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Report regarding the planning and design for dedicated pickleball courts to be constructed at Orange Memorial Park. (Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation)
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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.
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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...
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