Title
Report regarding the planning and design for dedicated pickleball courts to be constructed at Orange Memorial Park. (Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council receive an update on the planning and design of pickleball courts to be constructed at Orange Memorial Park and provide feedback to the design team.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Pickleball remains among the fastest growing sports in the country - and South San Francisco is not immune to this popular phenomenon. The sport employs the use of paddles and pickleballs, similar to a whiffle ball, and a net.
A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and measures 20 feet by 44 feet. Courts can be constructed specifically for pickleball or can be converted using existing tennis or badminton courts. In most cases, a single tennis court can be striped with four pickleball courts within the same footprint. The sport is accessible to those of all abilities, ages, and skill levels.
In recent years, the Department has expanded pickleball programs, in large part due to community demand for this thriving sport.
The City does not have any permanent pickleball facilities. Starting in fiscal year 2017/18, the Department striped existing tennis courts with pickleball lines for shared use at Buri Buri Park, Stonegate Tennis Courts, and Westborough Park. The tennis court at Sellick Park presently serves as a pilot project site for dedicated pickleball. Still, demand remains unmet and conflicts with tennis users remain at most locations, as do noise concerns from park neighbors. For this reason, a more thoughtful approach to design and community outreach was necessary.
The Orange Memorial Park Master Plan does envision the construction of six new pickleball courts located in the vacant lot between Eucalyptus Drive and the existing tennis courts. Based on feedback from when dedicated pickleball courts were piloted on the standalone tennis court (court #5) at Orange Memorial Park, it was determined that this location was too close to homes, and numerous noise complaints were received.
Understanding the need for dedicated facilities, $650,000 in Park Construction Fees were requested and approved by City Council to design and construct pickleball courts in fiscal year (FY) 2024-25. After cursory design and cost estimating work, additional funding was determined necessary to complete this project, and in the FY 2025-26 budget, $400,000 in additional Park Construction Fees were secured for a total project budget of $1,050,000.
After a thoughtful siting study, staff and the design team, led by landscape architects from Callander Associates, have recommended that the courts be located at Orange Memorial Park where the existing skate park is housed. It should also be noted that the Orange Memorial Park Master Plan, which was informed by thousands of touchpoints with the public, does already consider the removal of the skate park here for other park amenities to include a central gathering area. Additionally, in 2023, Centennial Way Park South opened with a world-class granite skate park that is used overwhelmingly more than the existing park at Orange Memorial Park. Still, relocation of skate elements to other park sites, namely the future Centennial Way Park North, is being explored.
Concept plans were shared and community outreach was completed in the fall of 2025. Feedback received included the following:
• Support for the concept plan and court location
• Park neighbors appreciated acoustic study
• Requests were made for more courts and programs (beginner classes, leagues, events)
• Additional seating inside courts, windscreens, paddle racks, and hooks for bags were requested
• Residents suggest timers for lighting and resident-priority reservations
• Improve access with accessible paths and plan for future nearby restroom upgrades
Community feedback was incorporated into the court design and presented before the Parks and Recreation Commission at their October 2025 meeting. At that time, Commissioners and public speakers provided the following feedback, which was also integrated into the final plan:
• Reconfiguration of courts and relocation of proposed parking stalls along Eucalyptus Avenue to allow for one additional court
• Add a protected area with spectator seating, separated from court area with low fence
• Concerns were received about wind direction and impacts on user experience in seating area, and recommendations for additional wind screening
• Add paddle racks to courts for a queuing system
This project will also be revisited with the City Council at time of awarding bids.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. This project is funded by the Parks Construction Fee fund. The engineers’ estimate for this project is $855,940, including contingency. A bid alternate for additional sound attenuating screening is estimated at $33,800. Excluding already encumbered design costs, there is nearly $930,000 remaining in the project budget ($1,050,000 project budget minus $120,000 in design and engineering fees).
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of this action will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan. It aligns with Priority #2, which is focused on enhancing quality of life by building and maintaining a sustainable city, making the city a great place to live, learn, and play.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council review the proposed design for the Orange Memorial Park Pickleball Court Project and provide feedback and consensus to staff. No formal action is requested at this time.