WSU’s Pickleball Courts To Relocate: In a notable shift for Wichita State University’s sports infrastructure, the pickleball courts currently positioned between Wilkins Stadium and the Heskett Center are slated for demolition. This change is necessitated by the construction of a new softball practice facility, marking a significant development in the university’s ongoing enhancement of its athletic amenities.
New Courts and Construction Details
Emily Patterson, the executive director of facilities planning at WSU, detailed in an email that the current pickleball courts will be replaced by three new ones. These will be constructed “in the open grass area east of Hubbard/west of Heskett/north of Lindquist.” The new courts are set to be built starting in August, with construction plans well underway.
Enhanced Features
A major upgrade with the new courts will be the addition of lighting, allowing for play during the evening. This feature is expected to significantly extend the usability of the courts, catering to both casual players and those involved in competitive matches. Patterson emphasized that this relocation is a key element of the university’s master plan, which outlines strategic goals and developments for the next decade.
“This is part of the area that will be dedicated to outdoor recreatuin in the full master plan build out.”, Patterson wrote.
Background and Future Plans
The original pickleball courts were established in 2021 as part of the Heskett Center’s Outdoor Sports Complex, reflecting WSU’s commitment to expanding its recreational offerings. The planned relocation of the courts aligns with WSU’s broader vision of enhancing its facilities and creating a more comprehensive recreational environment for students and the community.
News in Brief: WSU’s Pickleball Courts To Relocate
Wichita State University will relocate its pickleball courts, currently situated between Wilkins Stadium and the Heskett Center, to make way for a new softball practice facility. The existing courts, built in 2021 as part of the Heskett Center’s Outdoor Sports Complex, will be demolished. According to Emily Patterson, WSU’s executive director of facilities planning, three new courts will be constructed “in the open grass area east of Hubbard/west of Heskett/north of Lindquist,” with construction set to start in August. The new facility will feature lighting for evening play. This move is part of WSU’s master plan, which outlines extensive updates and new construction projects for the next decade, aiming to enhance recreational amenities.
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