Saladino Park’s New Pickleball Courts: The amenities at Bertha and Tony Saladino Park in Brandon continue to expand, with three new pickleball courts under construction. Located at 1705 Bryan Road in Brandon, this popular county facility is adding lighted pickleball courts that will enhance its already well-loved offerings, including playgrounds, exercise equipment, basketball courts, a baseball field, a walking path, and a dog park. The new pickleball courts are a welcomed addition for locals and visitors alike.
Meeting Growing Demand for Pickleball
Pickleball, hailed as the fastest-growing sport in Hillsborough County, has seen a surge in popularity. In response to this growth, the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department has committed to expanding its pickleball facilities to meet the increasing demand. Saladino Park is just one of several locations that will benefit from this initiative. New courts will also be added at Mango Park in Seffner and Balm Park and Community Center in Wimauma, ensuring broader access to the sport across the region.
Progress on the Saladino Park Expansion
Jason Mackenzie, the park planner and development manager for Hillsborough County, shared the exciting news about the county’s pickleball court expansion. “Hillsborough County is scheduled to have 55 pickleball courts functional by the end of next year with 35 currently open,” he said. “A bulk of the additions were funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, with current projects funded by park impact fees paid by developers.” Mackenzie emphasized that the goal is for courts to be evenly distributed across the county. He anticipates that the Saladino project will be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
The Challenge of Construction
While the expansion project is exciting, Mackenzie also highlighted the extensive behind-the-scenes work required before the courts can be completed. “There’s still a lot of what I call ‘unwow’ work to be done,” he explained. This includes land preparation, the addition of over 20 parking spaces, expanding part of the existing retention pond, reconfiguring stormwater piping, and laying conduit for lighting.
Only after these essential underground tasks are finished can the pickleball pads be poured. The courts themselves will need an additional 30 days to cure before lines are painted to avoid any imperfections in the finish.
The Importance of Parks in the Community
Mackenzie, who brings over 27 years of Parks & Recreation experience, underscored the significance of parks in people’s lives. “Parks provide the backdrop to all great memories growing up. It gives people an opportunity to break away from the rest of the world,” he noted. Mackenzie strongly supports the county’s mission to provide “passive recreation opportunities” where visitors can enjoy facilities at their own pace, without oversight or a structured agenda.
Upcoming Local Projects
As the Saladino Park expansion progresses, other local area projects are also on the agenda. These include upgrades to Sadie Park and the Brandon Community Center, as well as improvements to the Providence West Sports Complex. With such developments underway, the county’s commitment to enhancing public spaces and recreational opportunities for the community remains steadfast.
News in Brief: Saladino Park’s New Pickleball Courts
Construction has begun on three new pickleball courts at Bertha and Tony Saladino Park in Brandon. The expansion aims to meet the growing demand for pickleball in Hillsborough County, with more courts planned at other local parks.
The project is expected to be completed by early 2025, with over 55 courts anticipated to be functional by the end of next year. The expansion will enhance the park’s amenities, which include basketball courts, a dog park, and exercise equipment. Further upgrades are also planned for nearby parks and community centers.
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