Demuth Park Pickleball Court Expansion: Palm Springs city officials broke ground Thursday on a major expansion of pickleball courts at Demuth Park. The project will increase the number of courts from 12 to 22, nearly doubling capacity at the city’s only outdoor public pickleball facility. Construction is expected to take eight months.
Project Details and Funding
Deark E&C Inc. received a $5.1 million contract for the work. The original plan called for 24 courts, but design changes were needed after initial bids exceeded budget.
“This project has been a shining example of what can happen when we have vision, collaboration and community priorities all aligning,”
said City Manager Scott Styles, who hosted the groundbreaking.
The redesign, led by city staff and Kimley-Horn, reduced the number of courts from 24 to 22, lowered lighting systems from 24 to 19, and cut shade structures from 22 to 11. Funding comes from Measure J infrastructure funds and developer-paid recreational fees. Additional costs include $292,000 for construction management and $17,200 for Community Workforce Agreement administration, bringing total project costs to $5.4 million.
Community Support and Praise
Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte credited residents for driving the expansion.
“The community members who drove this expansion are the real reason why this is happening,”(Ron deHarte).
Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein and Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto highlighted the project’s public health and economic benefits. Soto said,
“This expansion of the Demuth pickleball courts is more than a recreational upgrade. It’s really an investment in public health.”
Bernstein added that the facility could attract tournaments and visitors.
Construction and Temporary Facilities
The project will require complete demolition of the existing 12 courts, a tennis court, and surrounding park amenities. During construction, the city opened 12 temporary courts at the College of the Desert campus off South Hermosa Drive near East Baristo Road. The new complex will feature upgraded seating, planters, drinking fountains, improved lighting, drainage systems, and shade structures.
Long-Term Impact
Councilmember David Ready emphasized the quality-of-life benefits, saying,
“These kind of recreation projects go right to the heart of quality of life.”
The expansion reflects eight years of planning, beginning when a resident urged the City Council to invest in pickleball. Once complete, the facility is expected to become one of the top recreational destinations in the Coachella Valley.
News in Brief: Demuth Park Pickleball Court Expansion
Palm Springs has started expanding pickleball courts at Demuth Park, increasing from 12 to 22 courts. Construction, led by Deark E&C Inc., costs $5.4 million and includes upgraded amenities. The project is funded by Measure J and developer fees and aims to boost recreation, public health, and tourism in the city.
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