Auburn’s New Pickleball Courts: School Park Preserve in Auburn celebrated the grand reopening of its newly renovated pickleball courts on December 12, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local leaders and community members. The event marked a major upgrade to the city’s pickleball facilities, providing a fresh space for the rapidly growing sport.
Funding and Collaboration
The renovation of the courts, which cost around $90,000, was funded through a combination of city, Auburn Area Recreation and Parks District (ARD), and Sky View Foundation contributions, as well as a California State Parks grant.
The project, which was approved for $190,200, involved collaboration between several local agencies and organizations, including the four Rotary clubs in Auburn. The city’s portion of the cost was covered using American Relief Plan Act funding.
“This was an amazing collaboration between multiple agencies and nonprofits. The creation of this wonderful facility really is a testament to how the Auburn community comes together when needed.” – (Rabé)
“The four Rotary clubs in the city, plus Auburn Recreation District, Sky View Foundation and the city worked cooperatively to get this court built, and it wouldn’t be here without all of us working together to make it a reality.” – (Rabé)
The New Facility
The courts at School Park Preserve now feature three lit pickleball courts, perfect for evening play. Each court is also accessible for people with disabilities via an elevator. According to Nina Vaughan, co-founder of the Auburn Pickleball Club, this is the city’s third pickleball court, joining two others on the north and south sides of Auburn.
“I live, maybe, a two-minute drive. Maybe a five-minute walk. It’s fabulous. We call it midtown. Everybody that lives in this community can walk here.” – (Vaughan)
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
Pickleball, a sport similar to tennis but played with a smaller court and paddles, has exploded in popularity across the country. The game involves teams serving underhand and aiming for a diagonal shot over the net. Players can only score when they are serving, with games typically played to 11 points.
Community Involvement
Alice Dowdin Calvillo, an Auburn City Council member, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and showed off her skills with a serve clocked at 24 miles per hour. “That’s the first time I’ve ever done that in my life,” she remarked after the demonstration, which was monitored by a police radar gun typically used to track speeding vehicles.
Pickleball for All Ages
Pickleball, often praised for being accessible to players of all ages, has become a favorite among Auburn residents. Vaughan noted that people from toddlers to those in their 80s are enjoying the sport.
“Pickleball has become the nation’s leading and fastest-growing sport there is. Every age can come play.” – (Vaughan)
“I’m in my 60s now. I’ve got broken pieces and parts, but I can still move. It doesn’t matter what age, what level, we have fun.” – (Vaughan)
Looking Ahead
The new courts at School Park Preserve offer a valuable community resource and represent the growing importance of recreational spaces in Auburn. As the city’s pickleball community continues to grow, these courts will serve as a hub for seasoned players and newcomers to the sport.
News in Brief: Auburn’s New Pickleball Courts
School Park Preserve in Auburn celebrated the grand reopening of its newly renovated pickleball courts on December 12, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local leaders. The $90,000 renovation, funded through city, local, and state contributions, resulted in three lit, accessible courts for all ages.
The renovation marks the city’s third pickleball facility and highlights the growing popularity of the sport in Auburn, which has drawn players from toddlers to seniors. The new courts offer a valuable resource for the community, fostering inclusivity and growth within the local pickleball scene.
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