• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod Councilor Al Victor Espino said Oct. 3 that he plans to use a recent complaint against a pickleball court operation as a baseline template to establish future legislative policies for similar sports and recreational facilities across the city.
The incident stemmed from persistent noise complaints raised by a nearby resident regarding the operations of Paddle Co., an outdoor pickleball facility located at 13th Lacson Street.
According to the 70-year-old resident, “despite previous talks, police blotters and police visitation after 10 p.m., the disturbance continues and it affects the health, sleep, and peace of the residents in the area, especially for me, a senior citizen, and my household.”
Meanwhile, in a public statement over the weekend, Paddle Co. said their official operating hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and this schedule is posted on their official social media page.
“While we understand that the nature of pickleball may generate sounds that could cause inconvenience to nearby residents, we recognize the importance of balancing our operations with the comfort of the surrounding community,” Paddle Co. said. “We take these matters seriously and remain open to constructive dialogue with concerned residents and relevant authorities.”
Espino, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Laws, expressed his preference for a direct dialogue between the affected family and the venue management rather than launching an immediate formal committee hearing, aiming to reach an amicable resolution.
“I believe in the minimal intervention of government and that the power of government is regulation,” Espino said. “However, we cannot negate the needs of our citizens, whether it is just one person or many. We will look for a solution where there is an amicable settlement among parties.”
Recognizing pickleball as one of the fastest-growing sports in Bacolod and across the country, Espino said that resolving this case will define where the SP stands on key issues, such as the “grandfather principle”, which addresses rights when residential homes predate commercial developments.
“Let this be the template for future reference. This will define where the Bacolod SP or the Committee on Laws stands. Once we handle this, it will become a policy for (similar operations in the) future” Espino added. | TMD
