Mecklenburg County Doubles Down on Pickleball: Mecklenburg County is making significant strides to meet the rising demand for pickleball by allocating $18.9 million to expand pickleball facilities across the county. While historically, the county has focused on developing parks and trails, recent plans indicate a shift toward the creation of more specialized amenities like pickleball courts.
As the sport continues to grow in popularity, the county aims to respond to residents’ requests for more dedicated spaces to play.
Pickleball Courts Coming to Multiple Parks
A key part of this initiative involves the conversion of existing tennis courts into dedicated pickleball courts. At Sugaw Creek Park, Unity Park, Mason Wallace Park, and Collins Park, former tennis courts will be transformed to accommodate the growing pickleball community. These upgrades are aimed at enhancing accessibility to the sport and ensuring players have high-quality, designated spaces to compete and enjoy the game.
Standalone Courts to Prioritize Quality
Mecklenburg County is also focusing on building standalone pickleball courts rather than dual-purpose courts shared with tennis. This approach will provide a better experience for pickleball players, who often find dual-purpose courts crowded or unsuitable for competitive play. The new courts are part of a broader plan to increase the availability of facilities that cater to specific recreational needs, ensuring that pickleball players have their own spaces to thrive.
Funding and Future Expansion
In June, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners approved a $429.5 million budget for Park and Recreation capital projects, which will include this major investment in pickleball courts. With $18.9 million dedicated to these facilities, the county is signaling its commitment to accommodating the growing demand for pickleball. This funding will support both the conversion of existing courts and the creation of entirely new ones, designed to serve both casual players and competitive athletes alike.
News in Brief: Mecklenburg County Doubles Down on Pickleball
Mecklenburg County is set to invest $18.9 million to expand pickleball facilities as part of its $429.5 million park improvement plan. Existing tennis courts at Sugaw Creek Park, Unity Park, Mason Wallace Park, and Collins Park will be converted into dedicated pickleball courts. The county is prioritizing standalone pickleball courts to meet the rising demand for the sport and to ensure better-quality facilities for players. The move reflects Mecklenburg’s commitment to enhancing recreational options for its residents.
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