How to Take Action Against Pickleball Developments in Neighbourhoods
Please find our tips below. The advice provided below should not be considered legal advice. Remember you are not alone.
Do your research! Begin to gather information regarding the development in your community. What are the plans? How many courts? What is the proximity of the courts to residential homes? Have initial studies been performed? Why was that site selected specifically over other spaces? Does your community have noise restrictions (e.g., bylaw)?
Gather case studies to support concerns. Case studies can include noise articles, scientific journal articles, etc.
Find others in the nearby area who also have concerns and would like to be involved. It is recommended to speak to members of the community if there is an open house regarding the development, speaking to people walking in the area, talking to your neighbours, etc. Create small flyers to drop in community mailboxes to inform the community of the development and potential concerns.
Establish a Google Drive or other type of file sharing platform where documentation can be safely stored and shared.
If pickleball facilities are proposed for expansion, encourage those in your community to write impact statements noting how the current existing facilities have impacted them and the enjoyment of their property. Get proof of past complaints.
Log issues/complaints, get proof of any past complaints, create a way for these to be documented or for those who have been impacted to write to city council or speak.
Get Organized and Start Researching
Establish key roles for those who want to be involved in action (e.g., those who are comfortable being spokes people being the voice of the cause, those who are more technically savvy taking on social media, emails, website, etc.).
Advocate for the issue. Speak to as many people as possible, including neighbours, city council members, city staff, the Mayor, public health, members of parliament, etc. If the development impacts other groups directly (e.g., other sports teams, recreational leagues, etc) speak to the members of those groups.
Voice the concerns at a city council meeting. Work with the city councillors who understand your concerns to get the issue on the agenda.
Create a lawn sign campaign to help fundraise for potential legal fees and legal consultation. The lawn signs will get people talking and interested in the issue.
Start a petition. Use websites like change.org to gain signatures quickly via online sharing. To ensure those without internet access or a computer/phone can still sign the petition, create paper copies. Setup a petition booth to obtain signatures at a local farmers market, or other events throughout the city where many people frequent and create flyers to hand out. Post flyers with a QR code to the online petition around the city (e.g., on lamp posts, on bulletin boards in grocery stores, etc.).
Spread the word via social media. Use social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Reddit, etc. Share about the issue, your concerns and the petition. Once the word is out, others will begin to spread the information.
Speak to the media. Get a contact at all the local media outlets (written and TV) and reach out to media outlets beyond the local community as well. Share updates with them which may be of interest and be published.
Include quote from Jeff Leal that pickleballers are the most aggressive campaigners so people know what they are dealing with and what they need to do
Include quote from Shelly Malloney that you cant force players to use certain equipment
Most importantly be prepared. The pickleball community is very aggressive and they are even encouraged by . The City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal once described
Gain Support
Hold rallies at City Hall during council meetings or at the development space itself and invite the media. BE LOUD. Bring signs, whistles, pots and wooden spoons, air horns, etc and get passerby attention to honk. Send a clear message to those inside City Hall.
The city may try to defend their actions though media. It’s important to write letters to the editor defending the concerns and continuing to send a message. Don’t let inaction from the city stop you, pivot and try other angles.
If you aren’t sure if your concerns could allow you to take legal action, reach out to a lawyer and ask. Recommend finding a lawyer outside of the local area and would have no immediate ties to the city.
Write letters to the editor, opinion pieces etc, keep in contact with media with updates to keep the issue in the media and at everyones attention
Create a GoFundMe - if engaging with lawyer
Richard etc all - any lawyer tips for engaging