It was suggested by a member of the architectural review committee that someone go to the tennis courts and hit balls around and take a sound reading. I raised my hand again to clarify that we want a professional impact assessment, not a volunteer-led activity since even this suggestion is ridiculous as asphalt is a completely different surface than our clay courts. ***sigh***

"Good afternoon. I’m Sally Lynn MacDonald from Blue Heron.

I have gathered over 65 signatures / doors and representing 7 sub-HOAs, and 4 presidents, on a petition over the last 3 days:

Pickleball has exploded in popularity but has also generated a spate of noise complaints nationwide and resulted in court closures and dozens of lawsuits against municipalities and HOAs including settlements in the 100s of thousands of dollars with NDAs that preclude knowing the true financial impact. One internet search is all it takes. There is no plausible deniability. 

It is apparent that discussions regarding the feasibility of adding pickleball amenities have been going on for months focusing on whether the project can be done and is practical.

However, an Impact Assessment focuses on what will happen if the project is done, analyzing its consequences on people, the environment, and society (our community).

From just 3 days of research, it is clear to me that putting permanent outdoor pickleball courts within the Aquarina Community Center grounds will create noise levels that exceed all reasonable standards set forth in Brevard County local laws and deprive residents from quiet enjoyment of their homes and outdoor spaces. 

We ask for a comprehensive impact study on how the noise from pickleball will affect residences, native animal habitats, and imperiled birds within our Audubon-rated golf course as well as the property value changes for communities within hearing distance from the courts. According to a recent study conducted in St. Augustine, Florida – that distance was between 650 and 1000 feet. 

The tract K area being discussed is 110 feet away from the nearest residential building in Blue Heron. The entire Blue Heron community is encapsulated with 500 feet.

Within 100 feet of courts will usually be around 70 dBa, freeway traffic sound levels, this is not a concern that should be taken lightly. It is also unlawful.

An Impact Assessment needs to be performed to verify feasibility; with its costs associated with:

o    selection of a location at a distance which will not infringe upon residents’ right to the quiet enjoyment of their homes and outdoor spaces, including

o    comprehensive noise mitigation

An impact assessment informs feasibility. A line item on a budget for pickleball court(s) that doesn't include a professional Impact Assessment and Noise Mitigation is incomplete at best.

I urge you to act to preserve the serenity and natural beauty of Aquarina for the people and the wildlife who call it home. Get a professional impact assessment. I have the name of the company that has done this work in St. Augustine, Centennial, Colorado, etc. that I am happy to provide to you.

The nearby public South Beach Community Center has 5 indoor and 4 outdoor pickleball courts located only 1 1/2 miles up A1A to cater to this sport's enthusiasts, making the need for a pickleball court in our private community debatable. My own husband is a lover of this sport, and still he and I are in lock step about the need for a professional impact assessment before any decisions are made.

Thank you for your time."