Lake Arrowhead’s Pickleball Expansion: The Lake Arrowhead Dam & MacKay Park Advisory Committee met on February 24 to discuss major updates on pickleball courts in the area. With new courts under construction and a completion date set for August, local players expressed concerns about court closures during peak summer months and the lack of alternative playing options.
Court Closures and Construction Timeline
The new pickleball courts are part of an ongoing 90-day construction project, set to finish in August 2025. However, the existing courts will be closed during construction, which upset many players who rely on them for summer games.
The maintenance crew confirmed that for liability reasons, the courts cannot be open while work is in progress. Construction equipment will be staged in the parking lot throughout the project.
One attendee suggested installing a construction fence to allow play while ensuring safety, but officials did not confirm whether this was a feasible option.
Additional Pickleball Player Concerns
Beyond the court closures, attendees raised other issues affecting local pickleball players, including:
- Overgrown weeds around the courts (2-3 feet high), creating concerns about bugs, snakes, and general maintenance.
- The need for clear signage and court rules, as current signs are confusing and contradictory.
- The possibility of forming an official pickleball club, similar to what Redlands offers.
- Installation of solar-powered webcams to provide real-time court availability updates.
- Lack of shade and wind damage to previous structures, leading to discussions on better-secured shade installations.
Addressing Long-Term Pickleball Growth
Chairman William Kanayan, who has a background in construction, proposed repairing or replacing the wooden bridge near the courts and installing a shade structure to improve the playing experience.
While some issues remain unresolved, the committee acknowledged pickleball’s growing popularity and the need for long-term improvements to better serve players.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for May 19, where updates on court construction progress and potential solutions for player concerns are expected to be discussed.
News in Brief: Lake Arrowhead’s Pickleball Expansion
The Lake Arrowhead Dam & MacKay Park Advisory Committee met on February 24 to address pickleball court construction updates. New courts are expected to be completed by August, but existing courts will remain closed during peak summer months, frustrating local players. Concerns over maintenance, signage, shade, and club formation were also raised.
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