Lenoir Ramps Up Pickleball Courts: The city of Lenoir is stepping up its commitment to the growing sport of pickleball, with contractors officially commencing work on 12 outdoor pickleball courts at the Mulberry Recreation Center. As of October 23, 2024, the existing outdoor courts are closed to facilitate this much-anticipated project.
“Pickleball is a very popular sport, and there is a lot of demand for courts here in Lenoir.” stated Phil Harper, the Parks and Recreation Director.
“The courts at Mulberry are packed almost every night, and there are usually a lot of people waiting to play.” – (Phil Harper)
Responding to Community Demand
The city first introduced four outdoor pickleball courts at the Mulberry Rec Center in August 2022. Given the overwhelming response from local residents, who have been vocal about the need for additional facilities, city staff recognized the necessity for expansion.
This prompted the City Council to approve the project during their meeting on October 1, 2024. The expansion will transform the existing four courts into six, while also adding an additional six courts in the former batting cage area.
The construction team will clean the site, address minor cracks, and resurface the courts. Plans include the installation of new net posts and nets, along with clear striping for each court. A fence will also be erected to separate the two main rows of courts.
Temporary Closure for Major Improvements
During the construction phase, all outdoor courts will remain closed, with the project expected to last around four weeks, contingent on any unforeseen issues or weather-related delays.
“This will be a great addition to Mulberry Recreation Center. We’re going to have to close the current outdoor courts for construction, but I think it will be worth the wait for all the pickleball players.” – (Phil Harper)
Alternatives for Local Players
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to utilize the three indoor pickleball courts available at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center.
Additionally, the Parks and Recreation staff are working on adding three more indoor courts within the old William Lenoir Middle School gym located at 332 Greenhaven Drive NW. The community will be updated once these new courts are ready for use.
News in Brief: Lenoir Ramps Up Pickleball Courts
The city of Lenoir is expanding pickleball facilities at the Mulberry Recreation Center with the installation of 12 outdoor courts, closing the current ones as of October 23, 2024.
Parks and Recreation Director Phil Harper noted high demand for courts, prompting the expansion from four to twelve. The project is expected to take four weeks, and in the meantime, residents can access indoor pickleball courts at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and soon at the old William Lenoir Middle School gym.
