Heroes Park Pickleball Court Expansion: The Buena Park City Council has approved a plan to build three new pickleball courts at Heroes Park. The vote was unanimous and took place on Tuesday. Construction is expected to begin in August. The project will also add eight benches and improve two basketball courts.
Pickleball Grows in Popularity
Pickleball has become a favorite activity among Buena Park residents. Councilwoman Susan Sonne said many people are asking for more places to play.
“It has become such a popular sport, and people are clamoring for pickleball courts all over the city,”. “We’re just responding to the residents.”
Susan Sonne said in a phone interview
Right now, the city only has one pickleball court, and it is almost always in use. The new additions aim to give residents more options to play without having to wait.
Meeting Community Needs
The new courts will be located at Heroes Park, near Valley View Avenue and Crescent Avenue. This park was formerly known as San Marino Park.
Councilwoman Lamiya Hoque, who represents the area where Heroes Park is located, said residents have been asking for this.
“One of the most requested amenities I’ve heard from constituents has been the addition of pickleball courts, and I’m excited that we’re delivering on that,”
Lamiya Hoque wrote in an email.
According to the Trust for Public Lands, only 2% of Buena Park’s land is used for parks. That is far below the national average of 15%. Also, only 52% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, which is 5% below the average for U.S. cities.
Councilman Carlos Franco said the project will give people access to something usually found in wealthier areas.
“Pickleball is a type of sport that would normally be seen somewhere in South County, and for us to make that available gives our youth an opportunity to engage in something new that they normally would not have access to,”
Carlos Franco said in a phone interview.
Project Cost and Funding
The full cost of the upgrades—including the courts, fences, benches, and basketball improvements—will be $78,104.52. Assistant engineer Aaron Esparza-Almaraz said the city will use grant money to pay for everything. He confirmed that the project will not affect the city’s budget.
No Pushback from Residents
While cities like Laguna Beach have faced complaints about noise from new courts, that hasn’t happened in Buena Park.
“It’s only been positive, from what I’ve seen and heard,” (Susan Sonne).
A noise impact study done in May found that the new courts will not go over city noise limits or disturb people living nearby, according to the city’s staff report.
What Comes Next
The new courts are expected to make a big difference for residents who want more places to play and be active. With construction starting in August, many people will soon have better access to a fast-growing sport right in their neighborhood.
News in Brief: Heroes Park Pickleball Court Expansion
Buena Park will add three new pickleball courts, benches, and upgraded basketball courts to Heroes Park. The city council approved the $78,000 project, funded by grants. Officials say the courts meet high community demand. Construction starts in August. A recent noise study showed no concern for nearby residents.
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