Lithia Park Pickleball Court Fee: Ashland Parks & Recreation will begin charging $20 per hour to reserve pickleball courts at Lithia Park, starting this fall. The announcement was made by Rocky Houston, director of Ashland Parks & Recreation, during a community meeting on Tuesday, July 15, at Garfield Park. The fee applies only to online reservations.
Reservation Plan and Public Reaction
Rocky Houston said the single pickleball court at Lithia Park has mostly been used on a first-come, first-served basis. However, both the court at Lithia Park and another at Hunter Park will be added to an online reservation system this fall. Houston explained, “The city has long charged $20 an hour to reserve a pickleball court.” He hopes the new system will reduce complaints and improve access.
Corrie Frank, a regular pickleball player, expressed concern. She said, “Charging people $20 an hour would tie up the city’s lone existing court at Lithia Park.” Although she initially supported a fee to push for more courts, she now worries the fee will discourage play. “Ashland already has a limited number of courts. Charging people to play would lead to a bad outcome instead of a positive one,” Frank said.
Concerns from City Council
Ashland City Councilor Bob Kaplan said he was surprised by the announcement. “Charging an hourly fee for pickleball is a business item that should be discussed in a commission before being implemented,” he said.
Houston clarified that courts would still be open for first-come, first-served players who do not book online.
Comparison with Nearby Facilities
Corrie Frank pointed out that pickleball is more affordable in nearby Medford. Rogue X, a city-run indoor recreation center, charges only $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents for drop-in play. These fees allow for several hours of play, depending on the schedule.
Frank said she and other players have offered to help write grants to fund more courts. So far, the city has not selected a new site. She suggested adding a court at Hunter Park on Homes Avenue.
Houston said the department plans to have two courts at Lithia Park available for reservation by August.
News in Brief: Lithia Park Pickleball Court Fee
Ashland Parks & Recreation will start charging $20 per hour to reserve pickleball courts at Lithia Park. While the goal is to improve access through online bookings, some players worry the fee will reduce playtime. Courts will remain free for walk-ins, and the city plans to add more reservation options by August.
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