The Loud Truth About Pickleball Noise: What Denver Parks and Rec Is Doing About It

Dinks On Tap: Life Through the Lens of Pickleball

What do you get when you mix a booming pickleball community, a bunch of angry neighbors, and one very opinionated provocateur?
An episode that’s equal parts civic chaos and court-side commentary.

This week, we’re diving into the pickleball controversy that’s taking over cities everywhere, starting with our favorite instigator, Andrew Kole. He’s got numbers, bold claims, and a not-so-quiet warning about pickleball franchises that might be growing faster than they can handle.

Then we tag in Denver Parks and Rec Director Jolon Clark (and yes, Park Hill Dave makes a cameo). Jolon breaks down the rise of urban pickleball, the unexpected science of pickleball noise, and why so many noise complaints are landing on his desk.

He also shares how cities are using quiet pickleball balls, smarter urban planning, and policy pivots to keep things civil on the courts. Because when community sports grow this fast, they don’t just build connections, they stir up real pickleball drama.

We talk about:

• Why your brain literally can’t ignore pickleball noise
• What happens when city staff becomes a paddle referee
• How pickleball tournaments fit into the future of public spaces
• And what the noise ordinance means for your neighborhood court
  

If you love this sport, and want to keep it growing without the blowups, this one’s for you.

Grab your marg. Text your doubles partner.
And maybe don’t blast music on Court 4.

Cheers,

Casie & Lauren
Dinks on Tap

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