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Expanding Pickleball Facilities in Costa Mesa

2024-11-26

Responding to the burgeoning demand for spaces to engage in the beloved recreational sport of pickleball, Costa Mesa took a significant step a few years ago. At its Downtown Recreation center, three courts were striped out, and in 2022, an additional two courts were dedicated at Tanager Park. This enthusiasm for the game, a delightful hybrid of tennis and ping-pong played with rackets and plastic balls, shows no signs of slowing down. As officials prepare to celebrate the opening of eight more courts at the Costa Mesa Tennis Center next Monday in a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, the city's love for pickleball continues to grow.

Unlock the Fun of Pickleball with Costa Mesa's New Courts

Striping Out Courts at Downtown Recreation Center

A few years ago, Costa Mesa made a strategic decision to strip out three courts at its Downtown Recreation center. This move was in response to the increasing interest in pickleball. The decision was well-received, as these courts quickly became popular among players of all ages. Kids, seniors, and adults alike flocked to these courts, filling them to capacity. It was clear that pickleball was here to stay in Costa Mesa.

Adding Courts at Tanager Park in 2022

In 2022, Costa Mesa took another step to meet the growing demand for pickleball courts. Two more courts were dedicated at Tanager Park. These courts quickly became a hub of activity, with players enjoying the unique blend of tennis and ping-pong. The addition of these courts further enhanced the city's pickleball offerings and allowed more people to get involved in the sport.

Resurfacing and Reconfiguring at Costa Mesa Tennis Center

Last August, the city inked a deal with Orange County-based ProSurface, Inc. to resurface and repair the playing areas at its 12-court facility near TeWinkle Park. The project was a comprehensive one, involving the reconfiguration of two tennis courts, courts 11 and 12, into eight regulation-sized pickleball courts. New posts, pickleball nets, and additional fencing were installed to separate the north and south courts. This transformation has created a state-of-the-art pickleball facility that is sure to attract even more players.

The Impact on Tennis at the Center

Although the addition of eight new pickleball courts necessitated a reduction in physical space for tennis, Mayor John Stephens assures that the traditional sport isn't going anywhere. He believes that taking two courts for pickleball was a good move, as it allows for the growth of a new sport while still maintaining a strong tennis-playing base at the center. Stephens emphasizes that as sports grow, the city is committed to using its resources to meet the needs of the community.

The Benefits of Pickleball

Recreation manager Monique Villasenor highlights the excitement of having eight more pickleball courts at the Tennis Center. She has been receiving phone calls from people asking when the new courts will open. This shows the high demand for pickleball in Costa Mesa. Pickleball is a great sport for recreationalists as well as avid tennis players looking for a less demanding form of exercise. As Mayor Stephens mentioned, it's about the angles and hitting, not the long strokes and running around. This makes it a fun and accessible sport for people of all ages and fitness levels.The Costa Mesa Tennis Center is located at 880 Junipero Drive. For more information, contact (714) 557-0211 or visit costamesatopseed.com.