Temecula Opens Pickleball Facility: Temecula has officially opened a state-of-the-art pickleball complex at Ronald Reagan Sports Park, offering 17 courts, including a championship court, to the public. The courts, which operate on a “first come, first serve” basis, are free to use and open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hundreds of people attended the grand opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting event on Saturday at the new facility, located at Margarita and Rancho Vista roads.
City officials, including members of the Public Works Department, celebrated the occasion alongside local pickleball players and representatives from organizations such as the USA City Pickleball Tour, the Recreational Pickleball Players Association, and the Temecula Pickleball Facebook group.
The complex features fencing, bleachers, and designated skill-level courts. Court #1 is an ADA-compliant, wheelchair-accessible court. Players are expected to follow standard pickleball etiquette, including lining up paddles to determine the order of play.
A Decade in the Making
Pickleball ambassador Bret Bucher played a key role in bringing this $3.8 million facility to life.
“In 2015, we moved up here from San Diego, and there was nothing up here. Eventually, they started painting lines for us, and we helped SoCal Pickleball Club with tournaments.” – (Bret Bucher)
Bucher and a friend introduced the idea of dedicated courts to city officials, leading to the development of this large-scale project. Bucher also founded the Temecula Pickleball Group on Facebook, which has grown to over 2,400 members.
“When we started, there wasn’t a place online to tell people where to play. So, we started the Temecula Pickleball Group on Facebook. Now, it has over 2,400 members. If you want to get involved or learn how to play, find us on Facebook. We’ll be happy to help.” – (Bret Bucher)
Community Excitement and City Support
Temecula City Council Member James “Stew” Stewart expressed enthusiasm for the new courts, calling the facility “what I believe to be the largest public pickleball facility in SoCal.” He emphasized the city’s commitment to remaining a leader in various recreational activities.
After the ribbon-cutting, eager players took to the courts, following standard pickleball etiquette. Challenge courts (1-5) are designated for advanced players, while courts 6-11 are for intermediate players and courts 12-17 for beginners. Rotation rules ensure all players get a fair chance to play.
Rules and Future Improvements
The city is still making minor adjustments, such as adding net straps and cranks.
“Be patient with them. We are very blessed to have this great facility.” – (Bret Bucher)
Courts are available for public use with specific guidelines: no food, glass containers, smoking, or alcohol is allowed. Players must wear appropriate attire, and bicycles, pets, skateboards, and rollerblades are prohibited.
The opening of these courts marks a major step forward for the city’s growing pickleball community. As more people discover the sport, this facility is expected to become a hub for competitive and recreational play.
News in Brief: Temecula Opens Pickleball Facility
Temecula has opened a new 17-court pickleball facility at Ronald Reagan Sports Park. The courts are free to use and divided by skill level. Hundreds attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and local officials celebrated the milestone. The city continues to make minor adjustments, with the courts open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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