Santa Monica’s Long-Awaited Pickleball Hub: After months of delays, a new pickleball facility at 1318 4th Street in Santa Monica is finally moving forward, with a planned opening date of April 14. Construction has begun, following permit approvals and site preparation by Santa Monica Pickleball and Padel, LLC.
Construction Progress Moves Ahead
The Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) board recently heard an update from Business & Community Development Manager Martin Ronzio-Garcia about the site. According to Ronzio-Garcia, SMPP received Architecture Review Board approval on March 11 from the Planning Department.
By March 24, SMPP applied “for a modification for their portable restroom” since a long-term setup was needed. Ronzio-Garcia said this was “approved with seldom seen efficiency.”
Work on the site picked up speed soon after. Power washing was completed, and on March 25, fresh asphalt was laid and primed. “So, that is really the groundwork for what will eventually be pickleball courts on the site,” Ronzio-Garcia said.
Permits were ready by March 27, and the team now expects the restroom to arrive within 8 to 10 business days.
“I’s going to take about eight to 10 business days for the portable restroom to be delivered and once that gets there, we have to call for building inspections and just make sure that goes smoothly.” – (Garcia)
Years of Delays and Shifting Plans
The lot has remained unused since Parking Structure 3 was torn down in 2022. Though it was meant for temporary use, nothing was built while plans for affordable housing remained stalled.
In 2024, City staff first supported a bid from CityPickle, a known East Coast company with courts in New York and Philadelphia. But DTSM later chose Pickle Padel Paw, a local group that became Santa Monica Pickleball and Padel, LLC.
Their proposal included courts, food vendors, a beer garden, and a dog park. But internal disputes led to a lawsuit, delays in permits, and no action on the lot. By early 2025, the extra features were dropped, rent was not collected, and the lot sat empty.
New Use or New Project?
Although work is now happening, a new design review notice was recently posted. It outlines plans for a six-story affordable housing project—possibly reviving the lot’s original use.
What’s Next for the Site
If all goes well, Santa Monica could have new pickleball courts in use by mid-April. This would finally activate the long-vacant space and provide a popular sports option downtown. Still, the future of the site remains uncertain as housing plans re-enter the discussion.
News in Brief: Santa Monica’s Long-Awaited Pickleball Hub
Santa Monica’s long-delayed pickleball site at 1318 4th Street is now under construction, with a planned April 14 opening. After missed deadlines, lawsuits, and revised plans, Santa Monica Pickleball and Padel, LLC has begun work. A design notice for a six-story housing project may affect the site’s long-term future.
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