Ridgefield Considers New Pickleball Courts: Ridgefield’s Parks & Recreation Department is exploring the possibility of adding four new outdoor pickleball courts at the Ridgefield Recreation Center. The proposed locations for the courts include a wooded area south of the center or an undeveloped parking lot adjacent to Danbury Road.
Site Selection and Planning Process
Initially, the town considered placing the courts behind the Diniz soccer fields near Prospect Ridge, but that site is now designated for the new alternative high school and transition programs. The two remaining options are both located on the grounds of the Ridgefield Recreation Center, located at 195 Danbury Road.
Parks & Recreation Director Dennis DiPinto shared these ideas at a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on March 18. He emphasized that the department was in the early stages of the planning process and had not yet obtained cost estimates. DiPinto noted that the proposed sites had already been presented to the town’s Inland Wetlands Board after a thorough review of the property, considering environmental, functional, and regulatory factors.
Concepts for the New Courts
Two main concepts are being considered for the new pickleball courts:
-
Wooded Area Option: In this plan, the existing ball fields and parking lot would remain, with an additional parking lot of 12 to 18 spaces being built. The courts would be positioned in a wooded area south of the center. Minimal encroachment would occur in the upland review area to accommodate the new parking spaces.
-
Undeveloped Parking Area Option: This plan would involve removing invasive plants and replanting native vegetation to enhance the site’s ecology. The proposal includes reducing the existing parking area to increase green space and introducing canopy trees for shade and stormwater management.
Community Input and Feedback
The Parks & Recreation Department is seeking community feedback on the feasibility and potential concerns related to the proposed plans. Planning & Zoning Commission Chair Robert Hendrick emphasized the importance of engaging neighbors in the process to ensure that all voices are heard.
Current Pickleball Facilities in Ridgefield
Currently, Ridgefield has indoor pickleball courts at the Ridgefield Recreation Center and Yanity Gym, as well as outdoor courts on the tennis courts on Governor Street. The new proposed courts would provide additional space to meet the growing demand for pickleball in the community.
News in Brief: Ridgefield Considers New Pickleball Courts
Ridgefield’s Parks & Recreation Department is considering adding four new outdoor pickleball courts at the Ridgefield Recreation Center. Two potential locations have been identified, and feedback from the community is being sought. The department has not yet provided cost estimates or finalized plans.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Courts Open Early in Bergen County for 2025 Season
