New Pickleball Courts for Spring Lake Heights: SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS, NJ – At the recent Spring Lake Heights (SLH) Council meeting, officials celebrated the passage of a resolution that will provide a $100,000 grant from Monmouth County.
This funding aims to reduce the loss of two pickleball courts following the renovating of the tennis courts at Allaire Road Park. Council member Len Capristo showed that while the tennis courts received a fresh surface, the lines for two pickleball courts were not repainted, leaving local players in a bind.
Pickleball’s Unstoppable Rise
Pickleball has become incredibly popular, and being down two courts is a big issue for the town.”-(Capristo)
Plans remain in the first stages, but if all goes according to schedule, work could commence by late Spring 2025, with the courts expected to be completed by the summer of that year.
The rise in pickleball’s popularity is a development being felt across the United States, and New Jersey is no exception. Neighboring Spring Lake recently unveiled six new pickleball courts at Marucci Park, further establishing the sport’s status.
According to recent statistics, there are now approximately 8.9 million pickleball players nationwide, reflecting an amazing 85.7% increase in participation since 2022 and a remarkable 158.6% growth over the past three years.
This explosive expansion makes pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America for the third consecutive year.
In New Jersey, these national trends are mirrored, with a increase in the number of courts, clubs, and tournaments available. The sport’s attraction can be charged to its accessibility, affordability, and broad request across diverse age groups.
This rising demand has encouraged the construction of additional courts, including indoor facilities, to accommodate the ever-growing player base.
Proposed Location and Community Input
The meeting discussed the potential location for the new courts, which is an open area near the shed behind the front field, often referred to as “the Grove.” Plans also include replanting trees and adding seating in the area.
However, the addition of lighting for the courts has sparked debate among council members. Mayor Campion raised concerns regarding the estimated $160,000 cost and the possible inconvenience to nearby residents.
Resident Galen Nolan, a nearby homeowner, echoed the mayor’s apprehensions, stating that the courts are not used as frequently since the removal of pickleball lines from the new tennis courts. Nolan acknowledged the demand for pickleball, noting that players often form lines to play, supporting at least two new courts, but she questioned the necessity of four courts.
Court Specifications and Future Plans
Standard pickleball courts measure 20 by 44 feet but require a total area of 30 by 60 feet. Thus, two courts would need approximately 30 by 120 feet of space, while four courts would require 60 by 120 feet. As council members said:
“We’ve received the $100,000 grant, but we’re not obligated to spend it. We must match or exceed that amount as part of the grant terms. Now is the time to finalize the pickleball plan—whether that means adding 2-4 courts in ‘the grove’ area or potentially relocating the courts to the current kids’ playground, which has an equipment violation that needs addressing. These decisions will be made over the coming months to keep the project on track for potential completion by summer 2025.”-(Capristo)
Decisions regarding the project will unfold in the coming months, with the goal of keeping everything on track for potential completion by summer 2025.
To address the immediate pickleball demand amidst limited tennis use, the Council may need to consider placing temporary lines on the tennis courts until the new project is completed.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Courts for Spring Lake Heights
Spring Lake Heights has secured a $100,000 grant from Monmouth County to address the loss of two pickleball courts following tennis court coming back at Allaire Road Park. Council member Len Capristo stated that this funding could facilitate the addition of two to four new courts by summer 2025.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity—now boasting 8.9 million players nationwide—the town is considering several location options and plans for lights amid community discussions on the necessity of additional courts.
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