Riverhead’s Pickleball Court Demand: The topic new pickleball courts in Riverhead Town is grappling. as a growing demand for pickleball facilities as local players push for more Pickleball courts at Veterans Park. With a community of 160 players utilizing the park’s three existing courts, pressure mounts for expansion. Kevin Degnan, a local organizer, has brought this need to the Town Board’s attention, citing the park’s ideal location.
As the town considers its options, including the new Box Pickleball facility and a $35,000 feasibility study for a sports complex, the outcome will significantly impact the future of pickleball infrastructure in the area.
A Community in Need
Kevin Degnan, a Wading River resident and organizer of the morning pickleball games, reported a significant increase in participation. There were 10 or 15 people using the app to coordinate court times in the beginning, Degnan said. “We’re up to 160 people.” This growth, he noted, happened in just one year. Degnan and other players assert that Veterans Park, located at the southeast corner of Germann Road and Pioneer Parkway, is an ideal spot for expansion due to its available open space, excellent parking, and distance from residential areas, which mitigates noise concerns.
Degnan has appealed to the Town Board to address this issue. “We’re very grateful for the facilities that are there,” Degnan Mentioned. “Vets Park is really becoming a great thing for community life, But the pickleball courts are really overflowing. It’s a great need.”
Town Officials Explore Alternatives
At a recent Town Board meeting, Degnan’s request for additional courts faced a cautious reception. Supervisor Tim Hubbard acknowledged the demand but suggested that the town wait and see how the situation develops. “We can look at it,” Hubbard said. “But I’m not sure if you’re aware that a pickleball facility is being built in the old Kmart in Riverhead,”
Hubbard referred to the Box Pickleball facility, which is set to open this summer and will feature nine courts, a kitchen, a full bar, and other amenities. “So that’s going to provide an additional — I’m not sure how many courts. I know it’s quite a few. So that’s an option also, and I wouldn’t want to rush out and build more town courts if, once they open up, [demand] kind of levels off,” Hubbard added.
“I have no problem if there is, if there’s a true need after the private place opens up, if there’s still a true need, I have no problem talking to the board and seeing what we can do, because it’s a huge sport, and the number of residents that play, it’s incredible,” Hubbard continued.
Private Facilities and Future Plans
The Box Pickleball facility, located in a 30,000-square-foot portion of the former Kmart store, will offer nine courts, a kitchen, a full bar, and a cornhole area. Developer Peter Bachmore initially aimed for a spring opening, but the new target is sometime this summer. Box Pickleball’s Facebook page announces a National Pickleball Day event on August 8, featuring free clinics and site tours. Founder memberships are available for $5,000, including unlimited court time and other benefits.
Another private option, Pickleball Smash-It at Tanger Outlets, will offer two acrylic courts at $50 per hour, without requiring a membership.
Council Member Ken Rothwell highlighted a $35,000 state grant for a feasibility study of a sports complex at Veterans Park. “Basically we’d be taking Veterans Memorial Park from where you’re playing now and expanding it up to as far as the 7,000 foot runway,” Rothwell explained. “It’s just a tentative plan, but one of the things they do is they see, like, what’s the level of excitement in the area? Is it lacrosse fields that we need? Is it pickleball? Is it football fields, more in a tournament style?” The study will assess regional needs and may recommend the construction of additional pickleball courts if warranted.
Community Engagement and Feedback
The pickleball community remains actively engaged and supportive. Judy Jantzen, who helps coordinate players, emphasized the sport’s inclusive nature. “It’s really a sport for all ages and abilities,” she said. “It’s fun.” Jantzen, along with other players like Dolores Wallace and Meredith Kramer, highlighted the social and community-building aspects of pickleball. Wallace remarked, “We play pickleball everyday and we love it. It’s our sport. It’s our get together. I’ve made wonderful friends, Sometimes we play at Stotzky, sometimes at Jamesport, but usually this is our go-to place,”
Degnan pointed out that the current courts are the only “regulation size” courts the town offers, contributing to their popularity. He also noted that players actively maintain the courts by using leaf blowers to keep the surfaces clean.
Future Prospects
Riverhead Town is also exploring the possibility of a new sports facility and has adapted existing courts at Bayberry Park and South Jamesport Beach for pickleball use. However, the town faces financial constraints and may need to partner with private entities for larger projects.
News in Brief: Riverhead’s Pickleball Court Demand
Riverhead Town faces increasing pressure from pickleball enthusiasts advocating for more courts at Veterans Park, where three existing courts are overwhelmed by a growing community of 160 players. Organizer Kevin Degnan has appealed to the Town Board, highlighting the park’s suitability for expansion.
Supervisor Tim Hubbard suggested waiting to assess the impact of the new Box Pickleball facility, which will offer nine courts. Council Member Ken Rothwell noted a $35,000 grant for a feasibility study to explore the need for additional courts. The pickleball community remains active, emphasizing the sport’s inclusive and social nature.
Also Read: James Ignatowich on Pro Pickleball Spectator Engagement
