Shhh! Laguna’s Paddle Police Are Here

Laguna Beach has officially joined the growing list of cities regulating the sound of pickleball. In response to escalating complaints from residents at a neighboring senior living facility, the city enacted a new ordinance this week requiring players at Lang Park to use certified “quiet paddles” or face a fine. The move is part of an ongoing effort to reduce noise from the courts, which some Vista Aliso residents say causes significant anxiety and stress. With paddle upgrades running players around $100 each, this isn’t just a soft ask—it’s a literal price for peace.

City officials say they’ve already made concessions, including reduced play hours and a noise-blocking fence. Now, with the ordinance in place, players must comply or face citations. Still, neither side seems satisfied. Some Vista Aliso residents argue the paddles won’t go far enough to mitigate the sharp “pop” sound they say triggers a fight-or-flight stress response. Meanwhile, pickleballers feel they’ve already compromised, investing in new equipment and giving up court time. “We’ve acquiesced enough,” said one local player, pushing the council to restore lost hours.

The clash in Laguna Beach reflects a national trend as pickleball’s boom creates unexpected friction. With over 4.8 million players as of 2020 and courts popping up in nearly every public space, the sound of pickleball has become a legal and emotional battleground. Research shows a pickleball strike can be up to 25 decibels louder than a tennis hit, and residents affected by the constant play report lasting stress symptoms. Whether quiet paddles become the norm or just the beginning of stricter regulations remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: in Laguna Beach, pickleball is anything but quiet.