Agenda 08/22/2023 Item #11B (Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)08/22/2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to approve a negotiated Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.,
for the management of racquet sport activities, the maintenance, and capital improvements to enhance the
services provided at Pelican Bay Community Park, worth an estimated $6,000,000, and authorize the Chair
to sign the attached agreement.
OBJECTIVE: To discuss and consider a proposed Management Agreement between Collier County and the
Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc. for certain capital improvements and management of racquet sport activities at
Pelican Bay Community Park, and to enter into the Management Agreement.
CONSIDERATIONS: Since the creation of the Pelican Bay Planned Unit of Development (PUD) in 1977 and the
deed of land to Collier County (County) in 1994 for the sole purpose of building a community park, the County and
the Pelican Bay Foundation (Foundation), have shared a unique relationship. The Foundation is assigned all the
rights and powers of the original developer, and now is the sole successor as the Declarant on all deed restrictions
or land use documents within the PUD. The Foundation and the County routinely work together to reach an
agreement on development issues within the PUD.
The current Parks and Recreation Master Plan, crafted in 2018, identified the desire for future expansion of the
amenities offered at the Pelican Bay Community Park (PBCP) to include pickleball courts and additional parking.
During the initial public comment period, which included community focu s groups, roundtable discussions, and
neighborhood meetings, a petition signed by Pelican Bay residents requesting pickleball courts be added to PBCP
was presented.
The concept of adding pickleball courts to PBCP was further validated when Parks and Recr eation Division also
initiated a Pelican Bay Community Park Survey online in February of 2021. The survey closed with 889 responses
of which 624 respondents identified living within the 34108 zip code. 56% of all respondents identified the addition
of pickleball courts as a top priority improvement desired for PBCP.
Design concepts have been actively discussed and refined over the past five years with over 11 preliminary
concepts developed for PBCP. The current design concept proposed to supplement the Management Agreement
would build 20 new pickleball courts, increase parking, build two (2) new clay tennis courts in place of the existing
racquetball/handball courts, renovate the existing 6 clay tennis courts, relocate the existing baseball/softball practice
area, , build a new publicly accessible 6,000 sf. building with restrooms, and a shaded staging area for waiting
pickleball players - while preserving the green space by only utilizing 22% of the recreational fields. In addition,
the project enables Collier County to have its first inclusive surface for a children’s adaptive playground area. The
projected cost of the identified capital improvements currently stands at an estimated $6,000,000.
The Foundation retained the services of Pickleball Sound Mitigation (PSM), LLC, to conduct a projected sound
assessment based on the location of the proposed pickleball courts in relation to the surrounding homes. The PSM
assessment was led by Robert M. Unetich, P.E., a respected expert in the field of pickleball so und studies. PSM
recommended the use of 12 ft. high sound absorbing barriers along the north and south sides of the pickleball courts
with an additional thick hedge row along the west and east sides of the proposed 6,000 sf. building
Communication between the Foundation, County Staff, and constituents as the design concept evolved have been
ongoing to include the following milestones:
• March 2023, the Foundation Board voted 7-0 in support of a capital improvement and management
agreement with Collier County Parks and Recreation for PBCP.
• April 19, 2023, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PARAB) approved recommending the conceptual
design to the Board of County Commissioners.
• April 20, 2023, the Foundation in coordination with Parks and Recreation organized four (4) community
outreach meetings and eight (8) focus groups from April 20, 2023, to June 6, 2023.
• May 10, 2023, a Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM) was held at North Collier Regional Park.
11.B
Packet Pg. 74
08/22/2023
• May 11, 2023, Exhibit A Conceptual Design provided to the County and management agreement
negotiations begin between the County and the Foundation.
• June 21, 2023, PARAB reinforces support and acknowledges revision to keep eight (8) clay tennis courts as
seen in Exhibit A.
