By SDCN Editor
Carlsbad, CA–Responding to the surging popularity of pickleball, the Carlsbad City Council has greenlit the construction of eight new outdoor courts.
This move comes just three and a half months after the city’s Parks and Recreation Department updated its master plan to accommodate the sport’s growing appeal.
The new courts, slated to complement the existing six at Poinsettia Community Park, will be distributed across various neighborhoods. Four courts each are proposed for Calavera Hills Community Park and Stagecoach Community Park, bringing Carlsbad’s total outdoor pickleball court count to 14.
Pickleball, often described as a blend of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, has seen a significant uptick in interest nationwide. A 2023 study by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association showed that pickleball was the fastest-growing sport in the country for the fifth year in a row, with nearly one in five Americans playing at least once in the past 12 months.
While historically favored by older adults, with half of serious players being 55 or older, the sport has been rapidly gaining popularity among younger demographics. The majority of casual players are now under 55, and the under-24 segment represents the fastest-growing cohort.
Carlsbad built its first six courts in 2019 after pickleball emerged as a top priority during the creation of the city’s previous Parks and Recreation Department master plan.
The city council’s decision to prioritize new, dedicated pickleball courts over converting existing tennis courts or creating shared facilities was influenced by feedback from both tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. Despite the potential for quicker completion, the council opted for the long-term benefit of dedicated pickleball spaces. The new courts are expected to be completed within two years.
The selection criteria for the new court locations included factors such as accessibility and suitability for the community. The chosen Calavera Hills and Stagecoach sites are best aligned with these criteria, making them the top choices for the expansion.
Outdoor pickleball courts are also among the amenities proposed in three design concepts for the future Robertson Ranch Park. The city is currently seeking community feedback on the park’s design through an online survey.
The next steps for the project include soliciting and hiring a design consultant, completing the required environmental analysis and permitting process, and preparing detailed construction plans to put out to bid. The eight new outdoor pickleball courts are expected to open in about 24 to 28 months and are estimated to cost between $2 million and $2.4 million in total.
In the meantime, in addition to the six courts at Poinsettia Community Park, the city of Carlsbad offers indoor pickleball at three community centers: Calavera Hills Community Center, Pine Avenue Community Center, and Stagecoach Community Center.
The city also offers pickleball lessons for adults, which residents can sign up for online. Pickleball is also available on a pay-to-play basis at certain private facilities, such as racquet sports clubs and churches.
