The Carmel City Council voted to permanently ban pickleball at Forest Hill Park — the city’s only public park with designated pickleball courts — following ongoing noise complaints from nearby residents.

According to a report by KSBW Action News 8, the ban will take effect in 30 days, but pickleball is already prohibited at the park under a temporary restriction.

It's hard to believe that playing pickleball at a Northern California park could actually be a misdemeanor criminal offense, but it's true.

"We've had laws against ice cream cones and high-heeled shoes, so this seems like another crazy one that you're going to outlaw pickleball," said Terry Moran, who was disappointed with the outcome at the decisive meeting.

"It's a great way to socialize, a great way to exercise, and it appears to be that the people who got this ban, or five people who live around the park, but there's been no attempt to really look at what the community wants," he added.

Those on the other side of the debate, however, were obviously pleased with the result.

"We're not bad people saying you shouldn't play your sport, just have compassion on the neighborhood that's receiving this sport," shared one attendee.

"There are other places for these people to go and play. I can't. What am I going to do? Sell my house and move away?" mentioned another attendee.

Mayor Dale Byrne hopes the City Council can work with both sides to eventually reach a compromise.