Colorado Community the Latest to File Noise Complaint Lawsuit, Citing 'Unbearable Conditions'
If someone wanted to create a website or blog devoted to nothing but pickleball lawsuits and noise complaints, they'd quickly fill their online pages.
A recent story out of Colorado combines both of those subjects.
Lone Tree pickleball courts causing 'unbearable conditions'
The city of Lone Tree is embroiled in a legal battle as five residents have filed a lawsuit in Douglas County, citing excessive noise from pickleball courts at the city's recreational center.
Jason Flamm
The lawsuit, submitted last week, claims that the constant noise from the courts significantly exceeds acceptable levels, depriving the residents of the peaceful enjoyment of their homes and outdoor spaces.
Despite repeated requests over the past seven months for the courts to be closed, the city has allegedly refused to take action.
According to South Suburban Parks and Recreation, the Lone Tree Recreation Center features six outdoor pickleball courts open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with nighttime lighting extending play hours.
How loud is pickleball?
The residents' lawsuit includes data from a sound study showing that noise levels from the courts exceed state-permitted limits by 10-15 decibels, with average levels reaching 62.1 decibels, far above the daytime limit of 50 decibels and nighttime limit of 45 decibels set by state noise regulations.
Adam Forziati
The plaintiffs argue that the noise qualifies as "unreasonable" under the city code, which defines it as any sound that annoys or disturbs a reasonable person or endangers health or safety, or damages property.
The lawsuit highlights the personal impact on residents, including a couple who can no longer enjoy their patio due to the incessant noise, despite installing noise-mitigating measures like fountains and speakers.
Another resident claims that the noise disrupts his ability to work from home.
Thomas Shields
The group seeks the closure of the pickleball courts and demands that they remain closed unless enclosed in a soundproof structure. Additionally, they are requesting reimbursement for their legal fees.
The city of Lone Tree has declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Why is this still happening?
Unless you're Anna Bright, who can apparently sleep through multiple pro-level pickleball matches, you know pickleball is loud.
No one would deny it.
It's just wild to us that after so many years of noise complaints, areas continue to build courts in residents' backyards.
Let's do better municipal planners, or you're going to spoil everyone's fun.
