Sep 15, 2025 - News

Pickleball noise leads Seattle to trim court hours at 3 parks

Melissa Santos

Illustration of a ball and a pickleball paddle with a pillow tied to it. — Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios

Seattle parks officials have shortened the hours at three outdoor racket courts after receiving repeated complaints about loud pickleball playing.

Why it matters: The loud smacks from pickleball rackets have become a source of tension locally and nationwide — and, until this week, the three Seattle parks allowed play before and after the city's designated quiet hours.

What's happening: The court hours at Gilman Playground, Laurelhurst Playfield, and Mount Baker Park are now reduced to 7am-10pm on weekdays and 9am-10pm on weekends and holidays.

Before Monday's schedule change, the city allowed play as long as the parks were open: from 4am-11:30pm at Gilman Park, and from 6am-10pm at Mount Baker and Laurelhurst.

Zoom in: Park officials say the new hours align with the city's noise ordinance, which requires lower sound levels in residential areas at night and early in the morning.

The city sets a 45-decibel noise limit in residential areas at night — but the smack of a ball against a standard pickleball paddle can reach 70 decibels, or even over 85 decibels.

What we're watching: Parks officials say if they find the new hours are being violated, they'll start locking up the courts.

Add Axios on Google

Pickleball noise leads Seattle to trim court hours at 3 parks

More Seattle stories