Pickleball Courts Coming to James Park: A new pickleball complex is set to open at James Park in Evanston this summer. The complex will feature 15 courts, replacing the existing tennis courts, and plans include sound barriers to reduce noise. The city aims to meet the growing demand for pickleball in the area.
The pickleball courts will be located at James Park, with paved walkways, six gates for access, and portable toilets. To address concerns about noise from players, the city will install sound barriers on the fence surrounding the courts. The project is expected to provide a space for local players, especially as the popularity of pickleball continues to rise.
Design and Community Involvement
The design of the pickleball complex was presented to the Parks and Recreation Board on January 16, 2025. A committee met with Parks and Recreation staff in December to finalize the plans, incorporating feedback from local residents. The decision to replace the tennis courts with pickleball courts was made in October 2024.
Michael Kloster, a Third Ward resident, praised the city’s design efforts.
“What a wonderful job the city staff has done in the design,”
“They really knocked it out of the park. They met with us several times, really took our feedback.” -(Michael Kloster)
Construction Timeline and Expectations
The creation of the new courts has been a long process. Discussions about the project began two years ago, addressing concerns about court placement and cost.
Though the courts are expected to be ready for play this summer, there is a need to let the asphalt “weather” before the courts can be painted. This process could delay the opening.
Parks and Recreation Director Audrey Thompson stated that while they couldn’t make any promises, the city is hopeful the courts will be ready for use by summer.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Coming to James Park
Evanston’s James Park will soon have 15 new pickleball courts. The courts will feature sound barriers, paved walkways, and access gates. The project follows two years of planning and feedback. The city aims to open the courts this summer, though weathering delays may impact the timeline.
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