Lakeland Pickleball Courts Grant: The City of Lakeland, Tennessee, has been awarded $963,421 by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to build new pickleball courts. The money is part of a $22 million state grant program that helps local parks and recreation projects across the state.
Pickleball Courts Planned Near Future YMCA
The grant will cover half the cost of a $1.9 million project that includes building six pickleball courts next to the planned Lakeland YMCA on Huff N’ Puff Road. These new courts will come with fencing, shaded seating, ADA-compliant parking, lighting, a 19-by-10-foot restroom building, picnic spots, food truck spaces with electricity, and signs.
Emily Zimmer from the Mid South Development District said that design and engineering work for the project will begin in January 2026. Construction is expected to follow later in the same year. The Mid South Development District helped Lakeland apply for the funding.
City Leaders Excited About the Project
Greer Tidwell, the Deputy Commissioner of Conservation for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, said in a statement,
“Local parks are an important aspect of outdoor recreation, and we are glad these grants will help communities across the state.”
Mayor Josh Roman thanked the Mid South Development District for their help.
“$1 million grants do not happen by accident,”
said Josh Roman.
“If you are a business, consider Lakeland, we are in our glow up era that started with our new schools and it hasn’t stopped. It’s time to jump in. The water is warm!”
New Courts Expected to Boost Recreation
The pickleball courts are expected to attract more players and families to the area. The addition of food truck spaces and shaded areas could also make the site a popular spot for community gatherings and events. Officials believe this project will help Lakeland grow as a welcoming place for both recreation and new business.
News in Brief: Lakeland Pickleball Courts Grant
The City of Lakeland will receive nearly $1 million from the state to build six new pickleball courts next to the upcoming YMCA on Huff N’ Puff Road. The courts will feature shaded seating, ADA parking, lighting, and picnic areas. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026.
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