Neighbors in the North County city are divided over a venue that hosts a lot of games — and has been the recipient of some noise complaints from local people and businesses
In recent years, the game of pickleball has grown in popularity, but some neighbors in North County are divided over a venue that hosts a lot of games.
Pickleball can get pretty loud, and the Bobby Riggs Racket and Paddle Club in Encinitas has received some noise complaints from businesses and residents living nearby.
People on both sides of the issue addressed the Encinitas City Council on Wednesday night/
"I would submit to you that, with the exception of Moonlight Beach, there is no other location in Encinitas that contributes more to the physical fitness and well-being of Encinitas residents than Bobby Riggs …," one meeting attendee told the council.
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"We have been subjected not only just to repeated noise of the paddles and balls from 22 courts, but the screaming and shouting, profanities and music," said an opponent. "We tried for years to work with [the operator], but he prioritized money over the neighbors."
After the public comment period, the city manager said the venue's owner is working on ways to cut down the noise, and that he's working with city staff to update his permit for pickleball.
Steve Dawson, the operator of Bobby Riggs, sent the following statement, in part, to club members on Thursday afternoon:
Local
Good afternoon Riggs Picklers,
Thank you for your outpouring of love and support last night at the city council meeting. The community, inclusion, charity, health, activity and friendships Riggs fosters was very well communicated.
My wife and I were in tears as your love for the sport and Riggs became apparent.
Thank you.
I would appreciate the following to show cooperation with the city and neighbors as we work to rectify the noise situation.
1. I ordered 96 quiet-play paddles which I will give out, for free, to anyone who wishes to use one at Riggs until I get the sound barriers in place. Do not buy one, use mine as provided. They begin to arrive very soon. Your cooperation is helpful.
2. I will receive bids in the next 30 days for sound barriers.
3. I will commence construction within 90 days.
4. Once sound barriers are in place, full compliance should allow any paddle you choose to play with.
Until then, please consider helping me out by using a quiet-play paddle. I am not mandating quiet-play paddles at this time, just suggesting that they will help me out.