The Foundation will manage the racquet sports activities, which include the rental, reservation, instruction, and
hosting of events and tournaments. No more than fifty percent (50%) of the pickleball courts (10 courts) and no
more than thirty-eight percent (38%) of tennis courts (3 courts) will be for usage by Foundation members. The
Foundation will also build and manage a 6,000 sf. building with uses including, but not limited to, selling
concessions, operation of a pro shop, private-group lessons, leagues, tournaments, and other uses related to the
operation of a tennis and pickleball facility. The Foundation is permitted to sell alcohol with the establishment of
appropriate controls for enforcement with the County maintaining the right to require the Foundation to cease
alcohol sales should it deem the sale to no longer be in the public interest.
The Foundation will ensure the tennis courts are lit for play until 9 p.m. daily. The pickleball courts will not be lit
unless approved by the County. Fencing with industry-recognized sound-absorbing barriers will be installed to
clearly identify the racquet sport activities area where alcohol consumption will be allowed while also reducing the
sound as recommended through the PSM Pickleball Sound Assessment Report.
Parks and Recreation will be responsible for the continued annual maintenance of PBCP outside of the designated
racquet sport activities area including, but not limited to, a parking lot, open green space, baseball/softball backstop,
playground, restrooms, bocce courts, basketball court, pavilion, and walking trail.
The term of the Management Agreement between the Foundation and the County is thirty (30) years with a one -
time fifteen (15) year renewal option. Either party can terminate the agreement with or without cause wi th a thirty
(30) days' written notice. Termination for convenience by the County will result in the County paying the
Foundation the cost of the improvement less 1/360th per month that the agreement has been in effect. If the
agreement is terminated by the Foundation, the County will not be responsible for any costs associated with the
improvements.
PARKS ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION: At the August 16, 2023, PARAB Meeting, the
Advisory Board, by a vote of 3-2, with one (1) abstention, recommended the Board of County Commissioners
postpone their decision and move this item to a future agenda to allow time for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office
and the public to provide input regarding the proposed alcohol sales.
FISCAL IMPACT: Estimated $6,000,000 cost of identified capital improvements is being funded 100% by the
Foundation. Associated annual staffing, management and maintenance costs are estimated at $400,000 for the
facilities, tennis and pickleball courts. All will be paid for by the Foundation.
The annual cost for maintenance of the Pelican Bay Community Park green space, parking lot, playground, and
other general use spaces is estimated at $395,000. This budget is provided in the Community Parks budget funded
through the Unincorporated Area General Fund (1011).
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, is approved as to form and
legality, and requires majority vote for approval. -JAK
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no impact to the Growth Management Plan.
RECOMMENDATION: To enter into a Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc. for certain
capital improvements worth an estimated $6,000,000 and management of racquet sport activities at Pelican Bay
Community Park, and authorize the Chair to sign the attached agreement.
Prepared By: Tanya Williams, Public Services Department Head
11.B
Packet Pg. 75
08/22/2023
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Exhibit A (Rev1) (PDF)
2. PB Park Proposed Improvement -Exhibit B (DOCX)
3. PB Park Proposed Fee Structure - Exhibit C (DOCX)
4. Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (PDF)
5. Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (PDF)
11.B
Packet Pg. 76
08/22/2023
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 11.B
Doc ID: 26379
