Las Vegas’ Pickleball Project Divides Opinions: A planned pickleball project in Las Vegas is receiving national attention, with some praising the investment and others questioning the use of federal funds. The city is set to build 25 new courts at Wayne Bunker Family Park, doubling the existing number of courts.
Support for Pickleball Growth
Las Vegas City Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske defended the $12 million project, emphasizing that it is funded by a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grant rather than city funds.
Pickleball is without a doubt the fastest growing sport in America, and I have constant calls saying, ‘I wanna play more pickleball,’. She added, “Those are Nevada dollars being returned to Nevada. This is government working for us.”(City Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske )
The courts, expected to be completed next year, were also updated to include sound-dampening walls in response to concerns from nearby residents.
“We heard what the nearby residents had to say, and sound-dampening walls were added to the plan to lessen any noise from the courts,” (the city stated).
Criticism Over Federal Funding
Not everyone agrees with the project. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul listed it in his 2024 ‘Festivus Report’ as an example of wasteful government spending.
“I’ve played pickleball, everybody loves pickleball, but really the federal government has no business being in the pickleball business,” (Kentucky Senator Rand Paul).
Local watchdog group DOGE NV also raised concerns, arguing that funds from federal land sales should be used for affordable housing instead. However, the BLM pointed to the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act, which allows land sale proceeds to be spent on parks, trails, and natural areas.
Looking Ahead
Allen-Palenske stressed that Nevada ranks 48th in receiving federal grant dollars, highlighting the competitive nature of securing funding. The city expects the new courts to attract more players and further establish Las Vegas as a key destination for the sport.
News in Brief: Las Vegas’ Pickleball Project Divides Opinions
Las Vegas plans to build 25 new pickleball courts, doubling the existing number. The $12 million project is funded by a BLM grant, but critics, including Senator Rand Paul, question the spending. The courts will feature sound-dampening walls and are expected to be completed next year.
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