San Francisco Eyes Rooftop Pickleball Courts: San Francisco’s transit agency is exploring rooftop pickleball courts as a way to generate revenue amid financial struggles. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) will discuss the idea on Tuesday as part of its effort to address a projected $322 million deficit for next year.
A New Use for Parking Garages
The proposal involves converting the rooftops of the Fifth and Mission and Sutter-Stockton parking garages into pickleball or tennis clubs. The idea is part of SFMTA’s broader “parking optimization” strategy, which also includes longer parking meter times, increased collection efforts, and valet parking options. SFMTA communications director Michael Roccaforte emphasized that the discussions are in the early stages.
Declining Parking Revenue
City-owned parking lot revenue has dropped by 20.5%, with downtown garages hit hardest. The Fifth and Mission Garage, also known as the Yerba Buena Garage, has seen a 61% decline in short-term parkers due to empty offices and a struggling mall. The Sutter-Stockton garage has experienced a 52.8% drop in usage.
The rooftop spaces of both garages are about 19,000 square feet, large enough to hold more than 12 pickleball courts each. A single pickleball court costs between $35,000 and $50,000 to build, while a tennis court requires significantly more space, making it a less viable option.
Interest from the Pickleball Community
Pickleball advocate Hans Carter believes the courts could be successful if priced competitively. For the courts to attract corporate events, organizers would need to add wind screens, bathrooms, and food and drink options. Carter noted that corporate events at the East Cut courts near the Transbay Transit Center, which charge $100 per hour per court, have been profitable.
Potential for Younger Players
San Francisco Pickleball coach Lisa Shaw highlighted the growing demand for more courts among younger players.
News in Brief: San Francisco Eyes Rooftop Pickleball Courts
San Francisco is considering rooftop pickleball courts to help fund its transit system. The plan involves converting parking garage rooftops into courts to generate revenue. Pickleball advocates say the project could succeed with competitive pricing and corporate events. Discussions are still in the early stages, with no final decision made.
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