Pickleball Courts at Gateway Park: As the redevelopment of Gateway Park in Rosslyn moves forward, the possibility of including pickleball courts is stirring significant debate. Out of the three design options under consideration, only one features pickleball courts. Presently, public sentiment seems to be running against their inclusion, with other design elements receiving more support.
Design Options and Potential Accommodations
Jeremy Smith, a county government staffer working on the park’s landscape design, noted that pickleball has not been a top priority compared to other elements. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the park could potentially accommodate three or more courts if public demand evolves.
Park and Recreation Commission Update
Smith shared these insights during the July 16 meeting of the county government’s Park and Recreation Commission. At this meeting, members received an update on the design process and future steps. Max Ewart, the Department of Parks and Recreation’s project manager, explained that the final design will likely integrate ideas from all three proposals. “We’re trying to do our best to see what the community prioritizes and have that be the final concept,” Ewart said.
Advocacy and Next Steps
Despite the current situation, Park and Recreation Commission member Alex Sanders expressed support for including pickleball courts. “This seems like a natural fit,” Sanders commented during the meeting.
Advocates for pickleball and other design features will have another chance to present their case this fall. A final proposal is expected to be submitted to the County Board by the end of the year. According to the current timeline, the final design will be completed in 2025, with construction anticipated to start in 2026. As the debate continues, the future of pickleball courts at Gateway Park remains uncertain.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts at Gateway Park
The redevelopment of Gateway Park in Rosslyn is raising concerns among pickleball enthusiasts. Of the three design options being considered, only one includes pickleball courts, and public support for these courts appears to be lacking. At the July 16 Park and Recreation Commission meeting, Max Ewart from the Department of Parks and Recreation indicated that the final design will likely blend ideas from all proposals. Advocacy for pickleball courts will continue this fall, with a final proposal expected by year-end and construction set to begin in 2026.
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