If you’ve never heard of pickleball, imagine a cross between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It's fast, fun, and has a passionate following. But there’s another side to the “pickleball effect.”
In community engagement, it’s a metaphor for small, highly-motivated groups that flood consultation sessions, public forums, and surveys to push a specific agenda. They’re energetic, organised, and know how to navigate the engagement process, often more effectively than the larger majority of residents who have competing priorities or less time to spare.
Why Community Engagement Practitioners Should “Watch Out”
The challenge with these pickleball-like groups isn’t their passion or right to speak up; it’s that their loud voices can disproportionately influence decisions that affect everyone. A small group may dominate the conversation, tilting the scales of public opinion and overshadowing broader community needs.
In local development projects, for example, they might rally to preserve a site purely for their use, without considering whether the wider population gains the same benefits. In short, “watching out” means making sure one viewpoint doesn’t eclipse the diverse perspectives of the entire community.
When a Minority Shakes Up the Majority
Local governments and community organisations often rely on surveys, public meetings, and online forums to capture resident feedback.
While these methods are designed for inclusivity, they can be exploited by those who understand the system well. Imagine a library expansion project intended to serve thousands of residents, overshadowed by a specialised sports group keen to keep the adjacent land free for their private use.
Without safeguards in place, the resulting decisions can inadvertently prioritise the wants of a few over the needs of many, leading to resentment and fractured community relations.
Balancing the Scales of Community Engagement
So how can councils and stakeholders “watch out” for pickleball-like manoeuvres without stifling legitimate community input?
First, develop robust engagement strategies that go beyond a single survey or town hall. Multiple touch points, such as pop-up sessions in different neighbourhoods, targeted outreach to underrepresented groups, and diverse online channels that help ensure broader participation.
Second, use data analytics tools to highlight unusual spikes or patterns in feedback, preventing one group from overwhelming the process. Finally, maintain transparency throughout, regularly sharing how decisions are being influenced by multiple data points rather than a single, vocal contingent.
Preserving Fairness While Embracing Enthusiasm
Building an inclusive community doesn’t mean suppressing passionate groups or ignoring their interests; in fact, enthusiastic citizens can be catalysts for positive change. But to keep the field level, local leaders and councils must be vigilant in ensuring all voices are weighed equally.
By diversifying engagement methods, using modern data analysis, and promoting open dialogue, communities can celebrate the zeal of “pickleball” fans while still catering to the broader public good. Watch out for pickleball—yes—but also celebrate it as a sign that people care.
With the right balance, we can honour that enthusiasm while creating more equitable and sustainable outcomes for everyone.