New Recreational Pickleball Courts: Seaside Heights is expanding its recreational facilities with plans to build four dedicated pickleball courts and a new basketball court next to Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School on Bay Boulevard. The borough council reviewed several design options this week, pushing the long-planned project closer to reality.
Pickleball’s Popularity Drives Project
With pickleball demand soaring, the borough is prioritizing purpose-built courts instead of converted tennis courts. Mayor Anthony Vaz emphasized the sport’s growing appeal, stating,
Pickleball is big. We had a tennis court and we made it into a combination pickleball court. This is going to be strictly pickleball because it’s become very popular. We have year-round residents who play, summer residents, tourists – everyone is getting into it.” – (Anthony Vaz)
The new courts will cater to local players and visitors, offering a dedicated space for the sport rather than shared or modified courts. Despite the focus on pickleball, the project will also include a new basketball court, maintaining space for those who prefer traditional hoops.
Funding and Construction Timeline
The borough received a $68,000 grant to help finance the project, though officials initially sought $147,000. The funding will significantly reduce the town’s expenses for construction.
Before work begins, the design must be finalized by architects and engineers, after which construction contracts will be put out for bidding. According to Mayor Vaz, construction is expected to start after the summer of 2025 to minimize disruption to seasonal activities.
News in Brief: New Recreational Pickleball Courts
Seaside Heights is set to build four new pickleball courts and a basketball court next to Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School. The project, funded partly by a $68,000 grant, will begin after summer 2025. Officials are finalizing designs before opening bids for construction.
ALSO READ: Rockport Plans New Pickleball Courts at City Park, Seeks Community Support