Membership Fees in Pickleball Centers: Decatur Parks and Recreation is considering charging for indoor pickleball play at the new facility in Point Mallard Park. This proposal includes new membership and daily rates for both pickleball and tennis courts. The changes are being reviewed by the City Council after receiving support from the Parks and Recreation Board.
New Membership and Daily Rates
The proposal suggests a $250 annual membership for adults ages 19 to 61, a $200 fee for seniors and military personnel, and a $350 family membership for pickleball courts. Daily rates would be $5 for adults and $3 for seniors. Children 18 and under can still play for free.
For the tennis courts, membership rates would increase by $100 for individuals and families. Daily rates would also rise, with hard court sessions priced at $5, clay court sessions at $7, and indoor bubble courts at $30 for a two-hour session.
Local Opinions on the Proposal
Parks and Recreation board member Daniel Frith, an avid tennis player, supported the proposal, believing that a combined membership for tennis and pickleball would encourage better use of the facilities.
He also agreed that allowing teenagers to play pickleball for free could help grow the sport among young players.
Chad Wallace, a regular pickleball player from Trinity, was initially surprised by the idea of charging to play but changed his mind after visiting other paid facilities.
Wallace noted that many indoor pickleball courts in the area charge for access, which helps manage the space and provides better maintenance.
Comparison with Other Local Facilities
Belcher, the marketing director for Decatur Parks and Recreation, shared data comparing local facilities. The Decatur Athletic Club charges between $8 and $20 for access to its indoor courts, depending on the time of day.
Other nearby clubs, like the Rocket City Pickleball Club in Huntsville, charge $75 per month for a single membership.
Impact of the Proposed Changes
If approved, the new fees are expected to help fund the maintenance and management of the indoor facilities. While some community members support the proposal, others may feel burdened by the new charges.
However, officials believe that charging for indoor pickleball play will improve the quality and availability of the facilities.
News in Brief: Membership Fees in Pickleball Centers
Decatur Parks and Recreation is considering new membership and daily rates for its indoor pickleball and tennis facilities. The proposal is designed to ensure fair access and cover maintenance costs. While some support the changes, others are concerned about the impact of the new charges on local players.
ALSO READ: Montgomery County Welcomes 2 Indoor Pickleball Centers: Amazing Pickleball Update