The 12 pickleball courts at the Leawood’s City Park have been popular enough that additional courts may be in the offing.
Leawood Park and Recreation Director Chris Claxton presented some data to city councilmembers last week along with the possibility of building eight more pickleball courts on a soccer field to the east of the existing courts.
In a sampling taken by camera of three courts on the south side of the complex, pickleball court usage was about 11 hours a day, Claxton said.
The existing courts do double duty, with striping for both pickleball and tennis play. Claxton said they get enough use that there are sometimes conflicts over who will play and when. The courts are used for lessons and rentals as well as free play.
The proposed new courts are far from neighbors who might complain about noise and lighting, Claxton said. They would be built for pickleball, which could potentially open up more court time at the existing courts for tennis players.
Claxton said the park department typically rests at least one soccer field a season, so the loss of the one near the pickleball courts would not pose a hardship.
If the Leawood City Council goes ahead with it, then the city could tap $1 million already budgeted in the long-range financial plan to help fund design and construction of more pickleball courts. More money could become available later through the Hallbrook North Tax Increment Financing package, if it is approved, according to city documents.
Councilmembers heard the report but took no action.
Councilmember Julie Cain said pickleball is “a national trend that is really alive and well in our region.” She added, “It’s not an insignificant amount of money but I do think it touches lots and lots and lots of citizens.”
Councilmember Lisa Harrison said, “I feel like I’ve been hearing about a need for pickleball courts for almost the 10 years I’ve been on the council, so I’m thrilled.”
The Leawood Park & Recreation Advisory Board and staff will develop the idea further before bringing it back to the city council. The item is on the board’s Thursday agenda, and the meeting takes place at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Conference Room at city hall, 4800 Town Center Drive.
Other pickleball news: New year-round venue Ace Pickleball Club opening in Olathe
