The Woodlands' latest neighborhood fight isn't about property lines or parking. It's about pickleball. A township proposal for a 24-court complex at Bear Branch Park has split residents into two camps: people who can't stand the pop-pop-pop of paddle on ball, and people who can't get enough of it.

Homeowners in Cochran's Crossing, right next to the park, collected more than 300 signatures against the plan. They point to noise studies showing pickleball hits 70 decibels at 100 feet, about as loud as a vacuum cleaner running all day. At the February board meeting, one resident called it "Chinese water torture with a paddle."

Pickleball players have their own campaign going. The existing courts are so packed that waits of 45 minutes are normal during peak hours. A township parks department survey found pickleball participation in The Woodlands has grown 280 percent since 2021. There just aren't enough courts.

The board tabled the proposal and ordered a noise study. They're also looking at a site near the Township Service Center on Technology Forest Boulevard, which would be farther from houses. A decision is expected by mid-April.