The Future of Pickleball in Gilbert Park: Gilbert’s Desert Sky and Gilbert Regional Parks are entering their second phase of development, with a heavy focus on expanding pickleball facilities. According to plans shared by the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, these parks will see significant additions to their current pickleball offerings, making them even more attractive to the sport’s growing fan base.
Pickleball Takes Center Stage in Park Expansions
Since their opening in 2019, both parks have quickly become hubs for pickleball players. Gilbert Regional Park, located near Queen Creek and Higley roads, was home to the town’s first 16 pickleball courts, which have seen overwhelming demand. Parks and Recreation Director Robert Carmona shared just how popular the courts have become, stating,
“It also added critical amenities that our community had been asking for such as our first pickleball courts – 16 of them at Gilbert Regional.” – (Robert Carmona)
“If you asked how those have been utilized – if you do not get there at 5:30 in the morning before park hours even open and we installed little speed bumps because they would race over there and claim their court – you are not getting on there.” – (Robert Carmona)
The addition of pickleball courts at both parks marked a turning point for the town’s recreational landscape, catering to a rapidly growing sport that has captured the attention of residents.
Since 2020, the parks have seen a 20% increase in users, with 5 million total visits, even through pandemic slowdowns. Carmona emphasized that these outdoor spaces have had a significant impact, providing much-needed amenities for the community.
“This has been a 10 year process, and I think it’s to the vision of the council in 2014-15 when they really looked at the development of the Gilbert Regional and Desert Sky and planned in advance.” – (Robert Carmona)
Pickleball in the Next Phase: What’s Coming?
In the second phase of development, Gilbert is doubling down on pickleball. The new plans for Desert Sky Park include eight additional pickleball courts, complementing the four already built in Phase I. Architect Aaron Allan from J2 Design Studio noted that the expansion will help meet the demand for courts, which has steadily risen since the initial opening.
Meanwhile, Gilbert Regional Park will see more courts added to its already popular lineup. As part of the broader sports field needs assessment, the park will grow to accommodate even more pickleball players with new courts designed to keep up with the sport’s growing popularity.
Carmona revealed that the development of these courts is based on strong community feedback, as well as data-driven assessments about the sports needs of Gilbert’s population. The town’s engagement with residents through over 75 public events ensured that pickleball remained a top priority.
“You will see that all of these amenities that we’re designing have been done on purpose – based on the data of what we’ve seen, but also the community engagement and what the residents are asking for.” – (Robert Carmona)
Community Engagement and Future Growth
The expansion of pickleball facilities is a direct response to the town’s rising population and its growing demand for outdoor recreation. While the parks team continues to gather feedback from the community, it’s clear that pickleball courts are among the highest priorities. Gilbert residents have voiced their desire for more spaces to play, and the town is answering that call with substantial additions in both parks.
The upcoming additions aren’t just about adding more courts—they reflect a commitment to providing a world-class recreational experience. Carmona emphasized that the second phase of development at both parks will integrate more multi-use spaces, athletic fields, and other amenities, including shade structures and family-friendly spaces.
Budget and Timeline for the Next Phase
The town has already earmarked substantial funds for these expansions, with Phase 2 of Gilbert Regional Park estimated to cost $194 million and Phase 2 of Desert Sky Park at $104 million. While these costs may shift, Carmona expressed confidence that the phased approach will allow for gradual development. He also noted that the expanded pickleball courts will be built in stages to match demand.
“When we see you again, hopefully at the spring retreat or at another designated time, we hope to go over what some of those phasing options could look like.” – (Robert Carmona)
“Obviously, with parks of this size, we know we are not going to be able to probably do it in one fell swoop.” – (Robert Carmona)
The new parks will be fully integrated into the larger recreational network, with plans to connect the two parks via trails, making it even easier for residents to enjoy both locations. The focus on pickleball will continue to drive Gilbert’s recreational development, with Carmona hopeful that by the time the new courts open, they will be met with the same enthusiastic reception.
News in Brief: The Future of Pickleball in Gilbert Park
Gilbert’s plans for expanding pickleball facilities at Desert Sky and Gilbert Regional parks will enhance the town’s recreational landscape. With over 5 million visits since their opening in 2019, the parks will add additional pickleball courts in their second phases, meeting the growing demand.
The expansion comes in response to strong community feedback, with plans for eight new pickleball courts at Desert Sky and more at Gilbert Regional. The estimated costs for the second phases are $194 million for Gilbert Regional and $104 million for Desert Sky, with construction expected to take place in stages.
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