Pickleball Courts Set for Relocation in Wichita: Wichita State University is making a significant change regarding its pickleball courts, which are set to relocate from their original placement next to Wilkins Stadium and the Heskett Center. This move comes in response to concerns about potential disruptions to Lindquist Hall and the need to preserve existing trees that contribute to the campus’s aesthetic appeal.
A Thoughtful Adjustment
The courts will now find a new home slightly to the north within the green space that lies between Lindquist Hall, Heskett Center, and Hubbard Hall. While this adjustment retains the courts within the green space, it strategically alters their positioning to minimize impact on the surrounding area. Additionally, the university plans to relocate the art sculpture Profile Canto IVA to a new site to accommodate this change in court placement.
Addressing Community Concerns
Student Government Association Senator Andrew Bobbitt played a pivotal role in demanding this adjustment, emphasizing the importance of addressing community concerns. “There were some concerns from members of faculty and students about the disruption that placing it so close to Lindquist Hall would have,” Bobbitt stated, highlighting the collaborative efforts that led to this decision. The discussions involved university administration and campus recreation members, showing a commitment to community engagement in planning processes.
Optimism Amidst Change
John Lee, the director of campus activities and recreation, echoed the sentiments of concern regarding the original court placement.
“People were concerned about the three trees that were out there, and then the plan became, ‘Let’s move the art sculpture somewhere else and then put the pickleball courts there.’” – (John Lee)
This thoughtful approach ensures that the trees, which enhance the campus environment, will remain intact for as long as possible.
“Then if we add three more, it will go backward, but since there is not funding to add the three courts now, the trees can stay there as long as the university wants them there.” – (John Lee)
Looking Ahead
Despite the changes, Lee expressed optimism about the new plan and its potential impact on the university community. He emphasized campus recreation’s commitment to maintaining the courts, which he described as a “start to something that should be bigger one day.”
“We are super excited. The old pickleball courts proved themselves. There were people out there all the time all day, and especially at night. I think that the popularity of the courts proved the viability and spearheaded it into the master plan to start with.” – (John Lee)
Currently, the construction of the new pickleball courts is set to go out for bid, although a specific timeline for when these new facilities will become operational has yet to be established. The community eagerly anticipates the next steps in this project as it moves forward.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Set for Relocation in Wichita
Wichita State University is relocating its pickleball courts to a new site to preserve trees and reduce disruptions to Lindquist Hall. The updated placement will still be within the green space, and the art sculpture Profile Canto IVA will also be moved.
Campus officials, including Senator Andrew Bobbitt and Director John Lee, addressed community concerns regarding the initial location. With construction bids imminent, the timeline for operational courts remains unclear, but there is optimism about the future of pickleball on campus.
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