Salt Lake City Pickleball Expansion: Salt Lake City has officially opened 12 new pickleball courts at Glendale Park. The facility is part of a major park redevelopment project based on community feedback. The courts opened in 2025, replacing four old tennis courts after residents asked for more pickleball space during public planning sessions.
Community Input Shapes Park Plan
In 2022, the Salt Lake City Department of Public Lands launched a plan to redevelop the former Raging Waters/Seven Peaks waterpark site into Glendale Park. In 2023, additional feedback showed growing interest in pickleball. Instead of adding four courts, the city redesigned the layout and converted four tennis courts into twelve pickleball courts.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall praised the project’s community focus, saying,
“This project stands as a powerful example of what can happen when cities truly listen. These courts are the direct result of community voices shaping their own public spaces, and we’re proud to deliver this kind of meaningful, equitable investment to the Glendale neighborhood.”
A Sport That Builds Community
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and Salt Lake City is keeping pace. By 2026, the city will have 40 total courts, with 26 on the city’s west side. Glendale Park now leads the count with 12 courts, followed by Rosewood Park with 8, and Fairmont Park and 11th Avenue Park with 6 each.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall added,
“Pickleball isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement. It brings people together and creates community. These courts will be a gathering place for learning, laughing, competing, and connecting.”
Investing in the West Side
The park development is part of the city’s Reimagine Nature Public Lands Master Plan, which highlights the need to invest in west side neighborhoods and public areas like the Jordan River Parkway. Glendale Park will become Salt Lake City’s first new regional park in more than 60 years.
Kim Shelley, Director of Public Lands, said,
“This is community-led planning in action. We’re proud to help create a space that reflects the vision of Glendale residents– and one that will bring people together for years to come.”
Funding and Future Plans
The city is using $27 million from the $85 million Public Lands General Obligation Bond passed in 2022 to fund phase one of Glendale Park’s construction. This first phase, set to finish in fall 2025, includes:
An all-abilities playground
A full basketball court
Shaded walkways and canopies
A large open lawn
More parking
Design work for phase two is already in progress, with construction expected in future years.
The Bigger Picture
Glendale Park’s redevelopment shows how cities can respond to public needs through smart planning and investment. The pickleball courts are a direct result of listening to local voices, and the rest of the park will continue to grow into a welcoming space for all.
News in Brief: Salt Lake City Pickleball Expansion
Salt Lake City has opened 12 new pickleball courts at Glendale Park, replacing four tennis courts after community input. The project is part of a $27 million first phase redevelopment funded by a city bond. Glendale Park will be the first regional park built in the city in over 60 years.
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