Saladino Park Lighted Pickleball Courts: Brandon residents now have a new place to play pickleball. Three lighted outdoor courts opened at Bertha and Tony Saladino Park, located at 1705 Bryan Road. The courts are free to use and open to the public, giving people more chances to stay active and connect with others.
Part of a Larger Countywide Expansion
The new courts are part of Hillsborough County’s growing pickleball network. Jason Mackenzie, park planner and development manager for Hillsborough County, said, “Hillsborough County is rapidly expanding its pickleball infrastructure to meet surging demands, with several major projects underway.”
Soon, six courts will open at Mango Park in Seffner. Eight more are coming to Balm Park and Recreation Center this summer. “This rapid expansion of services will give the county 55 dedicated pickleball courts to better service the community’s health and wellness needs,” Jason Mackenzie added.
A Favorite for the McDowell Family
Local residents Lavar McDowell and Morgan McDowell love the new courts. Lavar, a U.S. Army veteran, shared, “We have four kids, and all of them get out there and play with us. It’s a good way to exercise and stay active, and I’m ultra-competitive. It lets me scratch that itch every week.”
They say the courts bring people together. “We have people who come up there Saturday driving in from Lakeland and Plant City. People are traveling almost an hour to play pickleball,” said Lavar McDowell.
Community and Night Games Thrive
Morgan McDowell values the friendly crowd. “I’ve gone to the courts before and not even played, simply for the community aspect of it,” she said.
The couple created a private Facebook group called Pickleball at Saladino Park to share updates and help the community stay informed.
The lights at the courts have made night play more popular. “At 5 o’clock, 6 o’clock, there’s people there. Come 8 o’clock when the lights turn on, the numbers triple,” Morgan McDowell shared.
A Growing Need for Lighted Courts
The courts at Saladino Park have become a go-to spot for evening play. With few lighted options nearby, residents see great value in having more facilities like this. The new courts are helping more people enjoy pickleball and build stronger community ties.
News in Brief: Saladino Park Lighted Pickleball Courts
Three new lighted pickleball courts are now open at Bertha and Tony Saladino Park in Brandon. Part of Hillsborough County’s expansion plan, the courts are free and open to the public. Locals like Lavar and Morgan McDowell say the courts support fitness, family fun, and community connections, especially in the evenings.
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