Forest Park Pickleball Courts Expansion: Forest Park residents now have more space to play pickleball. On August 27 at 8 a.m., the Park District of Forest Park opened six new outdoor pickleball courts at Harrison Street and Des Plaines Avenue. The project cost $140,000 and was built where the district’s hockey rink once stood.
Expanding Pickleball Options
The courts are already open for public use, but the park district will hold a grand opening in the spring. At that time, it also plans to launch equipment rentals, leagues, and add benches and shade structures around the courts.
Andrew Doss, superintendent of parks and facilities, said there has been strong community demand for more pickleball space. “We have a huge pickleball community,” he said. Doss added that residents even came to board meetings to request more courts.
Currently, players also use the Roos Recreation Center, which has three indoor tennis courts marked for pickleball. Six outdoor tennis courts near the Roos are also available, but the new courts provide extra dedicated space for the growing sport.
Planning and Construction
Executive Director Jackie Iovinelli explained that the district had been working on building pickleball courts for over 18 months.
The construction was handled by Sport Court Midwest, a company based in Elmhurst. The courts were built with modular tiles, a material recommended by USA Pickleball. Doss said the park district first connected with the contractor at a conference and chose them after another company delayed progress.
Sport Court Midwest originally estimated the courts would be finished in September, but the work began and ended in August, ahead of schedule. To help recover part of the project cost, the district is selling the boards that once surrounded the hockey rink.
Significance for the Community
The new courts highlight the rapid growth of pickleball in Forest Park. By responding to community requests and creating new facilities, the park district is supporting both casual players and competitive athletes. With plans for leagues and rentals, the courts are expected to become a popular gathering place when spring programs begin.
News in Brief: Forest Park Pickleball Courts Expansion
The Park District of Forest Park opened six new outdoor pickleball courts on August 27 at Harrison Street and Des Plaines Avenue. The $140,000 project was built on the site of the old hockey rink. A grand opening, leagues, equipment rentals, and added seating will follow in the spring.
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