Pickleball Courts at Kyte Monroe Park: Pickleball is growing fast and draws both young and older players. Carl Papa, president of the Shorewood Kiwanis, noted that other cities have expanded their pickleball facilities and that St. Clair Shores needed to do the same. He explained that the six courts at the senior center are not enough.
“Shorewood is excited to partner with the city on this endeavor, and to back it up, we are going to present a check for $102,000 later on this evening to put our money where our mouth is.” – (carl Papa)
The new courts will be built at Kyte Monroe Park at 32701 Harper Avenue. Spinazzola added that while two tennis courts were previously converted into a small pickleball court, the current fencing is not adequate.
“However, the fencing system that is set up there is not adequate to how pickleball should be played, and with the way pickleball is trending and the lack of tennis being played, we feel this is a worthwhile endeavor for us to move forward with.” – (Spinazzola)
Project Costs and City Contributions
The project will create six pickleball courts from the existing two. Mayor Kip Walby praised the Kiwanis donation but noted that additional funds are needed to complete the first phase.
“The current site holds 2 pickleball courts within a tennis court-sized area, which is not ideal for pickleball conditions. With the rapid growth of pickleball across the country and the slowing trend of tennis, we feel that this project is a worthwhile endeavor.” – (agenda)
City Manager Dustin Lent said the full cost to renovate the courts is estimated at $186,480, including a 10% contingency. The city plans to use $84,480 from a previously unsuccessful grant effort and the general fund. This will leave the city paying about $34,000.
“Since we were unsuccessful in that grant and now, we are going to be successful in this grant and the donation from the Kiwanis Club, I thought it’d be pertinent to be able to use some matching funds toward a matching project for the city.” – (Dustin Lent)
City Officials Thank Shorewood Kiwanis
Council members expressed their gratitude for the donation. “Because that’s a mighty nice gesture right there,” said Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Rubello. Councilwoman Candice Rusie recalled voting to renovate the courts earlier and said they were in poor condition.
“Thank you to the Kiwanis for helping us be able to renovate these. This is much needed.” – (Candice Rusie)
Councilman John Caron also thanked the Kiwanis and asked about the project timeline. Spinazzola said they aim to begin engineering soon, with construction planned for summer or early fall.
“Get that bid out and then I would hope (for) construction sometime this summer or early fall.” – (Spinazzola)
Future Plans for Youth Engagement
The Shorewood Kiwanis has additional plans to support local youth through pickleball. The group will host a junior pickleball tournament in 2026, and Papa will volunteer to teach kids how to play.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts at Kyte Monroe Park
St. Clair Shores will add six new pickleball courts at Kyte Monroe Park with a $102,000 donation from the Shorewood Kiwanis. The $186,480 project will begin this summer or fall. City officials thanked the Kiwanis for their support. A junior tournament and kids’ lessons are also planned for 2026.
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