Item Summary: *** This item to be heard at 9:45 AM. *** Recommendation to approve a negotiated
Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc., for the management of racquet sport activities, the
maintenance, and capital improvements to enhance the services provided at Pelican Bay Community Park, worth an
estimated $6,000,000, and authorize the Chair to sign the attached agreement. (Dan Rodriguez, Deputy County
Manager)
Meeting Date: 08/22/2023
Prepared by:
Title: – Public Services Department
Name: Todd Henry
08/15/2023 10:47 AM
Submitted by:
Title: Department Head – Public Services Department
Name: Tanya Williams
08/15/2023 10:47 AM
Approved By:
Review:
Operations & Veteran Services Jeff Weir OVS Director Review Completed 08/15/2023 11:05 AM
Parks & Recreation Olema Edwards Additional Reviewer Completed 08/15/2023 3:42 PM
Public Services Department Todd Henry PSD Level 1 Reviewer Completed 08/15/2023 3:53 PM
Public Services Department Tanya Williams PSD Department Head Review Completed 08/16/2023 11:18 AM
County Attorney's Office Sally Ashkar Level 2 Attorney Review Completed 08/16/2023 11:32 AM
Office of Management and Budget Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 08/16/2023 11:36 AM
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 08/16/2023 12:05 PM
Office of Management and Budget Blanca Aquino Luque Additional Reviewer Completed 08/16/2023 12:39 PM
County Manager's Office Dan Rodriguez Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 08/16/2023 12:49 PM
Board of County Commissioners Geoffrey Willig Meeting Pending 08/22/2023 9:00 AM
11.B
Packet Pg. 77
LANDSCAPE / GRASS AREAPROPOS
E
D
1
0
5
P
A
R
K
I
N
G
S
P
A
C
E
S
PROPOS
E
D
2
0
P
I
C
K
L
E
B
A
L
L
C
O
U
R
T
S
PROPOSED
LITTLE LEAGUE
BASEBALL / SOFTBALL
FIELD
PROPOSED
MULTI-USE
SOCCER
FIELD(S)
VANDERB
I
L
T
B
E
A
C
H
R
O
A
D GULF PAVILLION DRIVEHAMMOCH OAK DRIVEFIRE AND RESCUE
20'25'205'234'
205'
362'
10'10'5'
PROPOSED
BLEACHER(S)10'10'10'
10'10'10'10'
10'10'10'10'
2-PROPOS
E
D
T
E
N
N
I
S
C
O
U
R
T
S
BUILDING
6,000
SF
PELICAN BAY
COMMUNITY
PARK
PICKLE BALL LOT FIT
STUDY OPTION 11
PELICAN BAY FOUNDATION
33 48S 25E
NAPLES COLLIER
SPC
SPC
MAY 2023
1" = 40'
N.T.S.
P-STLS-000
P-PBF-000-X11.dwg
C-X11
01 01
• CIVIL ENGINEERING
• PLANNING AND ZONING
• ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
• LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
• SURVEYING
• LAND DEVELOPMENT
ENGINEERING
PENINSULA
00 10' 20' 40'80'120'
Bar Scale: 1" = 40'
DATUM NOTE:
ALL ELEVATIONS ARE BASED ON NAVD 88
(NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM OF 1988).
PROJECT:
TITLE:
CLIENT:
PROFESSIONAL SEALS:
File Name:
Project Number:
Vertical Scale:
Horizontal Scale:
Date:
Drawn by:
Designed by:
City:
B
1
1
E
D
C
A
County:[Save Date: 5/5/2023 3:41:33 PM] [Saved By: SCarlisle] [Plot Date: 5/5/2023 4:35:25 PM] [Plotted By: Shawn Carlisle] [Original Size: 24x36] [Drawing Path: Z:\ActiveProjects\P\PELICAN BAY COMMUNITY CENTER EXPANSION\Drawings-Civil\Exhibits\X05- Pickleball Fit Study Option 11\P-PBF-000-X11.dwg]2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER:
FLORIDA LICENSE NUMBER:
SEC:RGE:TWP:
Florida Engineering Certificate of Authorization #28275
Florida Landscape Certificate of Authorization #LC26000632
Sheet ID:
Sheet Number:of
NOTES:
239.403.6700
Pen-Eng.com
REVISIONS:
No: Revision:Date:
Exhibit A
11.B.a
Packet Pg. 78 Attachment: Exhibit A (Rev1) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Exhibit B
Pelican Bay Community Park Proposed Improvements
As part of the Management Agreement, the Pelican Bay Foundation will:
• Expand the existing parking by at least 30 parking spots with bike racks and landscaping.
• Demolish existing concrete racquetball / handball court and small building to
accommodate 2 new Har-Tru (clay) courts.
• Construct 2 new Har-Tru tennis courts with new irrigation, fencing, lighting, shaded
seating, and landscaping.
• Completely refurbish the existing 6 clay courts including irrigation and fencing as
necessary.
• Relocate the baseball / softball backstop to the northeast corner of the green space.
• Build 20 new pickleball courts with fencing, noise mitigation, shaded seating, electrical
conduit for lighting, but no lighting erected, and landscaping.
