Pickleball Court Opening in Rosie’s Park: Eight new pickleball courts have been built at Rosie’s Park in Madison Heights. The courts are open to the public and located at 1111 East Farnum Avenue, between 11 Mile and 12 Mile roads. The project cost $351,000 and was supported by multiple grants. City leaders say the courts offer a fun, easy-to-learn sport for people of all ages and will bring new life to the park.
A Growing Sport with New Local Access
Pickleball is a fast-growing paddle sport that combines parts of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It is played with a solid paddle and a plastic ball on a smaller court with a net.
City officials believe the sport is popular because anyone can learn to play, no matter their age or ability. It is good for families, friends, and neighbors looking to stay active together.
The courts at Rosie’s Park were added using a mix of city funds and outside help. Oakland County Parks and Recreation gave a $75,000 grant. The Southeast Michigan Pickleball Association (SMPA) gave $16,200 for building and fencing. The SMPA also promised to cover up to $3,800 for wind screens, if needed.
Community Leaders Celebrate the New Courts
Mark Bliss, the mayor pro tem of Madison Heights, said the project was made possible through smart planning and teamwork.
“I’m really proud that through wise financial management and partnerships and grant opportunities — as well as the $50,000-a-year park innovation fund that I created in the budget — we’ve been able to bring what is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. to Madison Heights. There are nearly 70,000 pickleball courts in the U.S., and I’m excited that our courts are now in those numbers.” – (Mark Bliss)
The city plans to work with the SMPA starting in June to offer leagues, tournaments, and lessons for beginners. Money made from these programs will be split: 70% goes to the SMPA, and 30% goes back to the city for future park projects.
“Our courts will be self-sustaining because through the partnership, as leagues are created and used, the revenues will go toward maintaining and upgrading those courts. So, it’s a win-win for the residents if they’ve ever wanted courts they can go to locally, and even for residents who never wanted to play the sport, they now have a new amenity in the parks that will hopefully raise their taxable value, all while being completely maintained by external sources going forward, and not by their tax dollars.” – (Mark Bliss)
Years in the Making
Mayor Roslyn Grafstein said local residents have been asking for pickleball courts for years.
“We are delivering on that request. Pickleball has quickly become a favorite activity for people of all ages, creating new ways to stay active and social. Parks like Rosie’s are more than just green space — they are places where children play, families gather, and people of all ages come together. After years of discussion, it’s great seeing our long-term planning come to life.” – (Roslyn Grafstein)
Mayor Roslyn Grafstein also said the courts are another strong addition to the city’s growing list of park upgrades.
“Just like the Fitness Court at Huffman Park and the bandshell at Civic Center Park, the new pickleball courts at Rosie’s Park are a fantastic addition to our city’s parks.” – (Roslyn Grafstein)
A grand opening was planned for Friday, May 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
New Life for Rosie’s Park
Rosie’s Park is also home to a colorful mural called “Nature’s Repose.” Painted by local artist Jennifer Ramirez in 2020, it stretches across the park’s concession stand. The mural and the new courts are part of a larger effort to improve the city’s green spaces. Mayor Roslyn Grafstein said these efforts are just the beginning of bigger plans.
“My vision for our parks is to keep building on partnerships like this one. We’re expanding connectivity, improving accessibility, and offering more opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors, stay healthy and build community.” – (Roslyn Grafstein)
News in Brief: Pickleball Court Opening in Rosie’s Park
Eight new pickleball courts have opened at Rosie’s Park in Madison Heights. The $351,000 project was supported by grants and will be used for leagues, lessons, and tournaments. Local leaders say the courts make the sport more accessible and will help improve and maintain the park without using tax money.
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