Caddo Parish Pickleball Park Debate: The debate over a proposed $10 million pickleball park in Caddo Parish heated up at Thursday’s Caddo Commission meeting. Residents remain divided over the cost and benefits of the project, which would be funded by revenue bonds and built on land behind Kroger and the Lash Family YMCA in southeast Shreveport.
Cost Concerns and Community Needs
Many residents worry about the high price tag. One nearby resident said,
“Less than a week ago we had a drive-by shooting a quarter mile away… But does it have to cost ten-million dollars? … You could take ten-million dollars and spread it throughout this city and you guys could really do something.”
Others echoed concerns that the money could be better spent addressing urgent local needs like motels and restaurants.
Another opponent said,
“I think the commission does a really good job of being stewards of our tax dollars… Has there been enough thought into this about it being just a pickleball court? Have we thought of other ways to spend that ten-million dollars?”
Some residents felt $10 million was too much, suggesting a smaller budget would be more reasonable. One person said,
“My commissioner is very limited as to what he can do to help the Cedar Grove area. So I stand in opposition to ten-million dollars… I could understand a million dollars.”
Support for the Pickleball Park
Other community members believe the pickleball park is a strong investment. A local resident who supports the project said,
“We’re excited about this project and what it could mean for our city and our personal lives… My hometown city has been a pass-through city… Now I’m surrounding daily by friends and clients who are pickleball fanatics who choose to stay or return to Shreveport because it’s home.”
Another supporter noted,
“I just wanted to say I’m in support of the pickleball project. I think it would be great for sports tourism. It’s one of the fastest growing sports tourism. I think it would be great for the city and the parish.”
Park Features and Next Steps
The planned park would include 19 pickleball courts with shaded picnic areas, pavilions, walking trails, and seating for up to 50 people. It aims to host championship-level tournaments to help boost tourism in the region.
The last vote on the park was postponed last month and sent back to the Long Range Planning Committee. On Monday, the committee approved it again to move forward to a commission work session scheduled for August 18.
News in Brief: Caddo Parish Pickleball Park Debate
Caddo Parish faces divided opinions over a $10 million pickleball park proposal. Some residents see it as a key sports tourism boost, while others worry about the high cost and suggest funds be used elsewhere. The project is set for further review in the commission’s August 18 work session.
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