• Build a new publicly accessible pro shop with restrooms and court maintenance space.
• Fund, on a one-time basis, the surface to provide accessibility / inclusion of the existing
playground.
11.B.b
Packet Pg. 79 Attachment: PB Park Proposed Improvement -Exhibit B (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Exhibit C
Pelican Bay Community Park Racquets Fee Structure:
Tennis Fee Structure
• Season Player Pass Individual $800 annually
• Season Player Pass Couple $1,000 annually
• Season Player Pass Family $1,200 annually
• Court Time Fee $60 per 1.5-hour reservation
o $15 per person doubles
• Team Match $80 per Match Concept.
• League Season Fee $525 flat fee per team, includes matches,
o courts, and balls.
• In-House League Fee $195 per 8-week season, includes balls, courts,
o and scheduling
• Ball Machine Use $19/hour
• Private Lessons $100-110 per hour
• Clinics $35/hour
• Round Robins $25 each
• Tournaments Variable with sanctioning body
• Guest Fee 20% of service
Pickleball Fee Structure
• Season Play Pass $95 per person.
• Daily Play Pass $6 per visit
• Private Lessons $100-110 per hour
• Group Lessons $35.00 hour
• Tournaments Variable with Sanctioning Body
• Guest Fee 20% of Service
11.B.c
Packet Pg. 80 Attachment: PB Park Proposed Fee Structure - Exhibit C (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Pickleball Sound Assessment Report
With
Recommendations
By
Robert M Unetich P.E.
and
John Robert Unetich,Technical Writer Intern
July 29,2023
1811 Woodlands Circle,Pittsburgh,PA 15241
412-780-4575
rmu@pickleballsound.com
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 1
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 81 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Table of Contents
Executive Summary and Site Description Page 3
Description of Pickleball Sound Characteristics Page 6
Measurement of Pickleball Sound Page 7
Collier County Noise Ordinances Page 8
American National Standards Institute Recommendations Page 9
Pickleball Sound Mitigation Methods Page 10
Sound Level Predictions Page 11
Conclusions and Recommendations Page 16
Author ’s CV Page 17
Disclaimer Page 18
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 2
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 82 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Site Description and Executive Summary of PSM LLC Recommendations
This is a pickleball sound assessment report for Pelican Bay Foundation.It includes data obtained
from google earth and the predictions of sound levels obtained from simulations of the site using
Noise Tools software.Pelican Bay Foundation plans to build twenty pickleball courts along Vanderbilt
Beach Road at the Pelican Bay Community Center.
PSM LLC has been asked to make recommendations,based upon the acquired data and the computer
predictions of sound levels,of what sound mitigation should be included to ensure compliance with
local noise ordinances and to minimize the level of pickleball sound to homes north and south of the
planned courts.
This Conceptual Site plan illustrates the planned court locations and the Google earth photo illustrates
where homes are located:
The following photo is a satellite view of the area.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 3
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 83 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Homes north of the courts are about 200 feet or 60 meters from the site.Homes to the south are
about 300 feet or 90 meters from the edge of the planned courts.
There will be public access to these courts,so reducing the sound level generated with quieter gear
would be difficult to enforce.Therefore,installing sound barriers is the recommended method of
controlling the level of pickleball sound in both directions.
The background noise level along Vanderbilt Road is generally near 55 dBA and occasionally drops
below 50 dBA
A 6,000 sq.ft.building on the grounds will partially block the sound path towards the south from
twelve of the courts but the eight courts east of the building will have a path sound can travel to the
south.A heavy duty chain link fence along the entire north fence and along the eight courts west of
the building can support mass-loaded vinyl sound barrier material in all but hurricane force winds.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 4
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 84 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
With no barriers installed along these fences,the predicted pickleball sound levels range from 60 dBA
to 70 dBA at individual homes.A ten ft.high mass-loaded sound barrier along the entire north side
and along the eight courts east of the building can reduce these levels to below the 60 dBA level
specified as the limit in the Collier County ordinance.
