Carmel’s city council will vote on Tuesday afternoon on a permanent pickleball ban at Forest Hill Park — a move that could make playing America's fastest-growing sport a criminal offense carrying a $1,000 fine.

An urgency ordinance banning pickleball at the California park could become a permanent ordinance, making it part of the city charter.

The permanent ban only requires only a simple majority to pass.

"If it gets into the code, it is a misdemeanor to play here, punishable up to $1,000 according to what the city allows for fines," said pickleball player, Cindy Vandenberg, in a Dec. 1 story published by KSBW Action News 8. "I've never seen anything this mean before in Carmel."

Vandenberg isn't the only pickleball enthusiast who finds this measure unreasonable.

"I just feel like they're just depriving us of something," said Esta Holden. "Yeah, it is extreme. I mean, this is a beautiful area here and it's empty."

Mayor Dale Byrne says the ban originated from multiple noise complaints.

Pickleball players have cut back their days and hours at the park, and one player launched a petition to bring the sport back, collecting more than 500 signatures thus far.

Some people believe a compromise is possible.

"As long as they do it in some sort of a way that the locals can put up with the noise," stated Mark McMahon. "I think it should be great."

The city is actually looking to permanently ban not only pickleball, but all racquet sports at Forest Hill Park, so stay tuned for further developments.

Carmel is a coastal city in Monterey County primarily known for its European-style architecture, art galleries, and beaches.