Pickleball Courts Set to Transform Festival Park: New Baltimore officials are pursuing nearly $1 million in grant funding for proposed improvements to the city’s harbor and the construction of six new pickleball courts at Festival Park.
To help fund the project, the city has applied for a $150,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Recreation Passport program. The total project cost is estimated at $508,000, with the city contributing the remaining $358,000 during the 2025-2026 fiscal year if the grant is awarded.
Expanding Recreational Opportunities
The proposed pickleball courts will be ADA-accessible and located at the north end of Festival Park, a 31-acre public space off St. Clair Drive. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department aims to make the courts available to residents seeking more competitive play and social engagement.
Mayor Tom Semaan voiced his support at the March 24 city council meeting, stating,
“I would say that based on the continual requests from the residents of the community and through the parks and recs department, this would be welcomed.” – (Tom Semaan)
In addition to city funding, additional financial support is expected from private donors, local organizations, and fundraising events.
Addressing Noise Concerns
To minimize noise from gameplay, a tree bank is planned along the north side of the courts. Parks and Recreation Director Adam Abraham emphasized the importance of selecting an appropriate location within the park, saying,
“We’ll do our best to mitigate that. With that park, we didn’t feel there was really any other location besides that area.” – (Abraham)
Space to the south is reserved for a future comfort station.
Grant and City Planning
The city council formally approved the grant application on March 24. The proposal aligns with New Baltimore’s five-year parks and recreation plan and its annual capital improvement strategy. The DNR’s Recreation Passport grants provide local governments with funding for park development projects, allocating nearly $2 million annually from Recreation Passport sales.
Pickleball, which was invented in 1965 near Seattle, has grown rapidly in popularity across North America and beyond. The city’s investment in pickleball courts aligns with national trends favoring the sport’s accessibility and social appeal.
Future Developments
If approved, the new courts will add to Festival Park’s existing recreational offerings, enhancing public access to outdoor sports. The city’s broader improvement plans include additional upgrades to the harbor area, further boosting local tourism and community engagement.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Set to Transform Festival Park
New Baltimore is seeking $150,000 in grant funding for six new pickleball courts at Festival Park. The city will contribute $358,000 if awarded the grant. A tree bank will help reduce noise from play. The courts align with local recreation plans and reflect pickleball’s surging popularity nationwide.
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