Tensions Rise at Topsail Beach Pickleball Courts: New Rules Passed by Commissioners

Are you a pickleball enthusiast or just someone interested in small-town drama? Either way, the recent disputes among players at the pickleball courts in Topsail Beach are sure to pique your interest.

The tension reached a boiling point at a recent town meeting where residents passionately voiced their opinions on proposed changes to the park guidelines for court access. The current one-hour rule, where the first group to arrive gets to play for an hour before switching off, has caused quite a stir among players.

With games lasting only 15-30 minutes each, some players feel that the one-hour rule gives an unfair advantage to early birds who consistently snag the courts before they officially open. This has led to altercations and disagreements among players, with some even threatening to call 911 over court disputes.

The proposed change to limit court usage to one game per group aims to level the playing field and prevent further conflicts. However, not everyone is on board with this new rule. Some argue that rotating on a game-by-game basis is the norm in pickleball etiquette and that the one-hour rule disrupts this tradition.

The debate among residents spilled over to the town commissioners, with heated discussions and disagreements among board members. Ultimately, the board voted to remove the one-hour rule, but the issue is far from resolved.

As the popularity of pickleball continues to grow in the area, the limited access to courts remains a challenge. With only two designated courts on Topsail Island, players are left vying for playing time and facing frustrations over court availability.

Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or just a curious bystander, the pickleball court disputes in Topsail Beach are a reminder that even the smallest of issues can spark big debates in a community. Stay tuned to see how this saga unfolds and whether a resolution can be reached to keep the peace on the courts.