McCahill Park Pickleball Court Rules: Public pickleball courts at McCahill Park in Fox Chapel are now open, along with new rules for fair play. The courts, part of a major renovation project, officially opened during Fox Chapel Day on June 14. Players must follow an honor system to keep the games moving and accessible to everyone.
New Rules to Keep Play Fair
The Fox Chapel Borough Council approved the park’s court rules on June 16. Players are not allowed to reserve courts or hold them for others. Instead, courts are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If people are waiting, games should end when one team reaches 11 points, without needing to win by two. Players waiting for their turn must place their paddles in a rack to form a queue.
Wheeled items like roller blades, skateboards, and bicycles are banned from the courts to protect the surface.
Park Commission Chairman Wes Posvar explained why reservations aren’t allowed.
“That involves a whole level of supervision and enforcement that we rather want to avoid if we could. The honor system should work well, we hope.”(Wes Posvar.)
Courts Open After Major Renovation
Two courts were built only for pickleball. Nearby, a shared space can be used for basketball or pickleball, with room for two courts. In the multipurpose space, if players are waiting, games—both basketball and pickleball—should also stop at 11 points.
The $820,000 park renovation project began last fall and includes ongoing work like stormwater improvements and plantings. About 1,500 trees, shrubs, and flowers were added earlier this year in a project supported by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Wes Posvar said the public welcomed the new facilities right away.
“People were out there playing basketball (and pickleball) before we officially opened the courts. The public has accepted it immediately, which is great.”
Local Teens Enjoy the New Space
The courts were already busy on June 18. Gina Fitzsimmons of O’Hara, Wyatt Muller of Fox Chapel, and Caleb Adams of O’Hara—recent graduates of Fox Chapel Area High School—were among the players.
Caleb Adams said, “I am having the time of my life,” while enjoying time with friends. All three mentioned that their families plan to join in playing this summer.
Council President Andrew Bennett said the rules are fair and could be updated if needed. Signs with the rules are posted at the park and listed on the borough’s website and at the borough office on Fox Chapel Road.
News in Brief: McCahill Park Pickleball Court Rules
Fox Chapel opened new pickleball courts at McCahill Park with rules focused on fair and shared use. Games end at 11 points when others are waiting. The $820,000 park upgrade includes more courts, a multipurpose space, and stormwater fixes. Local teens and families are already enjoying the space.
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