Caddo Parish Pickleball Court Debate: Caddo Parish commissioners are scheduled to vote Thursday at 3:30 p.m. on a proposed $10 million pickleball complex behind the Lash Family YMCA in Shreveport. The project has sparked debate, with residents split over the cost, community benefits, and potential economic impact.
Concerns from Residents
Kenny Gordon, a Shreveport resident, said the project would only serve a small part of the parish.
“No. 1, it’s not going to serve everyone in the city. Not going to serve everyone in the parish … only that particular area that’s going to have the pickleball,” Kenny Gordon said.
Other residents criticized the cost. One said, “For the price, because it’s really outrageous.” John Glover warned taxpayers would bear the risk if the facility fails.
“The guarantee will be if you can’t make the payments … the taxpayers get to make that payment,” John Glover said.
Edward Best also questioned public spending.
“Spending $10 million of public funds on something that only benefits a small portion of our community is not a wise decision to make with our taxpayer dollars,” Edward Best said.
Supporters Highlight Benefits
Supporters say the complex would attract tourists and boost the local economy. Stacy Brown, president of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, emphasized recreation and economic benefits.
“Pickleball was not only a great opportunity for our local people to enjoy, but it was a way to create economic impact by bringing in visitors,” Stacy Brown said.
Another supporter framed the project as an investment in quality of life.
“It’s not either I build a pickleball facility or I fix potholes. It’s I build the pickleball facility that can also generate economic impact — or I do nothing,” the supporter said.
Shelly Armstrong added the project meets a growing demand for recreation and prevents families from traveling long distances for tournaments.
“We have been left behind in many ways in terms of recreation,” Shelly Armstrong said.
Project Details
The proposed complex would have 19 courts and 1,000 seats. Officials plan to finance it with revenue bonds, repaid by income from court fees, tournaments, and a pro shop. Usage fees are expected to be $10–$12 per person, per hour.
Parish estimates suggest regional and state events could generate $600,000 to $1.2 million over a three-day weekend. Major League Pickleball has also shown interest in hosting a professional event if the park opens in 2027.
Next Steps
The Caddo Parish Commission’s vote is open to the public. Commissioners will decide whether to approve the project and move forward with construction, weighing economic potential against taxpayer concerns.
News in Brief: Caddo Parish Pickleball Court Debate
Caddo Parish commissioners will vote Thursday on a $10 million pickleball complex behind the Lash Family YMCA. Residents are split: some cite high costs and limited access, while supporters, including Stacy Brown and Shelly Armstrong, highlight tourism, local spending, and recreation. Officials aim to open the park by 2027 with 19 courts.