The rapid growth of pickleball in Bacolod City is facing its first major community complaint, after a resident raised concerns over persistent late-night noise from a nearby open court. The case is prompting local officials to consider how the sport can continue expanding without disturbing surrounding residents.

Key Points:

A septuagenarian resident near 13th Lacson Street filed a formal complaint over late-night pickleball noise.

The resident cited constant paddle “popping,” player shouts, sleepless nights and health concerns.

Councilor Al Victor Espino said it was the first formal complaint about pickleball operations in Bacolod.

Dumaguete City, home to around 300 pickleball courts, already restricts open-air play after 10 p.m.

Late-Night Pickleball Noise Sparks Complaint

For one resident near 13th Lacson Street, the growing popularity of pickleball has become a nightly source of frustration. In a letter to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the septuagenarian described the constant sound of paddles “popping” and players shouting as a persistent nuisance.

She had already raised the issue with Barangay 7 officials and reported the disturbance, including police visits after 10 p.m. However, the noise continued, with the resident citing sleepless nights and health concerns.

The court’s layout has also contributed to the problem. Only a cyclone wire fence lined with bamboo slats separates her home from the playing area, providing little protection from the sound.

After repeated attempts to resolve the issue, she called for a permanent solution and greater consideration for nearby residents. The Sangguniang Panlungsod subsequently endorsed the matter to the City Legal Office for review.

Bacolod Joins a Growing Regional Conversation

Bacolod’s complaint reflects a challenge that has emerged in several other countries as pickleball continues to expand. Similar noise concerns have been raised by residents in Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia, where local authorities have also been faced with the need to balance the sport’s growing popularity with the impact on nearby communities.

The issue is becoming increasingly relevant as more courts open in residential and urban areas. While pickleball offers a relatively accessible form of recreation, the distinctive sound of paddle strikes and player activity can become a concern when courts operate late into the night.

Officials Weigh the Need for Balance

Councilor Al Victor Espino, chair of the Committee on Ordinances and Good Governance, acknowledged that this is the first formal complaint concerning pickleball operations in Bacolod.

Espino remains supportive of the sport but stressed that its growth should not come at the expense of residents’ peace. He also pointed to Dumaguete City, regarded as the country’s pickleball capital with around 300 courts, as an example of how local authorities have addressed the issue.

Dumaguete has already restricted open-air pickleball play beyond 10 p.m., providing Bacolod with a possible reference point as officials weigh how to manage its own growing pickleball scene.

With the sport continuing to gain momentum in Bacolod City, the challenge now is finding practical measures that allow players to enjoy the game while protecting the quality of life of nearby residents.