Mills Park Pickleball Court Upgrade: Six new pickleball courts have opened at Mills Park in Carson City. The courts, costing about $1.1 million, were announced by city officials on August 25 and are already drawing players from the community. The project replaced old tennis courts with new post-tension concrete courts designed for durability and accessibility.
A Major Park Upgrade
According to a city news release, “The project scope included the replacement of aging and unusable tennis courts with new post-tension concrete pickleball courts, widened sidewalks and improved access, increasing opportunities for park users of all ages and abilities. Concrete courts will be more durable, last longer and require less ongoing maintenance.”
The Carson City Board of Supervisors approved the project in November. Funding came from several sources, including $421,850 in federal ARPA dollars, $170,790 from Community Development Block Grant funding, Quality-of-Life and capital improvement funds, and support from the Foundation for Carson City Parks and Recreation.
Community Efforts and Past Projects
Pickleball supporters Dave Whitefield and Juana Beguelin previously worked with the Foundation for Carson City Parks and Recreation and the parks department to turn two old tennis courts at Mills Park into eight pickleball courts in 2019. Those courts now sit beside the new ones, just east of the Aquatic Center.
Players Respond to the New Courts
Local resident Adam Blann, who plays four times a week, praised the city’s effort. “They’re great,” he said. “I’m thankful the city helped out with them.”
James and Jessica Houge traveled from Stagecoach to play. James began in March and now plays every weekend and on vacations. “Everyone is accepting of newer players,” he said. “They’re plenty of extra courts.”
Jessica said pickleball has become part of her daily life. “I have never played a sport in my life,” she said. “I have been out here every single day as well. It’s addictive.”
James added, “You make relationships here.”
What’s Next for Mills Park
City officials said future plans for the pickleball complex include adding shade, benches, restroom buildings, new signage, and windscreens. These upgrades are expected to improve comfort and make the courts even more welcoming for the growing community of players.
News in Brief: Mills Park Pickleball Court Upgrade
Carson City opened six new pickleball courts at Mills Park on August 25. The $1.1 million project replaced old tennis courts with durable concrete courts. Funded by federal, city, and community support, the courts are already in use. More improvements, including shade and benches, will be added soon.
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