Fort Collins Reveals Plans for New Pickleball Facility: The City of Fort Collins is on the brink of a major development in the world of pickleball. As the sport continues to gain popularity, the City plans to construct a new outdoor facility at Fossil Creek Community Park. This facility will feature 12 dedicated pickleball courts, addressing the growing demand for space to play. Currently, Fort Collins has 54 courts, but only eight are specifically designed for pickleball. Most courts are shared with other sports, which limits their availability for pickleball enthusiasts. With more players gathering to the sport, the city recognizes the need for dedicated facilities that cater to a diverse community.
Growing Demand for Pickleball
Russ Cowart, the president of the Fort Collins Pickleball Club, shows the shift in who is playing pickleball. Once primarily dominated by older adults, the sport has seen an entry of younger players.
“I think the pickleball scene has changed dramatically since COVID.”
“I think the pickleball scene has changed dramatically since COVID. Previously, it was mostly people over 55 who played indoors a lot at the senior center. Now it’s blown up. Our club has over 1,700 members.”
“So, we rent courts for open play. We provide ladder leagues, lessons, and tournaments — those kinds of things for people who join the club,.”-(Cowart)
This growth shows the importance of community-driven recreational opportunities, making the planned facility a big addition to Fort Collins.
The surge in pickleball’s popularity is not just about numbers it reflects a broader cultural shift toward active lifestyles and community engagement.
“We see lots of groups of 20 and 30-year-olds playing after work. We see moms with their middle school kids, and college kids taking over the courts near the university.”-(Cowart)
This variety shows that pickleball appeals to all ages and backgrounds. The Fort Collins Pickleball Club plays a important role in this community spirit, offering leagues, lessons, and tournaments. Their efforts have contributed to the sport’s rapid growth in the area.
The city has been proactive in addressing this demand by engaging with the community for feedback. The response has been positive, with many residents expressing excitement about the new facility. The construction of dedicated courts will not only provide more playing opportunities but also foster social connections among players.
“It’s great that they’re listening and that they understand that it’s not just a bunch of old people in the senior center; it really is community building.”-(Cowart)
Community Support and Future Plans
City officials have taken the concerns of the community into account as they plan for the new facility. One significant issue that has affected pickleball courts in other areas, such as the Denver metro region, is noise.
“They did all their due diligence related to sound, parking, bike trail access, and all the stuff that they do as a city.”-(Cowart)
This thorough planning indicates the city’s commitment to creating a space that benefits everyone.
Currently, the city is in the process of analyzing public opinion on the proposed location. Once Reaction is gathered, the city will move on to the funding process to turn this exciting vision into reality.
The dedication of the Fort Collins community to improving recreational opportunities for pickleball players demonstrates a collective desire for growth and engagement. As the plans progress, the future of pickleball in Fort Collins looks bright.
News in Brief: Fort Collins Reveals Plans for New Pickleball Facility
Fort Collins is set to build a new outdoor pickleball facility at Fossil Creek Community Park, featuring 12 dedicated courts to meet the growing demand for the sport. Currently, the city has 54 courts, with only eight designated for pickleball, often shared with other sports.
The Fort Collins Pickleball Club has over 1,700 members, reflecting a diverse pickleball community of players, including younger individuals and families. City officials are addressing concerns, including noise, and are gathering public feedback on the facility’s location. This development represents a important step toward improving recreational opportunities for pickleball enthusiasts in the community.
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