Pickleball Community in Singapore Band Together, Put Forth Petition for Longer Hours at HDB Courts
Singapore’s growing pickleball community is fighting for their right to play more and for longer hours on Housing and Development Board (HDB) community courts. Just last week, a petition on Change.org was created—presumably by a pickleball player from Singapore—to appeal to Sport Singapore, the People’s Association, HDB, and all town councils to reconsider the restrictions implemented against pickleball.
It can be recalled that in recent weeks, town councils implemented time restrictions and other measures on HDB community courts due to noise and disturbance complaints from a few residents. The issue had been going on over the course of the past couple of months, forcing the town councils to act on the matter and adopt measures like reducing the play hours of community courts.
After the imposition of these somewhat draconian measures, Singapore’s pickleball players are now appealing for change through Change.org. As of press time, over 1,500 have signed the petition seeking to allow for longer pickleball hours at HDB courts from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
“Pickleball has become one of Singapore’s fastest-growing community sports…” said the petition, which lamented the 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. schedule imposed by some councils as restrictive for many players. “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.”
As such, the petition is urging concerned town councils to extend pickleball play time to between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to allow more morning play while also “maintaining respect for nearby residents’ rest times.” The petition also said players will be using “quiet equipment” and behave accordingly to make sure pickleball is “enjoyable and neighbour-friendly.”
Importantly, the petition made it clear that the appeal is a way for the pickleball community to open collaboration with town councils in looking for common ground that will benefit all involved—pickleball player or otherwise.
“This petition aims not to oppose existing regulations, but to collaborate with town councils for a more inclusive and health-promoting neighbourhood sports environment,” the petition further read.
It should be noted, though, that no formal petitions similar to the Change.org initiative have been filed just yet. Nevertheless, it should be interesting to see how local authorities will respond.
(See the petition HERE.)
