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Mashpee manager proposes quiet-ball rule for outdoor pickleball courts amid neighbor complaints
Summary
After years of neighbor complaints and 16 written complaints cited by the town manager, Mashpee’s town manager recommended requiring an exclusive quieter pickleball ball (Vortex EVO or equivalent) to reduce impulsive noise; players and neighbors presented competing evidence at a packed Select Board meeting.
Town Manager John Collins told the Select Board the ball-change recommendation aims to reduce the town's legal exposure and blunt escalating neighbor complaints: “Noise may constitute an actionable nuisance if it injuriously impacts the health or comfort of ordinary people in the vicinity to an unreasonable extent,” Collins said, adding that 16 people had filed complaints and that his goal was to avoid litigation.
Public commenters gave contrasting portraits of the courts. Betsy Pratt, who identified herself as involved with Will Circle, said the eight public courts have become a community hub and noted prior town sound studies: “Should one person's objection outweigh the overwhelming public benefit these courts provide to hundreds of people? I respectfully believe the answer is no,” Pratt said. Two nearby residents, led by Ernie Barrows, described repeated impulsive noise and health concerns and urged stronger relief.
A private consultant working with players, Rob Mastrayani, described quieter poly-based “quiet balls” as a practical mitigation: “Most quiet balls can decrease the noise by 7 to 10 dB,” he said, and recommended the town test the balls together with existing fencing and site conditions. Town Manager Collins said he had discussed the change with Mr. Barrows and proposed an implementation date of Aug. 1, 2026, with one narrow exception for a league’s scheduled play through Aug. 12. He offered to assist any low-income players who cannot afford the new ball.
The Select Board treated the item as an operational matter under the manager’s authority rather than a formal Select Board policy vote. Collins said he would follow up with the acting recreation director about ball availability and provide implementation details online; members asked for clarity about enforcement and timeframe. The town manager also acknowledged the potential for litigation and that counsel had advised the town on possible nuisance claims, but the counsel did not identify a specific case in the meeting record.
Next steps: the manager will confirm procurement/access options for the recommended ball, publish any operational rules and exceptions, and return to the board with details if further policy decisions are required.
