Dana Point Pickleball Court Expansion: Two new pickleball courts and other upgrades are coming to Del Obispo Park in Dana Point, following the City Council’s approval last month. The renovations aim to meet the growing demand for court space across Orange County. Plans are expected to be completed in 12 to 18 months.
New Courts and Upgrades Planned
Dana Point City Council voted 3-0 to hire a design firm to work on the park’s improvements. Councilmembers John Gabbard and Michael Villar were absent. According to Public Works Director Matt Sinacori, the project will add two pickleball courts, update the drainage system, and improve lighting for public safety.
Growing Need for Pickleball Space
Pickleball has become more popular across Orange County. “People are willing to wait an hour or more just to play a game,” Wayne Yost, a longtime Dana Point resident and pickleball instructor, said.
“This proposed improvement of adding the new courts and the spectator seating adjacent to that will be extremely helpful.” – (Wayne Yost)
Current Challenges at the Park
Del Obispo Park currently has three outdoor and three indoor courts.
“All of our classes on the indoor courts [at Del Obispo] sell out within seconds of them being posted online. Outdoors on a nice day, on a weekend, we can have 50 to 60 people out there [waiting]. That’s for three courts.” – (Yost)
Additional Renovations Beyond Pickleball
Drainage and maintenance problems have affected the basketball and pickleball courts. Leaf blowers are used to clear debris and dry courts but are not effective. Plans include a retaining wall that will help drainage and provide public seating. “I think it’s going to be a great improvement to the overall complex,” Councilmember Jamey Federico said.
“The entire community center complex is locked in by the berm of the San Juan Creek, and so drainage over there is really, really challenging.” – (Federico)
The dirt batting cage will also be resurfaced to handle flooding better.
Lighting and Safety Improvements
Lighting upgrades are a big part of the project.
“Adding lighting in that part of the park will add a whole level of additional security. It’s not just to light the courts — we are going to add lighting along the walkways, which will be a touch brighter than what’s out there today.” – (Sinacori)
Wider Pickleball Boom Across Orange County
Dana Point joins cities like Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Anaheim in expanding pickleball spaces. La Palma recently finished a restriping project for its first public courts. While some cities face complaints about noise, Dana Point has not had any such issues.
“Pickleball seems to continue to grow in popularity, and the city is happy to make the investment in this popular recreational activity.” – (Sinacori)
The Importance of the Project
The upgrades at Del Obispo Park show Dana Point’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for pickleball. By improving drainage, adding courts, and boosting safety, the city hopes to offer better recreational opportunities. Work on the project is expected to move forward over the next year and a half.
News in Brief: Dana Point Pickleball Court Expansion
Dana Point’s Del Obispo Park will get two new pickleball courts, better drainage, and new lighting after a City Council vote. The design phase will take 12–18 months. Officials aim to meet the sport’s growing demand and improve public safety. No complaints have been received about the expansion plans.
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