Anthem Community Center’s Pickleball Expansion: The Anthem Community Council has started building four new pickleball courts at the Anthem Community Center. Construction began on May 5 and is expected to finish by Wednesday, October 29. The goal is to give residents more space to play and support the growing demand.
Project Background and Purpose
The new courts were approved by the Anthem Community Council Board of Directors after strong public support in 2021–22. This expansion adds to the 10 courts built in 2018 as part of the center’s long-term plan.
“We currently have 10 courts built as part of a facilities master plan project in 2018. They’re great and won an award for ‘best new pickleball facility.’ Ever since then, we’ve had the community asking for more. We approved the addition of the four courts, which are slated for the fall.” – (Newell)
“We are excited to have more courts for resident play as well as our successful pickleball programs,” said Scott Newell, director of programs and aquatics for the Anthem Community Council.
Construction and Features
Haydon Construction was chosen to complete the work on time and within budget. The new courts are made of post-tension concrete and meet the standards of the United States of America Pickleball Association.
Each court will be 64 feet by 34 feet, with LED lighting for night play. They will also include full court striping, posts, nets, and extra space around the court. Ball machines can be used on all four new courts, unlike the original 10 where only one has this setup.
“Additionally, each of the courts will allow for ball machines, whereas with the original 10, only one is set up for that. Aesthetically, it’ll have some shade and benches similar to the current 10.” – (Newell)
Added Structures and Layout Changes
The project includes 8-foot fencing with windscreens around the area and 4-foot fencing between courts. There will be gates for entry and three shaded canopies with seating. The design is intended to match the look of the earlier courts.
The biggest challenge has been building a retaining wall and dealing with hard desert soil. Crews also need to replace a 12-foot drainage pipe, catch basin, and sidewalks. Parking will remain the same, and a nearby bridge will be limited to pedestrians.
“The wall had posed some challenge due to the hardness of the desert soil, so there’s a lot of digging going on right now. We also had to adjust the sidewalks, so aesthetically, it’s not great right now, but knowing what the end game will be makes it worth it.” – (Newell)
Court Use and Resident Benefits
Once complete, the new courts will mostly be set aside for residents who want to reserve or drop in for play. This will help reduce crowding caused by the large pickleball club, which has around 600 members.
“The number one thing I’m looking forward to with these four extra courts will be setting them aside just for resident reservations and drop-ins because we have a large pickleball club with about 600 members.” – (Newell)
“They currently use around six to eight courts in the mornings and a couple of evenings a week. That demand has left fewer courts accessible for residents to reserve one or drop in. The current concept is to set the new courts aside and not for club activity. The only caveat would be if we do a big community event like we just did with ‘Cinco De Dinko,’ or a tournament.” – (Newell)
Growing Support for Pickleball
The first 10 courts, built in 2018, were award-winning and have been in high demand ever since. With the extra courts, the Anthem Community Council hopes to host larger tournaments and continue supporting regular community use.
“The ACC has hosted multiple tournaments and events, and with four more courts, we can continue to host these while having courts available for residents to use and possibly host even larger events.” – (Newell)
“We want to try to match the other 10 as much as possible because those look nice.” – (Newell)
News in Brief: Anthem Community Center’s Pickleball Expansion
The Anthem Community Council began building four new pickleball courts at the Anthem Community Center on May 5. The courts should be done by October 29. The project includes fencing, lighting, shade, and benches. Most of the new courts will be set aside for resident reservations and drop-in play.
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