Pickleball Mania Hits Jackson Park: In a lively and spirited demonstration at Jackson Park, 82-year-old Margaret Olawoye raised her paddle, sending a powerful overhead smash back toward Jackson Park supervisor Bobbie Beckam. Bobbie Beckam had just delivered a soft lob during a pickleball clinic he was conducting on one of the park’s eight newly built pickleball courts.
As Bobbie Beckam prepared to toss another lob, Olawoye flashed a smile, maintaining focus as the crowd watching the event cheered.
Olawoye was not alone at the clinic. On Thursday morning, a small group of pickleball enthusiasts joined the fun under sunny, crisp blue skies, joined by community members, park advocates, and staff to celebrate the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new pickleball courts. Located just north of the Jackson Park Fieldhouse at 6401 S. Stony Island Ave, the new facility promises to elevate the local sports scene.
A Growing Commitment to Pickleball in Chicago
“We are well on our way to building more than 100 new pickleball courts,” announced Michael Merchant, the Chicago Park District’s chief strategy and engagement officer, during the ceremony. Merchant went on to highlight that the city aims to complete a total of 200 pickleball courts by the end of 2025. The Jackson Park courts, which cost $330,000 to build, are a part of this ambitious expansion plan. As with many new courts being developed across Chicago, these are constructed on repurposed tennis courts. Merchant also extended his thanks to Dick’s Sporting Goods for a generous $1,000 donation of pickleball paddles, available for use at the Fieldhouse for anyone who doesn’t have their own equipment.
The “Pickleball Mania” initiative, launched by the Park District in 2022, has already exceeded its initial goal of 50 courts by 2025. Funded through the Chicago Recovery Plan, which utilizes funds from President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan and city-issued bonds, this initiative has quickly gained momentum, contributing to the sport’s rapid growth in the city.
Pickleball’s Impact on Players
“Pickleball has helped my hand-eye coordination,” said Constance Turner Burkes, who took part in the clinic. A tennis player herself, Burkes shared how pickleball has enhanced her footwork, timing, and overall fitness—benefits that have carried over to her tennis game.
“And it’s a lot of fun. I’ve met a lot of new people,” Burkes added, reflecting on the social aspect of the game. “Margaret was one of the first people I met playing pickleball,” said Burkes, recalling their initial meeting at Jackson Park. “She came over here, where we play every Monday and Wednesday, and we were all like, ‘Who is that lady? She’s good!'”
Jackson Park Courts Now Open
The new pickleball courts at Jackson Park are open to the public every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering local residents a chance to experience the growing sport.
News in Brief: Pickleball Mania Hits Jackson Park
Jackson Park in Chicago has unveiled eight new pickleball courts as part of the city’s expanding pickleball facilities. The courts were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local residents, community advocates, and park staff. Funded by the Chicago Recovery Plan and built on repurposed tennis courts, the $330,000 project is part of the city’s broader goal of constructing 200 pickleball courts by 2025. The new courts are open to the public daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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