Local officials in Singapore are starting somewhat of a crackdown on outdoor courts as more and more residents are complaining about the noise and disturbance from usually packed pickleball courts.

In particular, local authorities of East and Ang Mo Kio have adjusted the operating hours of many pickleball courts in response to noise complaints from residents. For instance, the Ang Mo Kio Town Council announced on Facebook that playing hours in certain hardcourts will be between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. only.

In said post, the Ang Mo Kio Town Council acknowledged that “pickleball is taking Singapore by storm” and that they “love seeing our residents stay active and social.” The council then noted they have received feedback about “prolonged noise and court congestion, especially late at night.” The council also noted in its Facebook post the need to play with respect and consideration of others and suggested other possible playing venues.

Similarly, Mountbatten Member of Parliament Gho Sze Kee shared on Facebook that the hardcourts near Block 14 Kampong Arang Road have adjusted their playing hours as well in response to noise complaints from residents. The adjusted playing hours now run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Kee, in said post, shared that the parliament has also been receiving numerous complaints, leading to them adjusting the playing schedules at the courts and also proposing other measures like:

• Using quieter equipment (e.g., paddles with polymer or composite foam)
• Keeping shouting and cheering to a minimum
• Applying for a permit from the town council for tournaments

While the town council shortened the operating hours of some hardcourts, Kee emphasized that “community is about balancing everyone’s needs” and “about keeping the kampung spirit” by “looking out for one another and making space for both play and peace.”

She ended by rallying the residents with this call to action: “Let us all do our part to keep Mountbatten a home where people can play, rest, and come back to recharge and feel happy.”

Over at Marine Parade, the town council now requires residents to book slots in the multi-purpose court at Block 47 Marine Crescent, which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Each player can book a maximum of two hours only, with booking on a first-come, first-served basis