The Mobile City Council has approved nearly $30,000 for sound-reducing barriers at Lavretta Park's pickleball courts, installed in 2024, after residents complained about disruptive noise affecting their health and daily life. Council members funded quilted acoustic panels, but some residents want full enclosure or relocation. The city has also added automated gates and adjusted playing hours to balance recreation and neighborhood concerns.
) - The Mobile City Council has approved nearly $30,000 for sound-reducing barriers at the pickleball courts at Lavretta Park after residents complained about the sharp “pop” of paddles hitting the ball.
The park’s six courts, installed in 2024, have become a daily gathering spot for players of all skill levels. But some nearby residents say the noise has disrupted life at home and affected their health. At Tuesday’s council meeting, a letter from a nearby resident was read aloud describing the sound as persistent and intrusive.
“I cannot spend time in my backyard without running multiple high powered fans to mask the noise and even that is not sufficient,” the resident wrote. The letter also described what the resident called A “phantom pickleball noise,” saying they hear the popping even when no one is playing. The resident cited 2025 research presented through theOn Tuesday, council members voted to fund quilted acoustic panels intended to soften the sound traveling beyond the courts.
But the resident who wrote the letter said the plan falls short and urged the city to consider fully enclosing the courts, relocating them away from homes, or removing them. City officials said they are trying to balance recreation with neighborhood concerns. Councilmember Gina Gregory said complaints began even during construction and have continued, with additional issues arising when some players stayed past posted hours.
“They pulled their vehicles up after dark, ran their headlights in order to play — so a disregard for city rules,” Gregory said. The city has since installed automated gates and adjusted playing hours to 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Gregory said, describing the changes as an attempt to reset boundaries while keeping the park welcoming.
“We want people to enjoy our parks, come out and have a good experience — at the same time, we want the park to be a good neighbor,” Gregory said. Not everyone who lives nearby considers the noise a problem. Matthew Brooks, who said he lives a few houses from the courts, dismissed the complaints.
“Find something better to do. We can’t even hear it and we’re only three or four houses down,” Brooks said. Shonnda Smith with the city’s Public Works Department said a set of acoustic walls is already in place, with more planned. City officials said additional improvements are planned for Lavretta Park, including a redesigned playground.
The automated gates now lock nightly, and the new sound barriers are expected to be installed as soon as possible. Compromise ambulance regulations clear Mobile City Council – but not everyone satisfiedUnited Way of Southwest Alabama aims to do 100 service projects for 100th anniversary
Pickleball Noise Sound Barriers Mobile City Council Lavretta Park Community Conflict
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