Carol Stream Introduces New Pickleball Courts: Carol Stream, IL On June 5, Carol Stream celebrated a milestone with the grand opening of its first outdoor pickleball courts at Armstrong Park. The event drew approximately 200 attendees, including state Sen. Seth Lewis, according to Sue Rini, Executive Director of the Carol Stream Park District.
The project, which transformed a former inline skating rink, cost around $155,600, partially funded by a $50,000 state grant. Installed by Sport Court Midwest of Elmhurst, the six-court facility features a playing surface designed to be gentle on players’ joints, reduce abrasions, dampen noise, and facilitate quick water drainage after rainfall.
“We’re super-excited. It looks incredible,” exclaimed Rini about the new courts.
Located at 391 Illini Drive, the courts are accessible from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with court lights illuminating until closing time. You can use them for open play or reserve them through the park district for a fee.
“Most people generally queue up and wait their turn,” noted Rini, emphasizing the courts’ popularity among locals.
The park district plans to offer lessons and tournaments, with the first tournament scheduled for June 15. Pickleball, identified by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association as the fastest-growing sport in the United States, has seen a 223.5% increase in participants since 2020, reaching up to 13.6 million players nationwide in 2023.
Looking ahead, Rini hinted at potential expansions if further grant funding becomes available. Plans may involve relocating an existing basketball court at the expansive 73-acre Armstrong Park and adding two more pickleball courts.
A single pickleball court at Walter Park, part of a larger park renovation project at 970 High Ridge Pass, will debut on June 24 in addition to the Armstrong Park development. The initiative includes the installation of an accessible playground.
Further enhancements at Armstrong Park stem from the village’s Klein Creek Stream Bank Stabilization Project, where excess soil has been repurposed to enlarge the park’s existing sledding hill, significantly boosting its height and saving on material costs.
“It makes sense to share resources,” explained Pam Falco, Community Relations Specialist at the Park District.
As preparations for summer events unfold, the Carol Stream Parks Foundation gears up for its annual duck race on June 22 at Coral Cove Water Park, 849 W. Lies Road. Launched in 2015, the race serves as a major fundraiser, generating funds for need-based scholarships and enabling community participation in park district activities.
“The Duck Race has been pivotal, raising $23,000 towards our scholarship program since inception,” shared Falco, reflecting on the event’s success in engaging the community. Last year, the race drew 1,026 participants, with up to 700 spectators enjoying the festivities.
Open to the public and livestreamed via the foundation’s Facebook page, individuals can support the cause by adopting ducks through the park district and foundation websites.
“It’s a lot of fun, and all the kids line up sitting along the pool, watching and cheering,” added Falco, highlighting the event’s inclusive spirit and community engagement.
News in Brief : Carol Stream Introduces New Pickleball Courts
Carol Stream, IL marked a milestone on June 5 with the debut of its first outdoor pickleball courts at Armstrong Park. The $155,600 project, supported by a $50,000 state grant, features six courts by Sport Court Midwest. Open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., the courts offer illuminated play and can be reserved through the park district. Popular among locals, plans include lessons, tournaments, and potential expansions pending funding. Nearby, Walter Park will unveil a single court on June 24. Additionally, the community prepares for the annual duck race on June 22 at Coral Cove Water Park, raising funds for scholarships.
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