Increasing the heights to 12 feet and adding thick hedges along the west side of the courts and along
the east side between the new building and the eight courts to the east can reduce the overall
pickleball sound levels in all directions.Computer simulations of this layout predict that sound levels
will be below 60 dBA at all homes.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 5
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 85 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Pickleball Sound
Pickleball is a game played with paddles,a ball,and a net on a court that is approximately one half the
size of a tennis court.The paddles are made of wood,plastic,or composite materials,and the ball is
made of plastic.The sound generated by pickleball is louder than the sound generated by tennis,and
it has a higher,more annoying pitch.Homeowners in proximity to pickleball courts hear a louder
sound than from tennis play.At some elevated sound level,pickleball sounds are considered as noise
and become bothersome and intrusive.
Properties of Pickleball Sound
Sound is generated when an object vibrates and excites the air molecules with which it is in contact.
These vibrating air molecules create sound waves that radiate outward from the source of the sound
at a speed of 1087 feet per second.As sound moves away from the source,it decreases in amplitude
at a rate of 6 dB for each doubling of distance.The sound level or loudness is measured in decibels
(dB).The louder the sound,the higher the dB level that is measured,and the more likely the sound
will be an annoyance.The tonal quality is the combination of low frequency and high frequency
components of the sound.Frequency is measured in cycles per second or Hertz (Hz).Most sounds
include a combination of low frequency booming tones and high frequency shrill or sharp tones.
Sound also varies with time.A steady state noise is continuous with little or no change in level or
frequency content.Impulse noises have a short duration and may or may not be repetitive and
recurring.
Human Hearing and Annoyance
The human ear is sensitive to a sound’s level,its frequency content,and its duration.The higher the
sound level,the greater the annoyance becomes.Each 10 dB increase in sound level is perceived as a
doubling in the sound level,which is a 100%increase.Each 6 dB increase is perceived as a 50%
increase and each 3 dB increase is perceived as a 23%increase.The human ear is more sensitive to
high frequency sounds than to low frequency sounds.It is also sensitive to the duration of noise.
Typical Sound Levels
Human hearing normally has a very large range of hearing capability,usually expressed in
decibels above a selected sound pressure level of 20 micropascals and designated at zero
dB.Human hearing has a lower sensitivity to low pitch sounds.Readings of meters and
sound software are usually adjusted to account for this by using the A scale.As seen on the
chart below,a quiet library is usually about 40 dBA.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 6
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 86 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
This chart illustrates that sounds in the range of 60 to 75 dBA are comparable to the loudness of
normal conversation and to the sound levels usually present in a busy restaurant.Pickleball sound at
100 ft.is usually under 70 dBA with no sound barrier and under 60 dBA with a 10 ft.high sound
barrier.The height of the barrier can be adjusted to achieve sound level reduction with a basic goal of
having pickleball sound not frequently exceed normal background sound levels.
Measurement of Pickleball Sound Levels
Sound is simply a variation in air pressure over a period of time.A calibrated microphone connected to
a device that measures the electrical output and records the peak sound pressure or averages the
sound power over a defined period of time constitutes a sound measurement system.The
measurements are generally done over time periods defined according to measurement standards
and in the US those standards are set by the American National Standards Institute or ANSI.
While ANSI defines several acoustics terms,pickleball has a usual time duration of about 10 to 20
milliseconds (ms).PSM LLC selects the Fast mode for measuring these short duration sounds,which
has a 125 ms averaging period.This metric is known as LAFmax.Since background noise naturally
varies over time,we select the term Leq for Equivalent Level for determining average sound level.
This is “the sound”that neighbors will hear,as opposed to an averaging of that sound along with all
other sounds over an arbitrary time period.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 7
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 87 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Collier County Noise Ordinance
Sec.54-92.-Maximum permissible sound levels.
(b)Maximum Permissible Sound Levels by Zoning Classification or Use Occupancy.
(1)No person shall operate,or cause or suffer to be operated any source of sound from any use
occupancy in such a manner as to create a Sound Level,after applicable character of sound
adjustments,if any,which exceeds the limits set forth for the use occupancy category in Table I.
