The Growing Demand for Pickleball Courts in Phoenix
Carrie McNeish & Jill Ostendorp are passionate pickleball players who have been enjoying the sport for the past five years. With the increasing popularity of pickleball across the country, they believe that Phoenix needs more public courts to meet the growing demand.
Pickleball has been gaining popularity rapidly, leading many parks to add courts or convert existing tennis courts to accommodate pickleball enthusiasts. This surge in interest has not gone unnoticed by McNeish and Ostendorp, who are advocating for more pickleball facilities in the City of Phoenix.
According to McNeish, “The growth of the sport just went crazy, bonkers,” highlighting the immense popularity that pickleball has garnered in recent years. Despite the conversion of two tennis courts at Desert Foothills Park to accommodate pickleball, McNeish and Ostendorp believe that more dedicated pickleball courts are needed to keep up with the demand.
While the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department made efforts to enhance the existing courts, McNeish and Ostendorp feel that additional dedicated courts are necessary, especially considering the long wait times at nearby pickleball complexes. With over 1,200 supporters backing their campaign, their goal is to see eight dedicated pickleball courts and a parking lot constructed at Desert Foothills Park.
Although the costs of building such courts are substantial, McNeish and Ostendorp remain determined to make their vision a reality. They are exploring private-public partnerships to secure funding for the project, working closely with city officials to advocate for the expansion of pickleball facilities in Phoenix.
Meanwhile, pickleball enthusiasts in Ahwatukee can enjoy playing at various locations, including Pecos Park and upcoming facilities in south Tempe. With new pickleball facilities on the horizon, the future looks bright for pickleball in the Phoenix area.
McNeish and Ostendorp’s persistence has not gone unnoticed, with city officials actively considering potential public-private partnerships to meet the demand for pickleball courts. As the pickleball community continues to grow, their efforts may soon pay off, paving the way for more opportunities to play this beloved sport in Phoenix.
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Join the growing community of pickleball enthusiasts in Phoenix and be part of the exciting journey towards expanding pickleball facilities in the region. The future of pickleball looks bright, thanks to the dedication and passion of players like McNeish and Ostendorp.
