Photo: Madison Rogers/WBZ NewsRadio
METHUEN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Pickleball is one of America's fastest-growing pasttimes. The paddle sport that combines elements of badminton and tennis has seen a 223% increase in participation since 2020, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
With thousands of places to play across the nation, the city of Methuen just got its very own court.
While the sport has at least 13 million enthusiastic players across the U.S., not everyone is Methuen is excited about the newest addition to the neighborhood.
"You're gonna hear it, all summer long. It's loud," says Marie.
With just two weeks left before the grand opening, some residents are demanding that players be locked out of the court until sound barriers are put in place.
"This has been a known issue in communities throughout Massachusetts," says one Methuen resident. "And nothing was done to account for this."
City officials say that there are plans to explore noise barriers but only after the court is open to the public.
WBZ's Madison Rogers (@MadisonWBZ) reports.