St. Petersburg Expands Pickleball Facilities to Meet Demand

News Summary

St. Petersburg, Florida is enhancing its pickleball infrastructure in response to the sport’s surging popularity. With an investment of approximately $1.1 million, the city will add new courts at Woodlawn Park to ease overcrowding at local venues like Crescent Lake Park. In addition to this upgrade, a temporary pop-up program at the St. Pete Pier is also underway. Furthermore, a new 50,000-square-foot athletic club featuring multiple pickleball courts is set to open this summer, emphasizing community engagement and additional amenities.

St. Petersburg, Florida is responding to the growing popularity of pickleball by expanding its facilities to accommodate the increasing number of players. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, pickleball has attracted a significant interest in the city, leading to plans for enhanced courts and community spaces.

Crescent Lake Park, a well-known venue among local athletes, has seen burgeoning attendance but is struggling with limited court availability. Players there often encounter long wait times, sometimes reaching up to an hour, leading to complaints about overcrowding at neighborhood courts. Tim Marshick, a frequent player at Crescent Lake Park, emphasizes the venue’s competitive atmosphere, although participants note that the condition of the courts is less than ideal.

To alleviate these issues, the city has announced a major upgrade to Woodlawn Park, located just a mile from Crescent Lake Park. The improvement project is expected to cost approximately $1.1 million and will introduce six new pickleball courts, along with two tennis courts and several basketball courts. City officials hope that these expansions will not only reduce the demand on existing facilities but also create opportunities for hosting pickleball tournaments.

In addition to this major initiative, St. Petersburg has launched a temporary pop-up pickleball program at the St. Pete Pier. These courts are accessible to the public until March 16, operating Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The cost to play on the Pier’s pickleball courts is $5 for an all-day pass, with paddle and ball rentals available for the same fee, and bookings are not required.

Additionally, the city is poised to see the opening of a new 50,000-square-foot athletic and social club by St. Pete Athletic in the Warehouse Arts District this summer. This facility will feature eight indoor pickleball courts and six covered outdoor courts, aiming to promote community engagement with the sport. In conjunction with the athletic amenities, the club will offer a variety of dining options, cocktails, and a coffee bar, reinforcing the concept of wellness and community connection.

The management of St. Pete Athletic intends to focus on engaging local youth in pickleball and ensuring access for all community members. Local partnerships, particularly with businesses like Green Bench Brewing and Intermezzo Coffee, highlight the collaborative effort to foster a vibrant sports culture in St. Petersburg. The athletic club is also set to feature extensive amenities, including a full-service restaurant, multiple bars, a members-only lounge, and even a pro shop, providing a well-rounded experience for sports enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the facility will include additional features such as a gym, sauna, and coworking space, ensuring it becomes a hub for sports lovers and those interested in healthy lifestyles throughout St. Petersburg. Memberships will be available for individuals, providing priority access to the courts along with a dynamic social atmosphere.

With these developments, St. Petersburg aims to solidify its reputation as a community dedicated to sports and recreation, making strides to meet the demands of its growing pickleball community and ensuring a vibrant future for the sport within the city.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 13 News: St. Pete Plans to Add More Pickleball Courts
• Wikipedia: Pickleball
• St. Pete Catalyst: Council OKs Plan to Upgrade Woodlawn Park
• Google Search: Pickleball St. Petersburg
• St. Pete Rising: First Look at St. Pete Athletic Club
• Google Scholar: Pickleball Development St. Petersburg
• I Love the Burg: Get Fit St. Pete Events & Classes
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickleball
• St. Pete Rising: Pickleball is Coming to the St. Pete Pier
• Google News: Pickleball News St. Petersburg