Ahwatukee Demands to Expand Pickleball Facilities: As pickleball continues to surge in popularity across the United States, communities are increasingly recognizing the need for dedicated facilities to keep up with the growing demand. In Ahwatukee, Arizona, this trend is manifesting through the tireless efforts of local advocates Carrie McNeish and Jill Ostendorp. Since taking up the sport in 2019, McNeish and Ostendorp have become vocal proponents for expanding pickleball amenities at Desert Foothills Park. Their campaign for additional courts highlights a broader movement to enhance infrastructure and accommodate the sport’s burgeoning fan base.
Local Pickleball Advocates Push for More Facilities
In Ahwatukee, pickleball’s rapid growth has spurred local enthusiasts Carrie McNeish and Jill Ostendorp to advocate for expanded facilities at Desert Foothills Park. The sport, which McNeish and Ostendorp took up in 2019, has seen explosive growth, leading to increased demand for dedicated courts. Recognizing this trend, the duo has been pushing the City of Phoenix to address the inadequacy of current pickleball amenities in their community. Their demand highlights a broader movement across the country where pickleball enthusiasts are pushing for more specialized facilities as the sport gains popularity.
“We started playing in 2019. The growth of the sport just went crazy, bonkers.” – (McNeish)
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department responded to the growing interest by converting two tennis courts at Desert Foothills Park into dual-use courts for tennis and pickleball in 2023. This renovation included resurfacing the courts, adding pickleball lines, and improving the lighting.
While these upgrades were a step in the right direction, McNeish and Ostendorp argue that more needs to be done to fully meet the community’s needs. “There’s no barrier in between the two courts,” Ostendorp explained, suggesting that the lack of separation between courts limits their functionality for dedicated pickleball play.
“But they did a great job resurfacing the courts, getting new nets, redoing the fencing, redoing the lighting.” – (McNeish)
McNeish and Ostendorp’s efforts have been significant, drawing attention to the increasing strain on existing facilities. The nearby Pecos Park, which features 16 pickleball courts, has become a hotspot, leading to long wait times for players. “It’s so busy,” McNeish noted, emphasizing the need for more dedicated courts to alleviate the congestion.
The pair’s proposal to add eight new pickleball courts and a parking lot at Desert Foothills Park reflects their commitment to addressing this issue and improving access to the sport for the local community.
Recent Renovations Fall Short
The recent renovations at Desert Foothills Park aimed to address the rising demand for pickleball facilities by converting two tennis courts into dual-use courts. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department undertook a significant project in 2023, which included resurfacing the courts, adding pickleball lines, and enhancing the lighting.
These improvements were intended to provide better access and playing conditions for pickleball enthusiasts. While the upgrades were a positive step, McNeish and Ostendorp feel that the changes do not go far enough in meeting the community’s needs.
The issue of limited pickleball facilities is increased by the high demand at nearby locations, such as Pecos Park. With 16 courts, Pecos Park has become a popular destination, resulting in long wait times for players. The demand for dedicated pickleball courts at Desert Foothills Park reflects a broader trend where communities are struggling to keep up with the rapid growth of the sport. McNeish and Ostendorp’s advocacy highlights the need for additional facilities that can better serve the expanding pickleball community.
“We think it would be a perfect opportunity to add dedicated pickleball courts.” – (Ostendorp)
The Call for Expansion and Funding Challenges
McNeish and Ostendorp have proposed adding eight dedicated pickleball courts and a parking lot to Desert Foothills Park to address the growing demand. They have emphasized that the current facilities are insufficient to meet the needs of the expanding pickleball community in Ahwatukee.
With an estimated cost of $200,000 for the eight courts, funding remains a significant hurdle. “We hear a lot of, we don’t have the funding yet… we’re trying to get the funding,” McNeish said, showing the financial challenges associated with the proposed expansion.
To overcome these obstacles, McNeish and Ostendorp are exploring the possibility of a public-private partnership to secure the necessary funds. This approach could help bridge the financial gap and facilitate the construction of additional pickleball courts.
The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is working with the Community and Economic Development Department to investigate potential partnership opportunities. Their efforts reflect a proactive approach to addressing the funding issues that have hindered the expansion of pickleball facilities.
Despite the funding challenges, the support for expanding pickleball facilities remains strong. McNeish and Ostendorp have gathered around 1,200 supporters who back their initiative. Their persistence and the growing community support highlight the importance of adapting local infrastructure to match the rapid growth of pickleball. As they continue to advocate for more courts, their efforts are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of pickleball facilities in Ahwatukee.
“We have about 1,200 supporters that are actively on our list.” – (McNeish)
Prospects for New Facilities
The future of pickleball facilities in Ahwatukee looks promising as the city explores potential solutions to meet the growing demand. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is collaborating with the Community and Economic Development Department to explore a public-private partnership that could facilitate the construction of additional pickleball courts at Desert Foothills Park. This collaborative approach could provide the necessary funding and resources to make the proposed expansion a reality.
In the meantime, pickleball enthusiasts in Ahwatukee have alternative options available to them. The 16 outdoor pickleball courts at Pecos Park, as well as the indoor facilities at Pecos Community Center and the existing courts at Desert Foothills Park, provide opportunities for play. Additionally, new pickleball facilities are set to open in nearby south Tempe, including Electric Pickle and The Picklr, which will further enhance access to the sport in the region.
As the city continues to evaluate potential partnerships and funding options, McNeish and Ostendorp’s demand serves as a reminder of the growing importance of pickleball in local communities. Their efforts, combined with the anticipated opening of new facilities in the area, suggest that the sport’s popularity will continue to drive demand for additional courts and amenities. The outcome of these developments will likely shape the future of pickleball access in Ahwatukee and beyond.
“The more this area grows and everything… we think it’s a great fit.” – (Ostendorp)
News in Brief: Ahwatukee Demands to Expand Pickleball Facilities
The push for expanded pickleball facilities at Desert Foothills Park shows a broader trend of rising interest in the sport and the need for responsive community infrastructure.
With strong local support and ongoing discussions between city officials and potential partners, there is optimism that Ahwatukee will see significant improvements in its pickleball amenities. McNeish and Ostendorp’s determination, coupled with the anticipated openings of new facilities in nearby areas, reflects a growing commitment to supporting the sport’s expansion.
As these developments unfold, the efforts to enhance pickleball access in Ahwatukee serve as a model for other communities grappling with similar challenges.
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