Tennis Courts Get a Makeover — and Pickleball Lines

For most of the summer, the tennis courts at Riverside Park were hidden behind orange construction fencing, the familiar thwack of tennis balls replaced by the rumble of paving equipment. On Saturday, the fences come down. After a summer of construction, 12 public tennis courts in Riverside Park reopen Saturday with new surfaces, LED lights and lines for pickleball. It is the biggest upgrade to the courts in more than two decades, and it arrives with a compromise that has been months in the making.

The parks department says the shared lines are a compromise after months of debate between tennis and pickleball players. The result is a set of courts designed to serve both sports, along with a new reservation system, longer evening hours and a few house rules meant to keep the peace.

What is new at Riverside Park

The $1.8 million renovation was paid for through the city’s capital improvement budget, with additional support from a local parks foundation. Work began in early June and wrapped up last week, slightly ahead of schedule.

The project replaced cracked and uneven asphalt that had been patched repeatedly over the years. Crews rebuilt the court base, installed a new cushioned acrylic surface and added improved drainage so courts dry faster after rain. The old metal-halide lights, several of which had burned out, were replaced with LED fixtures that use less energy and cast more even light across the playing surface.

Here is a summary of the major upgrades:

• New surfaces: All 12 courts were rebuilt with a cushioned, color-coated acrylic surface.
• LED lighting: New lights allow play until 10 p.m. year-round, an hour later than before.
• Shared lines: Eight courts have pickleball lines painted in a contrasting color alongside the tennis lines.
• Dedicated courts: Four courts remain tennis-only.
• Amenities: New benches, shade structures, a water bottle filling station and a ball wall for practice.
• Accessibility: Wider gates and a new accessible path from the parking lot to all courts.

Months of debate

The road to the shared courts was not smooth. When the parks department first proposed adding pickleball lines last winter, it set off one of the liveliest debates the parks board has seen in years. More than 300 residents submitted comments, and three public meetings stretched well past their scheduled end times.

Pickleball players argued that their sport has grown rapidly in the city, with players often waiting an hour or more for a spot on the few dedicated courts at Northgate Park. They pointed out that pickleball is popular among older adults and beginners and requires less space than tennis.

Tennis players worried about losing court time and about extra lines making it harder to judge calls. Some also raised concerns about noise, since the pop of pickleball paddles carries farther than the sound of tennis.

Longtime tennis player Frank Morrison, who has played at Riverside for more than 30 years, said he was skeptical at first. “I did not want to lose my courts,” he said. “But I came around. There are more people out here wanting to play, and that is a good thing for the park.”

Pickleball player Denise Carter, who helped organize residents in favor of the change, said the final plan was a fair middle ground. “Nobody got everything they wanted,” she said. “But everybody got something, and that is how it should work.”

The parks board ultimately approved the plan unanimously in April after staff presented several options. One early proposal would have converted four tennis courts entirely to pickleball, which drew strong opposition. Another would have kept all 12 courts tennis-only and built new pickleball courts elsewhere, but the cost and the lack of available land made that impractical in the short term.

The shared-line approach is already common in many cities, according to parks staff, who visited several facilities in neighboring communities before making a recommendation. Staff said the contrasting line colors help players quickly focus on their own sport, and most players adjust within a few sessions. The department chose a light blue for the pickleball lines so they stand out clearly against the green playing surface without distracting tennis players.

How sharing will work

To keep things fair, the parks department created a set of guidelines for the shared courts. They will be posted at the entrance and on the city’s website.

There is room for everyone. Just maybe not on Saturday at 9 a.m.

Parks director Karen Walsh

Walsh said weekend mornings are the busiest time for both sports, and the department expects crowds when the courts reopen. To manage demand, the city is introducing a new system:

1. Online reservations: Six of the shared courts can be reserved up to three days in advance through the city’s parks website, in 90-minute blocks.
2. Walk-up courts: Two shared courts and two tennis-only courts will remain first-come, first-served.
3. Time blocks: During peak hours, some shared courts will be set aside for pickleball and others for tennis on a rotating schedule.
4. Open play: Pickleball open play, where players rotate in and out of games, will be offered on weekday mornings.
5. Quiet hours: Play on the courts closest to nearby homes ends at 9 p.m. to reduce noise for neighbors.

Walsh said the department will review usage data and feedback after six months and adjust the rules if needed. “We want to see how people actually use the courts before we make any permanent decisions,” she said.

Opening weekend

The courts reopen at 8 a.m. Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a day of free activities. The parks department and local clubs have planned:

• Free beginner clinics for both tennis and pickleball, with equipment provided.
• A youth tennis session led by coaches from the Riverside Tennis Club.
• Exhibition matches featuring local high school players.
• A mixed “try the other sport” session, where tennis players can try pickleball and vice versa.

Walsh encouraged residents to bring water, sunscreen and patience. “It is going to be busy,” she said. “But it is going to be fun.”

Tips for new players

The parks department expects many first-time players to try out the courts in the coming weeks. Coaches with local clubs offered a few basic suggestions for beginners:

• Start with a group lesson or clinic to learn the rules and basic strokes.
• Wear supportive court shoes rather than running shoes to protect your ankles.
• Warm up for a few minutes before playing, and stretch gently afterward.
• Stay hydrated, especially on warm afternoons.
• If you have health concerns, check with your doctor before starting a new sport.

Both sports offer social benefits as well. Local clubs said they plan to add more beginner leagues and drop-in nights this fall.

Key takeaway: Riverside Park’s 12 tennis courts reopen Saturday with new surfaces, LED lights and shared pickleball lines, along with a reservation system meant to make room for both sports.

A park that keeps evolving

The renovated courts are part of a broader plan to upgrade facilities at Riverside Park over the next five years. Future projects include new restrooms, a renovated playground and improved walking trails along the river.

For now, players on both sides of the debate say they are just glad to have the courts back. “I have been driving across town all summer to find a place to play,” said Morrison. “Saturday morning, I will be here early. I might even try a pickleball paddle.”