Hurlock Athletic Center Pickleball Courts: Dorchester County opened four new pickleball courts at the Hurlock Athletic Center on July 1, aiming to ease rising tensions between tennis and pickleball players. The move follows months of complaints and even vandalism at tennis courts in Cambridge where pickleball play is not allowed.
Responding to Player Demands
Dorchester County’s Recreation and Parks Director Duc Trieu led the project to create more outdoor spaces for pickleball. The county used funds to resurface three tennis courts in Hurlock. Two of those courts were converted into four dedicated pickleball courts. The third court now includes blended lines and portable nets, offering a shared-use space for both sports.
The updates were announced on Dorchester County Recreation and Park’s official Facebook page. The reaction online was mostly positive, especially from Hurlock residents. However, Cambridge residents are still waiting for dedicated courts. Karen Lewis Tecce wrote, “This is great…hoping we can get dedicated pickleball courts in Cambridge one of these days. So happy for Hurlock residents!”
Issues in Cambridge
The conflict began when the Glasgow Tennis Courts in Cambridge were resurfaced using funds from the United States Tennis Association and the James G. Busick Tennis Foundation. According to the grant rules, pickleball is not allowed on those courts for at least five years.
This ban led to backlash. In May, angry pickleball players vandalized the courts using permanent markers and rocks. Many residents later brought their concerns to the Dorchester County Council, demanding more public space for pickleball.
Council and Community Response
Dorchester County Manager Jerry Jones addressed the issue during a council meeting. “We are very mindful of that. We’re not dismissive of what their concerns are,” he said.
Duc Trieu thanked the County Council for acting quickly. He said he appreciates their effort to find fair solutions for both tennis and pickleball players.
Looking Ahead
The new courts in Hurlock are a step toward meeting the demand for more public pickleball spaces in Dorchester County. While Hurlock players now have a place to play, residents in Cambridge continue to wait for a dedicated location of their own. Local leaders hope this move will ease tensions while longer-term solutions are considered.
News in Brief: Hurlock Athletic Center Pickleball Courts
Dorchester County opened four new pickleball courts in Hurlock on July 1 after ongoing complaints and vandalism at Cambridge’s Glasgow Tennis Courts. While Hurlock players are celebrating, Cambridge residents still want their own space. County officials say they are working to support all players.