Marco Island approves $50K sound panels to quiet pickleball courts

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. (WINK)—The Marco Island City Council voted to award a contract for more than $50,000 with E-Noise Control to supply sound panels around the racquet center, addressing noise complaints from neighbors frustrated by the constant sound of pickleball.

WINK News first reported on the issue in March after residents came out to WINK Listens on Marco Island in January, expressing frustration over the echoing ping-pong sounds from the pickleball courts. Neighbors said all they wanted was peace and quiet again and to co-exist together.

David and Carla Cadwell, Marco Island residents, described their home as their little piece of paradise before the pickleball noise began.

"You hear how quiet it is right now?" the Cadwells said. "This is how it was before all the pickleball started."

The Cadwells demonstrated how loud the pickleball courts can become shortly after attending the March WINK Listens. 

"It really hasn't changed much as far as the noise coming in and us fighting that battle," the Cadwells said.

That changed Monday night when the city council approved the contract. The sound panels, often used at construction sites, can reduce noise by 50%.

"We currently have acousta block that was purchased a while ago, and we just put that on the one side," said Joe Parrilli, director of fleet and facilities for the city of Marco Island. "They did not like that type of sound barrier because it's reflective, and the noise was just bouncing back over the tops of the fence."

Parrilli said the new panels will make a significant difference.

"After the panels go up, it's like a night and day type of situation," Parrilli said. "So, it'll make a big difference."

The city is also considering additional improvements to the center. Parrilli said there are plenty of things they would like to do to the site, but they need everyone to get on the same page.

"As soon as they give us the go-ahead and council tells us to move, we're ready to go," Parrilli said.

The Cadwells expressed concern about a possible expansion of the pickleball courts before they can see the panels at work.

"Make this work, and we're open-minded," the Cadwells said. "Let's look at the next step … And if that makes sense for everybody, then we'll see. We'll see where it takes us."

The Cadwells also thanked the city council for taking action.

"I know they probably think we only like to come in and complain and whine, but we also want to thank them for when they do things for the community that benefit, I think everybody, both the racket center and their people," the Cadwells said.

Parrilli told WINK News that once the company receives the purchase order, it will take about 2 months to receive the panels and install them.