New Pickleball Courts in Garfield Heights: In May, Garfield Heights unveiled plans to revamp the underused tennis courts at Debelak Recreation Center, transforming them into state-of-the-art new basketball and new pickleball courts. Fast forward to Labor Day, and the vision is nearly complete. Cracks in the old tennis courts have been sealed, fresh blacktop has been laid, and the courts have been striped, ready to host two new basketball courts.
Revitalizing Public Spaces
Garfield Heights Mayor Matt Burke spoke on the significance of this transformation. “We had them years and years ago at some of the school playgrounds. But I just felt the need, you know, this is where the interests have gone, so let’s put it here and see how it works,” Burke said. The Mayor’s vision extends beyond just new courts—he hopes to launch a youth basketball league. Discussions are underway to add an events coordinator to the city’s parks and recreation department, a move that would help oversee this league and other community activities.
This initiative is not just about providing a place to play; it’s about promoting positive activities for the youth. Burke emphasized, “The investments are about getting more use out of public spaces and steering more youth into positive activities.” The new pickleball court, also part of the upgrade, has already sparked interest among locals. During a test run, several city employees, including the Mayor, took a few swings with their paddles, drawing curious onlookers.
Community Excitement
The courts are already generating buzz among residents. “We saw a young mother with a couple little kids, and the kid was just infatuated with them (paddles),” said Paul Birk, parks and recreation director for Garfield Heights. “We had them over here playing with us – just let them hit the paddle stuff like that. And I just think it’s gonna continue to grow and grow fast, too.“ Nine-year-old Ghael Robles, who loves practicing basketball with his dad, is especially excited. “He’s got to go 30 minutes away or 20 minutes away… 15 mins away,” said his father, Anthony Santiago, highlighting the inconvenience of traveling to distant courts. The new pickleball courts, just a short walk away, are a game-changer for them. “Oh yeah,” Santiago added, “We can walk there. So, it will be a very good idea.“
William Hill, another resident, echoed this enthusiasm. “Anything that gets the kids more engaged with each other I’m always for,” Hill said, “I see kids going up and down the street all the time, just bouncing a basketball but nowhere to play it. So, they make do with what they’ve had.” . He’s noticed kids in the neighborhood bouncing basketballs with nowhere to play. The new courts will change that, providing a much-needed space for the community.
Final Touches and Future Plans
The city is eagerly anticipating the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which will happen as soon as the basketball hoops are delivered and installed by the end of the month. One set of hoops will even be adjustable, adding versatility to the courts.
This project is part of a broader $4 million master parks plan for Garfield Heights. Earlier this year, the city received $284,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the Cuyahoga County Council, with about $170,000 earmarked for improvements at Debelak Recreation Area. These upgrades include not only the new courts but also landscaping and new playground equipment at both Debelak and Forestdale Park. “It’s gonna look really good when we’re complete with everything,” Birk assured.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Courts in Garfield Heights
Garfield Heights is nearing the completion of new basketball and new pickleball courts at Debelak Recreation Center, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony expected by the end of the month. Mayor Matt Burke envisions the courts as a hub for youth activities and hopes to start a youth basketball league.
The project is part of a $4 million citywide master parks plan, supported by $284,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. Additional improvements include landscaping and new playground equipment at both Debelak and Forestdale Park. Residents are excited about the new recreational opportunities close to home.
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