Boulder City’s Pickleball Courts: Work began this week on new outdoor pickleball courts at Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City. The project will take about 90 days to finish. The city approved these courts after many residents asked for their place to play the fast-growing sport.
Pickleball is a slower version of tennis that has become very popular. Until now, Boulder City players shared courts with tennis players. In December, the city approved a bid from Las Vegas Paving Corporation for the work. The total cost is $611,520, paid with American Rescue Plan funds.
Why the Courts Are Being Built
Many people in Boulder City wanted special courts just for pickleball. “Pickleball continues to be a growing sport, and several Boulder City residents had expressed a desire for dedicated outdoor courts,” Parks and Recreation Director Julie Calloway said.
The city council agreed to add four new courts at Veterans Memorial Park. The courts will be free to use, and people can also reserve them for tournaments, parties, or events. Indoor courts at the city’s recreation centers will still be available too.
Players Share Their Opinions
Players in Boulder City are excited about the new courts. Milly Little said, “I play pickleball here in town. There are ups and downs to each court. Any pickleball court is a positive thing for us.”
She pointed out that other courts have problems. ABC Park has no permanent net, and the rec center’s wood floors get too busy. The courts at Broadbent Park have rough surfaces.
Haven Neiman shared his thoughts too. “I’ve been regularly playing pickleball outside at the tennis courts near the high school for over a year. They get the job done, but tend to have a lot of debris and are not maintained well. I’m looking forward to having dedicated pickleball courts and I hope there will be more upkeep.”
Gary Krason spoke about indoor play. “I’ve been playing indoors at the rec center. There are three courts taped off in the gym. On many days there might be 30 people wanting to play, so there is much down time.” He said playing indoors means avoiding bad weather.
Tracy West Wolpert also shared excitement. “This will be a welcomed and much-needed addition. I can’t wait. I’ve been playing at Broadbent Park. The courts there are well past overdue for resurfacing. So many dead spots.”
A Look Back at Pickleball’s Beginning
Pickleball is celebrating its 60th year. It was created by Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell in Washington State. They used ping-pong paddles and a plastic ball on an old badminton court.
At first, the net was at badminton height. Later, it was lowered as they made new rules. They wanted a fun, easy game the whole family could enjoy.
Why These Courts Matter
These new courts will give pickleball players in Boulder City a better, safer place to play. It will help the sport grow even more in the community. Players will have less wait time and better playing surfaces. The new courts might also bring more events and tournaments to the city.
News in Brief: Boulder City’s Pickleball Courts
Boulder City started building new pickleball courts at Veterans Memorial Park. The project will take 90 days and cost $611,520. Local players shared excitement about having safer, dedicated courts. The sport, now 60 years old, continues to grow. The new courts may boost local events, games, and player experiences.
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