Marco Island pickleball noise prompts resident's plea for quiet

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. (WINK)—A Marco Island homeowner says nine pickleball courts built near his home have replaced the peace and quiet he once enjoyed with the constant sound of paddles and balls.

Rich Blonna built his dream home along San Marco Road. Now, pickleball courts at the YMCA Collier in Marco Island sit just steps from his backyard.
“It’s like, poc, poc, poc. Nonstop,” Blonna said.

Blonna said he was told tennis courts would go on the property, but as pickleball grew in popularity, those plans changed.

He now uses a decibel reader to measure noise levels in his backyard. The device shows readings in the 60- to 70-decibel range.

“I can’t go into the hot tub or in the pool unless I put earplugs in to reduce some of the sound when I come in here. People on Marco Island who have to wear pistol range ear protection to go sit on their lanai,” Blonna said.
Some players say they understand his concerns.

“Sorry that we’re loud,” Barbara Wagner said.

For many players, pickleball is more than a game.

“It’s good competition, good exercise,” Dave Mustafaga said.

“We absolutely love it,” Amber Mustafaga said.

“It’s a great entertainment,” Rob Wire said.

“Pickleball is recreation, socialization, friendship. It’s what you do down here in Marco Island. It’s just such a big part of my life now. I love it,” Wagner said.

Blonna says he does not want to stop the game, but hopes the noise can be reduced. He wants the city and YMCA to consider options like quieter paddles and balls or sound barriers.

“I believe in healthy exercise. I think it’s wonderful. But this is a residential neighborhood. This isn’t downtown. This isn’t a commercial district,” Blonna said.

The YMCA says it has taken steps to address concerns, including adding bushes to help reduce the impact on nearby neighbors. A city meeting is scheduled for April 20 to discuss possible solutions, but officials say they cannot comment on what city council may decide until then.