Pickleball Complex at Corby Grove: A new $800,000 pickleball complex is set to be developed at Corby Grove, expanding the city’s offerings of sports facilities. The complex will feature multiple courts and is expected to be constructed as early as fall 2025. St. Joseph Parks, Recreation and Civic Facilities Director Chuck Kempf explained that pickleball’s rise in popularity was a key factor in prioritizing the project.
With the rise of the popularity of pickleball, that was something that really came to the top of the list.” – (Kempf)
A Popular Sport for All Ages
Pickleball, a blend of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, has become known as one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a net slightly shorter than that of tennis.
Players use larger ping-pong style paddles to hit a wiffle ball in singles or doubles games. The sport’s accessibility, regardless of age, has fueled its rapid growth, with participation rising by 223.5% in the last three years. L.B. Newey, an 84-year-old St. Joseph resident and business owner, is a regular player at the St. Joseph Rec Center.
“It’s a game that you can play at all ages. I’m playing into my 80s, so that’s good.” – (Newey)
Excitement for the New Complex
Local resident Tom Filley, who took up pickleball in the past two years, is excited about the new complex.
“I think it’s fantastic. The pickleball courts are definitely needed in this town. It’s a very player-friendly sport, and to have more pickleball courts will relieve some of the pressure.” – (Filley)
The new complex will be built on the site of the old Corby tennis courts, which were recently demolished. Kempf envisions a six- to eight-court complex with lighting and additional areas for spectators to relax in shaded spaces.
Funding and Design Process
Originally included as a supplemental project in the 2021 Parks Tax list with a $360,000 budget, the pickleball complex’s budget was increased after growing demand. The project will now benefit from a combination of Parks Tax and Capital Improvements Project funds.
Kempf explained that the design process will begin in July, with hopes to finalize the design by early next fiscal year. The development team anticipates challenges with site grading due to the sloped terrain, which may require the installation of retaining walls.
Looking Ahead
While Kempf expects construction to be completed by the spring of 2026, the pickleball complex will be the latest addition to St. Joseph’s growing sports infrastructure. Other pickleball courts are located at The Bode Sports Complex, Hyde Park, The St. Joseph Rec Center, and Ricky Deans.
News in Brief: Pickleball Complex at Corby Grove
St. Joseph is set to build an $800,000 pickleball complex at Corby Grove. The project will feature six to eight courts, with construction possibly starting in fall 2025. The complex aims to meet growing demand for the sport and will be funded through a combination of Parks Tax and Capital Improvements Project funds.
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