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Council adopts ordinance requiring 'quiet' pickleball paddles at Lang Park after months of debate
Summary
Council approved a second-reading ordinance requiring the use of quiet paddles at Lang Park pickleball courts following months of public debate about noise and court hours; opponents urged relocation and quieter balls, supporters said quiet paddles are acceptable.
The Laguna Beach City Council on March 11 adopted an ordinance requiring the use of quiet paddles at the Lang Park pickleball courts, concluding a months‑long community dispute over noise.
The ordinance was the second reading of council action on an item pulled from the consent calendar. Councilmember (name on motion not recorded in transcript) moved to approve the ordinance; the council voted 5-0 on the second reading.
During public comment before the vote, multiple speakers representing residents near Lang Park described chronic disturbance from the “high‑pitched” sound of pickleball impacts and urged relocation of courts or additional mitigation. Speakers representing players and the courts’ user community said they already use quieter paddles and balls and asked the council to preserve access for a broad range of residents who use the courts for exercise and socializing. A public speaker representing low‑income senior housing and a senior‑center proponent described health and quality‑of‑life impacts.
City staff had previously proposed a suite of mitigation actions; the ordinance adopted by the council mandates quiet‑paddle use and retains enforcement mechanisms in municipal code. The council discussed enforcement practicalities — staff will rely on complaints and park staff observations, and the transcript shows exchanges about enforceability for transient visitors and hotel guests.
What happens next: City staff will post the ordinance, update park signage and outreach materials, and continue to explore additional sound mitigation and scheduling options with community groups. The council did not adopt relocation of the courts tonight and left other possible measures — such as quiet balls or permanent relocation — to future consideration.
Ending: The vote formalizes a narrow enforceable mitigation step while keeping open additional options for noise management; the dispute continues to be a point of debate among residents and players.
