Pickleball Players Petition for Earlier Start Times, Propose Noise-Reduction Compromise
A growing number of pickleball enthusiasts in Singapore are pushing back against current playing hour restrictions, launching a petition on Change.org that calls for extended court access at HDB neighbourhood courts.
Despite recent reports of noise complaints from residents, the petition has gathered over 1,300 signatures, arguing that current restricted hours limit play for working adults and early risers.
Seeking 13 Hours of Play
The petition, initiated by "residents and pickleball enthusiasts from across Singapore," is addressed to key authorities including Sport Singapore (SportSG), the People’s Association (PA), HDB, and all town councils.
Currently, many town councils, including Marine Parade-Braddell Heights, East Coast, and Ang Mo Kio restrict playtime to between 10 am and 8 pm. The enthusiasts are requesting an extension to 8 am to 9 pm, which would provide a total of 13 hours of access.
The petitioners lamented that the existing timetable makes it particularly difficult to play on weekends and public holidays, when most working residents are free. They also highlight that earlier hours on weekends would allow active residents to play while avoiding the mid-day heat without "compromising peaceful living."
The Compromise: A Trial Period and Quiet Gear
Instead of outright opposing the existing regulations, the petition emphasizes a desire to "collaborate" with town councils.
The key proposal involves implementing a trial period of extended playtime in selected estates. During this pilot, the players commit to supporting and using "quiet paddles" and "low-noise balls". These specialized equipment can significantly reduce the sound impact of the sport.
Following the trial, the petitioners suggest that public feedback could be sought to confirm that the noise levels are manageable. The petition also called on authorities to provide more convenient and conducive alternative pickleball venues overall.
Noise Complaints and Public Health Debate
The petition highlights the social and physical benefits of the sport, claiming it fosters "regular exercise and social connection," which can contribute to better public health and potentially reduce national healthcare costs in the long term.
However, the push for extended hours comes in the wake of significant resident opposition. Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat recently revealed in a written parliamentary answer that the Municipal Services Office received 701 complaints about noise from pickleball play in HDB estates between January 2024 and August 2025.
Town councils are already taking measures to address these concerns, including the use of advisories, mediation, and, critically, restricting court-use hours. The minister also noted that town councils can apply to HDB to convert sports facilities into multi-purpose venues with sound dampeners and safety enhancements to better manage the noise issue.
Final Thoughts
This growing debate underscores the challenge of balancing community sports needs with residential peace. With over 700 noise complaints lodged in a 20-month period, the concerns of HDB residents are valid and immediate. However, the pickleball community's offer to use "quiet gear" and participate in a controlled trial period presents a constructive path forward. The outcome of this petition will likely set a precedent for how town councils manage the noise generated by increasingly popular community sports, requiring a careful review of court guidelines to serve the needs of both active players and home-bound residents.
