, noting that official playing hours are clearly defined and generally observed.

At the policy level, authorities are considering reducing permitted playing hours or developing dedicated pickleball courts away from residential areas. However, limited land availability makes relocation difficult. Other proposals include building sound-shielded courts in parks or situating courts on rooftops of commercial buildings.

Technical solutions, such as quieter balls or alternative paddle designs, have also been discussed, though these options remain divisive. Some players view the sound as an essential part of the game, not merely a byproduct.

Ultimately, the situation illustrates a broader challenge facing dense cities: balancing the rapid growth of accessible community sports with the realities of limited space and shared living. With bookings nearing 8,000 per month and complaints exceeding 700, future decisions—whether related to scheduling, court placement, or equipment—will continue to shape how neighborhoods experience and manage this growing sport.

References

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