Pickleball Courts revamped in Prosper as the town’s Lakewood Park project is receiving a funding boost to improve the pickleball courts and surrounding amenities. During an Oct. 8 meeting, the Prosper Town Council approved an additional $411,819 for Lakewood Park construction, allowing for expanded parking, higher fencing around the pickleball courts, and other improvements to accommodate community feedback.
Addressing Pickleball Court Concerns
One of the standout features of the Lakewood Park expansion is the enhancement of its pickleball courts. Currently surrounded by a four-foot fence, the courts have received significant community input for improvements.
Dan Baker, Prosper’s Parks and Recreation Director, noted that several residents had reached out to request higher fencing around the courts, primarily to prevent stray balls and improve overall safety.
The additional funding will go toward increasing the fence height and adding wind screening around the four pickleball courts. These upgrades are set to enhance the playing experience, ensuring the courts are more user-friendly and shielded from weather conditions.
Expanding Parking for Players
To accommodate the growing popularity of the pickleball courts and other park amenities, parking expansion was a key focus in the council’s funding decision. Initially, the park design featured 76 parking spaces, but with the division of three full-size soccer fields into multiple smaller fields, additional parking became necessary to prevent overflow into nearby neighborhoods.
The approved plans include adding 52 parking spaces, with 14 spaces being added to the existing parking lot and another 38 provided in a new lot adjacent to the original one. These improvements will support the increasing number of visitors, including those who come specifically for pickleball.
Responding to Community Feedback
Residents didn’t stop at requesting higher fences for the pickleball courts. They also asked for additional natural screening between their properties and the park. Dan Baker highlighted that the town received requests to increase the height of shrubbery, plant more trees, and allow residents to install privacy fences for greater separation from the public areas.
While these requests were largely accepted, the town council chose not to approve a Parks and Recreation Board recommendation to build artificial ridges between the park’s trail and parking lot as an added buffer.
Funding for the Future of Pickleball in Prosper
The $5 million originally allocated for Lakewood Park’s construction couldn’t cover the newly requested features, such as the upgraded pickleball court fencing. The additional $411,819 will be sourced from Prosper’s park fees, tree mitigation fees, and interest from the 2020 bond program.
This extra funding ensures that the park’s pickleball courts, among other amenities, will meet community standards and provide a welcoming environment for local players.
Lakewood Park is set to be a cornerstone of Prosper’s outdoor recreation, and the improvements to the pickleball courts are just one of many additions that reflect the town’s commitment to creating quality sports facilities.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Revamped in Prosper
Prosper’s Lakewood Park project is receiving an additional $411,819 for improvements, including parking expansions and higher fencing around four pickleball courts. Residents requested the higher fencing to improve safety and reduce ball disruptions.
The park’s construction, funded by the 2020 bond program and other town fees, will also see added wind screening and parking lot enhancements. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2025, creating a well-rounded recreational space for pickleball and other sports.
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