Over 1,200 sign petition to allow for longer pickleball hours at HDB courts from 8am to 9pm

Following the restrictions placed by town councils on Housing and Development Board (HDB) community courts on pickleball, players have banded together to create a petition.

On Oct. 8, a petition on Change.org was created appealing to Sport Singapore, People's Association, HDB and all town councils to alter the restrictions placed on pickleball.

"Pickleball has become one of Singapore's fastest-growing community sports," said the petition, stating that it is inclusive and suitable for people of all ages, including seniors and families.

It noted that numerous town councils have currently restricted pickleball play at HDB community courts to between 10am and 8pm.

"These limited hours make it difficult for working adults and early risers to enjoy the game — particularly on weekends and public holidays when most residents are free," it added.

Request

The petition requests town councils to extend the play time to between 8am and 9pm, allowing morning play while "maintaining respect for nearby residents' rest times".

It also stated that players will use "quiet equipment" such as "quiet paddles" and "low-noise balls", and exhibit considerate behaviour to keep pickleball "enjoyable and neighbour-friendly".

"This petition aims not to oppose existing regulations, but to collaborate with town councils for a more inclusive and health-promoting neighbourhood sports environment."

Since the petition went live, it has garnered over 1,200 signatures.

Restrictions across Singapore

Singapore has seen a surge in people picking up pickleball as a sport.

However, this has led to numerous feedback regarding the sharp noise produced when the ball comes into contact with the paddle.

As such, community hardcourts across Singapore have faced restrictions or outright bans.

Numerous courts across Singapore have seen their operating timings updated, including those in the East and Ang Mo Kio.

Ang Mo Kio Town Council announced on Facebook that they have received feedback about "prolonged noise and court congestion", especially with players playing past 9pm.

As such, certain hardcourts have had their operating hours limited to 9am to 9pm daily.

Outside the operating hours, gates to the courts will be locked.

Mountbatten Member of Parliament Gho Sze Kee shared that the hardcourts near Block 14 Kampong Arang Road have adjusted their playing hours from 9:30am to 10pm.

She shared that there has been feedback about the noise, especially from residents living on higher floors, as the sound of the game travels up and gets amplified.

Gho added that on weekend mornings, some residents get woken up early by the noise, and it is "not exactly relaxing".

In Marine Parade, residents are required to book the multi-purpose court at Block 47 Marine Crescent.

The court is open every day from 8:30am to 8:30pm, and is only open to Marine Parade residents.

Each person can only book one two-hour slot, and it is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sessions range from S$5 to S$10 per two-hour session, depending on the time.

Meanwhile, a community hardcourt in Holland-Bukit Panjang GRC has banned pickleball.

In a post shared on Facebook by Douglas Chow, a flyer from Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council stated that the community badminton court is "strictly for badminton use only".

Ministry's response

Between January 2024 and August 2025, there have been 701 complaints made regarding noise levels from people playing pickleball in HDB estates.

Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat, in response to a written parliamentary question, said residents are currently advised to observe the quiet hours between 10:30 pm and 7am, under existing guidelines on community noise.

He added that this guideline applies to neighbours and common spaces, including game courts in HDB estates.

‍Chee shared that the Municipal Services Office received 701 complaints about pickleball noise in HDB estates between January 2024 and August 2025.

He added that town councils have been implementing measures at the local level to address residents' concerns.

According to Chee, such measures include putting up advisories, working with grassroots leaders to mediate between residents and pickleball players, and restricting the use of the game courts to certain hours.‍

Top photos via Change.org & pickleball.sg/Facebook