Pickleball Noise Impact
Study at Alta Vista
Community Services Department
August 12, 2025
OUTLINE/AGENDA
1. Background and Purpose
2. Study Approach
3. Study Findings
4. Common Question
5. Sound Mitigation Options
6. Recommendations
2 BACKGROUND AND
PURPOSE
July 16, 2024 Council Meeting
Community shared interest in
installing permanent pickleball courts
at Alta Vista
Concern related to potential noise
impacts
Direction: Conduct Noise Impact
Study, prepare CEQA determination
3 ALTA VISTA
COURTS
4 = Court 1
= Court 2
STUDY APPROACH
Yorke Engineering • Measured baseline
ambient noise over 24-
hour period
• Measured noise
generated by pickleball
play
• 20-minute continuous
pickleball play at each of
the two potential courts
5 STUDY FINDINGS
• Proposed pickleball activities would not exceed limits set by RBMC 4-24.301
• Increases in noise exposure at neighboring residences:
0.0 to 0.7 dBA
• Below the minimum 3 dBA-levels generally considered
noticeable in outdoor environments
Conclusion: No significant noise impacts would result
from the installation of pickleball courts at either location. 6 COMMON QUESTION
Why was Leq used instead of Lmax?
Leq averages sound energy over time
The recognized regulatory standard for environmental noise Accounts for intensity and duration
Lmax measures single loudest moment, deemed unsuitable because:
Captures only one instant, does not reflect duration or frequency Cannot reliably be attributed to pickleball in mixed-use outdoor setting
Not used in regulatory environmental noise assessments
7 SOUND MITIGATION OPTIONS
$21,875 allocated during FY2024-25 Budget
8 Product Panel
Size
Cost
per
Panel
Sideline
Panels
(120 ft )
Baseline
Panels
(60 ft)
Sideline
Cost*
Baseline
Cost* Pros Cons
Pickleblok 8 ft × 6 ft $520 20 10 $10,400 $5,200
Color/design
variety;
durable
Higher Cost
*taxes and delivery fees not included
SOUND MITIGATION OPTIONS
9 Product Panel
Size
Cost
per
Panel
Sideline
Panels
(120 ft )
Baseline
Panels
(60 ft)
Sideline
Cost*
Baseline
Cost* Pros Cons
Alphasorb 8 ft × 4 ft $283 30 15 $8,490 $4,245
High sound
absorption;
flexible
Limited
colors; higher
maintenance
*taxes and delivery fees not included
SOUND MITIGATION OPTIONS
10 Product Panel
Size
Cost
per
Panel
Sideline
Panels
(120 ft )
Baseline
Panels
(60 ft)
Sideline
Cost*
Baseline
Cost* Pros Cons
SoundBlock 10 ft × 4 ft $300 30 15 $9,000 $4,500 Good
coverage
Single color
option
*taxes and delivery fees not included
NEXT STEPS
11 CIP 30330 - $90,000, resurfacing/restriping of all 8 courts Obtain cost proposals from vendors for resurfacing/restriping and for sound mitigation (2-3 weeks)
Prepare contracts, present to Council for consideration and approval (3-4 weeks)
Resurfacing/restriping of all courts (3-5 weeks)
Convert Tennis Court 1 into 4 pickleball courts
Install sound mitigation material (lead time for materials)
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Receive and file the Noise Impact Study report
2. Determine that the Project is exempt from CEQA
as described in the CEQA Exemption Declaration
3. Authorize staff to proceed with the proposed
installation of pickleball courts at Alta Vista Park
4. Provide direction on sound mitigation options
12 Pickleball Noise Impact
Study at Alta Vista
Community Services Department
August 12, 2025
CEQA DETERMINATION
Categorically Exempt
▪ CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing
Facilities)
▪ Minor alterations to an existing
recreational facility
▪ No potential for significant
environmental impacts
▪ Not located within a sensitive habitat or
resource area
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