No Sound tested by a Sound Level Meter shall be deemed to be in violation of this Ordinance
unless the offending Sound exceeds the Sound Level limits in Table I,and also exceeds the then
existing Ambient Sound Level by at least five (5)dB(A)or five (5)dB(C),at the sound-affected site
or unit.Sounds that are tested shall be measured at or within the property boundary of the
sound-affected site or unit from which the complaint originated.
In order to file a complaint,the complainant must provide his/her name,address and phone
number.The test equipment should normally be at a distance greater than fifty (50)feet from the
sound source unless there is a valid reason for measuring at a closer distance.A "valid reason"
exists where land use,location,zoning,physical barriers,and/or acoustical impediments adversely
affect the accuracy of sound measurements.
Measurements shall be made in accordance with the latest revision of ANSI Standard S1.13,
"Measurement of Sound Pressure Levels in Air".Test equipment shall be placed at a height at least
three (3)feet above the ground and at least four and one-half (4½)feet away from walls,barriers,
obstructions and any other sound-reflecting surfaces that might affect the measured Sound
Level(s).Microphone wind screens shall be used when appropriate.
The measured Sound Levels used for comparison with the Table I Sound Level limits shall be the
equivalent A-weighted Sound Level and equivalent C-weighted Sound Level measured over a
minimum duration of sixty (60)seconds,after correction for the applicable A-weighted or
C-weighted Ambient Sound Level.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 8
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 88 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
TABLE I
EXPAND
Zoning/Use at the location of the
Sound-affected Site or Unit
Time of Day or Night*Sound Level Limits
dB(A)dB(C)
Residential 7:00 a.m.to 10:00 p.m.60 72
After 10:00 p.m.to 7:00 a.m.55 67
(c)Correction for character of sound.
Non-repetitive impulsive sound.For any non-repetitive impulsive sound (up to five (5)impulses an
hour),the Sound Level limits set forth in Table I shall be increased by ten (10)decibels from 7:00
a.m.to 10:00 pm.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)Recommendations
ASA/ANSI S12.9-2007 /Part 5,which provides these recommended sound level limits:
Residential--Urban/suburban,Single Family,Extensive Outdoor Use 55 dBA
Residential--Multiple Family,Moderate Outdoor Use 60 dBA
______________________________________________
While the local ordinance allows for 60 dBA,the ANSI recommendation is 55 dBA.
Based upon our experience in other Southwest Florida communities,PSM LLC recommends that
pickleball sound levels be below 55 dBA at homes whenever possible.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 9
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 89 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Pickleball Sound Mitigation Methods
Requiring Quieter Paddles and Balls
Pickleball paddles with hard surface faces,such as fiberglass,tend to be louder by several decibels
than carbon fiber paddles.Thicker paddles,such as the now common 16 mm thick models sold by
several firms,tend to be both quieter and to have a lower pitch sound.PSM LLC,and its predecessor
consulting firm,GigaHertz LLC,have been testing paddles for over 8 years and it publishes several lists
of quieter paddles.
In an area of public access it is not practical to enforce the use of quieter gear and the use of quieter
gear is not part of our recommendations n this report
Sound Barriers
Any material that blocks the direct path sound normally travels will reduce the sound level.Pickleball
sound in the range of 1,200 Hertz will travel both through and around a barrier.If the barrier material
weighs at least ½pound per square foot,the direct path sound power will be 99%(20 decibels)
attenuated and sound reaching distant points will generally be by a diffracted path over the top or
around the barrier.
Sound striking a barrier will be partially absorbed and partially reflected.Very hard materials,such as
concrete,are highly reflective.Soft materials,such as fiberglass batting,are absorbing and generally
cost more and may be less durable.Using absorbing materials will substantially reduce reflected
sound (essentially echos)and asa result also reduce overall sound levels at distant points.
Examples of reflecting sound barrier material include Acoustifence,offered by Acoustibolk and others.
