Deerhill Park Unveils Six New Pickleball Courts: Six new pickleball courts opened on June 19 at Deerhill Park in Oak Park, giving players more space to enjoy the country’s fastest-growing sport. The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District spent $370,000 on the project, replacing old tennis courts at 6700 Doubletree Road.
Years of Planning and Strong Demand
The project took over seven years of planning and discussion. Ed Abele, chair of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District board of directors, said, “It’s been clear to us for many years just how popular pickleball is and the need for pickleball.”
The district now offers 32 pickleball courts in total, including 26 in Simi Valley. Other new courts have opened this year in Westlake Village Community Park and at a private club in Newbury Park. Public courts are also available in Thousand Oaks and Calabasas.
Addressing Concerns and Bringing People Together
Some neighbors worried about noise and traffic. To help reduce sound, the district plans to install sound-blocking panels in July. Others were sad to lose tennis courts, but there are still many tennis options in Oak Park.
Ed Abele said, “Fortunately we at Rancho Simi have found a way to accommodate both activities.”
At the ribbon-cutting event, more than 100 supporters came to celebrate under sunny skies. Brian Dennert, vice chair of the board, told players, “We built the courts, but I know you guys built a community, so I’m looking forward to you guys having fun out there.”
Jonathan Schwartz, a Rancho Simi planner, added, “It’s great to see everyone has a place that they will use and enjoy.”
Community Support and Excitement
Steven Hoffman, known as the Oak Park pickleball ambassador, worked hard to make the project happen. He spent three years attending meetings and pushing the project forward.
“From the engineering to the planning to the building, it’s great. The courts are beautiful and these are our courts,” Steven Hoffman said. “It’s a special place. I really consider it a family out here.”
Ed Abele summed up why so many people are excited about the new courts: “It brings together people of all ages and skill levels and its popularity has exploded in recent years.”
The new complex shows how pickleball has become an important part of the local community and is likely to grow even more.
News in Brief: Deerhill Park Unveils Six New Pickleball Courts
Six pickleball courts opened June 19 at Deerhill Park in Oak Park. The $370,000 project took seven years to plan. Supporters celebrated the opening. Plans to reduce noise will be added soon. The courts show how popular pickleball has become for all ages in the community.
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