US Cities Expand Pickleball Courts Amid Community Tensions

Pickleball's popularity is driving significant investments in new courts and facilities across the U.S., with cities both expanding recreational options and navigating public pushback. Fresno, California, has opened its first eight dedicated pickleball courts at Rotary East Park, while Orem, Utah, introduced four new courts at Northridge Park in response to community demand. In Dallas, Ace Pickleball Club is launching a major indoor facility in Frisco to provide year-round play and member amenities. Myrtle Beach is awaiting federal approval to build a large pickleball complex on city-owned land, underscoring the sport's growing presence in public recreation. In Fort Lauderdale, city plans to convert iconic beach basketball courts into pickleball courts have sparked protests from basketball players, but the project is still moving forward. These developments illustrate both the rapid spread of pickleball and the challenges of balancing diverse community interests.