Sound absorbing barrier material is offered by these three firms and others:
e-Noise Control of Indiana
DDS Acoustic Specialities of Massachusetts
and Insul-quilt of California
Contact information for all of these firms is available from our office.Absorbing sound blankets (as
they are frequently known)have a quilted layer of fiberglass on one side (which would be directed
towards the sound source).This layer must be kept out of standing water and protected from regular
contact with moving items,such as paddles.We therefore recommend that this material be installed
on the outside of vinyl covered chain link fence.Light colors,such as light green and blue and tan,
have proven to remain cool and are therefore recommended.
The bottom portion of sound blankets should be attached to a baseboard or rail about 1 inch above
the court surface to reduce the exposure to standing water.
Playing Restrictions
Courts near homes frequently have limitations on when play is permitted,such as 8 AM until 7 PM
and this should be considered.The Collier County Ordinance does have a lower sound limit before 7
AM.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 10
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 90 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Sound Level Predictions
Predicted Sound Levels With No Barriers Installed
The red areas are levels above the ordinance limit of 60 dBA.Yellow is below 60 and green is below 50
dBA.The numbers near the homes are predictions in dBA.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 11
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 91 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
The following plots place three sound sources on the courts at locations where hard hitting players
may be playing.
With a ten ft.high barrier only along the north side of the courts,these levels are predicted:
Note that homes to the west and south have levels exceeding the ordinance limits.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 12
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 92 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Adding a 10 ft high Barrier to the South but not to the West produces these results:
Adding eight feet high thick hedges (ideally 2 feet thick)along the west side and between the
new building and the eight courts to the east will reduce the sound levels in those directions
about 4 decibels and this is shown below:
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 13
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 93 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Barriers and tall thick hedges along all sides of the courts:
The sound predicted levels and now near the Collier County Ordinance limits.Further reduction will
require a higher sound barrier on the north and south sides.This diagram assumes that the sound
barriers along the north and south sides are 12 feet high and of the sound absorbing variety:
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 14
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 94 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
The predicted levels are all now below the Collier County Ordinance level of 60 dBA
and at homes to the south,the predicted levels fall below the recommended ANSI
standard.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 15
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 95 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Conclusions
Building pickleball courts in the Pelican Bay Community Park will cause sound levels to exceed
ordinance limits unless effective sound barriers with more than 10 decibels of sound reduction
capability are installed.
Recommendations
PSM LLC recommends the use of 12 ft.high absorbing sound barrier material along the north side of
these courts and along the south side of eight of the courts plus a thick hedge row along the west side
and to the east of the new building.
With this configuration,sound levels are projected to be well below the ordinance limits and at or
below the ANSI recommended limit of 55 dBA.
The adoption of sound absorbing barriers requires the careful specification of the supporting fence
and the barrier sections,including the need to plan for protection of the material and the fence during
high wind conditions.This may include providing mounting methods that enable the sound blankets
to be rolled up from the court surface and down from the top of the fence to protect the material
from wind and flooding during hurricane conditions.
The CV of the Author Follows
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 16
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 96 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 17
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 97 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
Disclaimer
The sound levels in this report are as measured or they are estimates of what levels should
be expected.Actual levels will vary over time,and they are player and equipment dependent.
Sound level is probabilistic,meaning that it has averages and other statistical characteristics
including standard deviations and sound level probability distribution curves,but pickleball
sound level has no exact single level.
This report makes no guarantee of performance of the sound mitigation methods described.
In addition,it is not possible to determine what any person believes is an acceptable sound
level.The measurements and estimates of background sound levels are also probabilistic in
nature and these levels will vary from one neighborhood to another and from one
measurement method to another over time.
Our recommendations for sound barrier types assume that the site will have proper structural
support,designed by others.This should include an analysis of the wind-loading limitations of
fences.
PICKLEBALL SOUND MITIGATION 18
11.B.d
Packet Pg. 98 Attachment: Pelican Bay Report_Sound Study (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation, Inc.)
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 99 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 100 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 101 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 102 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 103 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 104 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 105 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 106 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 107 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 108 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 109 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 110 Attachment: Pelican Bay County Park Management Agreement (PBF signed) (26379 : Management Agreement with the Pelican Bay Foundation,