the War on Pickleball May be Official Over !
photo courtesy of the Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Pickleball continues to make waves in Ridgewood as construction began last week to expand the Glen School pickleball facility from four courts to six, according to Village Manager Keith Kazmark. The project reflects the growing demand from the village’s passionate pickleball community, alongside ongoing efforts from the Parks & Recreation Department.
From Controversy to Expansion
The original four permanent courts at Glen School opened in 2019 and quickly sparked controversy. Residents living near the facility raised concerns about noise pollution, leading to heated village debates, limited court hours, and the construction of noise barriers.
The issue lies in pickleball’s sound profile: the sharp “pop” of the paddle meeting the plastic ball can reach 70 dBA at 100 feet—much louder than tennis, which averages closer to 40 dBA. For many neighbors, the near-constant “smack-smack-smack” has been disruptive.
Despite these challenges, pickleball’s popularity has soared nationwide, and Ridgewood is no exception.
Local Support for Pickleball Players
Adding to the community’s efforts, Bethlehem Church in Ridgewood has stepped up to provide “sanctuary” for pickleball players of all skill levels, offering indoor opportunities for the growing number of enthusiasts.
Why Pickleball Is Booming
Pickleball is often described as a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Played on a smaller court with a lightweight paddle and perforated plastic ball, the sport’s simple rules and low physical barriers make it accessible to people of all ages. Seniors, in particular, have embraced the game because it requires less mobility while still offering competitive play.
Key features of pickleball:
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Court size: 20 x 40 feet (four pickleball courts fit in one tennis court).
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Net: 34 inches high at the center.
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Equipment: paddles made of wood, composites, or graphite, and durable plastic balls.
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Play style: combines strategy, skill, and quick reflexes with an emphasis on fun and social interaction.
A Growing Trend With Growing Pains
Across the U.S., municipalities are wrestling with the sport’s rapid rise. Thousands of new courts have been built in schools, community centers, and senior living communities. Yet, the expansion often brings tension between players who want more space to play and neighbors who say the noise is unbearable.
In Ridgewood, the Glen School expansion shows how the village is trying to balance community demand with resident concerns—a challenge many towns across America are facing.
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