Fort Lauderdale Pickleball Court Controversy: A city-approved plan to convert popular basketball courts into pickleball courts on Fort Lauderdale Beach has upset residents, who say they were not properly informed about the change. The courts, located near Bahia Mar, are part of a redevelopment project, but the change has sparked backlash and accusations of exclusion.
Community Shock Over Sudden Sign
A small sign posted near the courts last week read: “Coming Soon: Basketball court conversion to pickleball.” This sign quickly sparked confusion and anger among locals, many of whom were unaware the basketball courts would be removed. Critics say the courts are a longtime beachside attraction used by both residents and visitors.
By Monday, the city had removed the sign after complaints. City Manager Rickelle Williams explained in a memo to the commission that more planning was needed before converting the courts.
Still, the news had already caused an uproar.
Residents and Activists Speak Out
On social media, many questioned why the city would replace the basketball courts. Lauderdale Tomorrow, a citizens group, posted: “What? No more hoop shooting by the sea??!! Basketball is rated as the third most popular sport in the United States. And we’re losing a court at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park frequently used by residents & visitors for pickleball??!!”
One Facebook user responded: “This is a transparent attempt to gentrify our once segregated beach, and I don’t like it. Those basketball courts are never empty.”
Another commenter wrote: “Perhaps the city would prefer old white dudes there instead of the young (mostly People of Color) who play basketball there. Basketball has been there forever,r and it’s a well-used court. It’s enjoyable to watch the games even if you don’t play. This is crazy to replace it.”
A Reddit user added: “I’m surprised that nobody sees this as another way to whitewash the beach, especially with the St. Regis being built directly across from the hoops. I feel like it’s less about ‘pickleball craze’ and more about ‘let’s remove courts historically associated with inner city communities.’ It’s really disappointing. Those courts are always in use and seem well-loved.”
John Fortino, a local real estate broker, notified the Sun Sentinel. He emailed: “Ever wonder why they are replacing the basketball court across from the multimillion-dollar Bahia Mar development with pickleball courts? Pickleball in the wind? Hmmm. I think there is an ulterior motive.”
Fortino added: “It’s usually minority kids that are out there. It’s jam-packed on weekends.”
Background on the Bahia Mar Redevelopment Deal
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission approved the plan in January 2024. It was part of a $2 billion redevelopment of Bahia Mar. The project includes a 256-room hotel and four condo towers with 350 units.
In return for a 100-year lease on public land, the developer, Jimmy Tate, agreed to provide public amenities. One of those is a set of new pickleball courts, which will now replace the existing basketball courts.
Some community members say they were aware pickleball courts were coming but didn’t know they would take the place of the basketball courts.
John Burns, a local activist and president of the Venetian Condo Association, said: “We have residents at the building who like to go down to play basketball. And we have young granddaughters who enjoy walking over to play pickup basketball games. I think it is an amenity of the beach that is highly used by a variety of people. And there’s a pushback to the change.”
City and Developer Respond to Criticism
Critics fear the new courts are designed for wealthy hotel guests and future condo owners. But both the city and developer say the courts will be open to the public.
“It won’t be just for us,” Tate said. “But hotel guests would prefer pickleball to basketball courts.”
To reduce wind issues, the new pickleball courts will be fenced and screened. Tate strongly denied accusations that race played a role in the decision.
“That’s ridiculous,” Tate said. “I find it offensive that someone would even say this. I want to make one thing abundantly clear: Racism never entered anyone’s mind. We are beautifying the beach. Pickleball was the fastest-growing sport in the nation. That’s why we picked pickleball.”
City Commissioner Steve Glassman also defended the decision.
“It’s meeting the demand for an increased number of pickleball courts,” Glassman said. “The people I’ve heard from are excited about the prospect of pickleball going in there. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport. It appeals to all ages, all demographics. It’s a whole different vibe.”
On the topic of race, Glassman said: “The photos I saw (posted on Facebook) were of white people playing basketball there. It’s a mixed demographic. I think people are reaching for that because they want that to be an issue. They want to stir that pot.”
Glassman pointed out that the original deal clearly showed the basketball courts would be replaced.
“Of course it’s going to be on the same footprint,” he said. “We’re not about to take more public land on the beach.”
What’s Next for the Courts
Under the deal, the city must convert the basketball courts, install outdoor fitness equipment, and move maintenance gear currently under the pedestrian bridge. The Bahia Mar Community Development District will pay up to $1 million for the changes.
The pickleball courts and fitness equipment must be installed by January 2027. According to the city manager’s memo, Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation will manage the new courts.
Williams noted: “The new fitness equipment will require Department of Environmental Protection permits as the improvements will be east of the Coastal Construction Conservation Line. This portion of the project is being managed by AECOM as part of the park bond improvements for Fort Lauderdale Beach Park.”
Meanwhile, locals like Mike Farr, who was seen playing at the basketball courts on Tuesday, are still upset.
News in Brief: Fort Lauderdale Pickleball Court Controversy
Fort Lauderdale residents are upset over a plan to replace popular beachside basketball courts with public pickleball courts. The change, linked to the $2 billion Bahia Mar redevelopment, sparked backlash over possible gentrification. Officials insist the courts will be open to all and say more planning is underway.
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