Del Mar Park Pickleball Expansion: Pickleball players in Morro Bay want to convert an existing basketball court at Del Mar Park into four new pickleball courts. The plan also includes building a replacement basketball court closer to the parking lot to ensure basketball players keep a space to play.
Growing Demand for Courts
Local players say pickleball is expanding quickly in Morro Bay.
“It’s growing every day and not just here, it’s the fastest growing sport in the nation,”(Skip Sorich)
a Morro Bay resident. Sorich said around 50 to 60 people show up daily to play at Del Mar Park, sometimes even more.
Project Details and Costs
Pickleball player Marcus des Plantes is leading the project.
“It’s a combination of four additional pickleball courts, but as a part of that, we need to provide a new basketball court because we don’t want the basketball people to be without a place to play as well,”
said Marcus des Plantes. He added that the new basketball court would be more convenient.
“It’ll be a nicer facility and more convenient for them.”(Des Plantes)
. The project is estimated to cost between $600,000 and $800,000. Approval from the Morro Bay City Council would be required to move forward.
Mixed Reactions from Players
Not everyone supports the change.
“I wouldn’t like it so much. I would really like it to remain more of a nature park if possible, but they are all very nice people,”(Grant Carroll)
a basketball player. Visiting player Steve Brakebill from Mexico said the current courts are impressive.
“The courts are absolutely fantastic. The best I’ve ever played on,”(Steve Brakebill)
. Sorich agreed, highlighting the social side of the game.
“It’s fun. It’s great because you get to meet people from all over,” (Skip Sorich).
History of the Courts
Sorich explained that the courts at Del Mar Park were once an outdoor roller hockey rink.
“The city allowed us to put lines down and temporary nets, and since then it’s just evolved into permanent courts,” (Skip Sorich).
City’s Position
Morro Bay Recreation Services Manager Kirk Carmichael confirmed the city would not fund the project if approved.
Carmichael added that the Recreation and Parks Commission will review the proposal again before sending a recommendation to the City Council. A date for that discussion has not yet been set.
“We are hoping at that time that we can get a thumbs up, and then we will be able to formalize our fundraising,” (Des Plantes).
What Comes Next
If the City Council approves the idea, organizers will begin raising money to cover the cost. Supporters say the project would help meet the rising demand for pickleball, while critics prefer keeping Del Mar Park closer to its natural setting.
News in Brief: Del Mar Park Pickleball Expansion
Morro Bay pickleball players want to add four new courts at Del Mar Park by converting a basketball court. The plan includes building a new basketball court nearby. The project could cost $600,000–$800,000 and needs City Council approval before players can begin fundraising efforts.
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