The Champaign Park District has officially launched the design phase to double the number of courts at the popular John Street Pickleball Complex in Centennial Park, responding to growing community demand for the sport. A $58,000 contract was approved this week with Architectural Expressions LLC to begin the design work, setting the stage for a major expansion expected to cost $2.8 million.
Year-round Pickleball is Now a Reality in Champaign
Once considered a seasonal activity, pickleball is now played year-round in Champaign. According to Park District Executive Director Sarah Sandquist, nets that were once removed in winter are now left up permanently due to the sport’s risng popularity.
“We see heavy usage at the John Street courts, of course, and then also Hessel Park.” – (Sandquist)
She noted that players of all ages enjoy the sport across the district, including high school and college students at Hessel Park and mixed-age groups at John Street.
“The (pickleball) lines that we have at Clark Park and Sunset Ridge get really great play as well. And it’s a wide variety of ages. I see high school and college age players at the Hessel Park courts, see all kind of ages, age range at the John Street courts. So yeah, the community has embraced pickleball.” – (Sandquist)
Design Plans Include Courts, Amenities, and Lighting
The expansion will add eight new courts to the current eight at the John Street Complex. Plans also include:
A covered tournament court with spectator seating
A practice wall
A restroom building with storage, a manager’s office, and tournament sign-in
Shaded seating for players and guests
Overhead lighting with timers
New parking areas
Designers are also considering using concrete for the new courts instead of asphalt to enhance durability. The covered tournament court could include “enclosure walls” to improve visibility and play during different weather conditions.
Public Input Expected This Summer
The Park District will hold at least one public meeting this summer to gather community feedback before finalizing the design. A survey will be offered for those who can’t attend in person.
“We still have a few steps to go through before getting to some estimated construction start and end times.” – (Sandquist)
She added that once designs are complete, the project will return to the Board of Commissioners for review and budget approval. The district plans to seek construction bids in January 2026.
“And with the work that AEX is doing on the design, the next step will be to bring this back to the board when they’re completed and throughout the process, and to talk about what the estimated cost of the project is, to seek approval of the budget, and for the board to decide if this is the scope that they want to move forward with to then put out to bid.” – (Sandquist)
Upcoming Pickleball Open Highlights Community Growth
The complex will also host the district’s third annual Pickleball Open from May 17–18, open to all skill levels. Brackets will include family, seniors, men, women, and mixed divisions.
Registration is open through May 5
Fee: $45 per person
Early registrants by April 13 receive a free t-shirt
Last year’s event featured about 75 participants in singles and doubles matches.
News in Brief: Pickleball Complex
The Champaign Park District is expanding the John Street Pickleball Complex with eight new courts, shaded seating, a tournament court, and lighting. A $58,000 design contract has been approved, with a construction bid planned for January 2026. Public input will be collected this summer. A community tournament is set for May.
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