Mashpee MA Pickleball Players ask Town Manager to Rescind "Quiet Ball" rule

In 2023, Mashpee resident Earnest Barrows complained to the Mashpee Town Manager regarding sounds generated by the Mashpee Pickleball Park and demanded permanent closure of the courts.

In 2026, Mr. Barrows renewed those concerns and again approached the Mashpee Town Manager, reportedly threatening legal action against the Town. Following these developments, the Town Manager announced that, effective August 13, 2026, players will be required to use a designated "quiet ball" at the Mashpee Pickleball Park (original effective date was August 1).  Many players believe this ball significantly alters the game of pickleball and is not comparable to the equipment used in standard recreational or competitive play.

The Town has further advised that players who fail to comply with the new requirement may face suspension of their playing privileges. Many residents view these enforcement measures as unnecessarily punitive and inconsistent with the community-oriented purpose of the facility.

Notably, the Town commissioned a professional sound study in 2023 to evaluate noise concerns associated with pickleball activity at the park. Following review of that study, the Town did not implement additional mitigation measures or restrictions.

Since the completion of the 2023 study, there has been no publicly identified new sound study, material change in conditions, or significant new evidence regarding court operations.

Nevertheless, the Town has now implemented a rule that fundamentally changes how the game is played at Mashpee's public pickleball courts.

Players are therefore asking the Select Board and Town Manager to rescind this rule.