Pasco County is set to build its first dedicated public pickleball courts at the Wesley Chapel District Park, marking a significant step in addressing the growing demand for the sport. The project, funded with $700,000, will feature nine outdoor courts arranged in pods of three, complete with shade structures and bleacher seating. This development comes after years of residents playing pickleball on converted tennis courts or temporary setups at recreation centers. County recreation manager Brian Taylor highlighted that the initiative responds to sustained interest that surged during the pandemic. The new facility will also serve as a testing ground for a mobile reservation system to help manage crowds effectively. Construction is expected to begin in December, with completion targeted for early summer 2027, though earlier progress is hoped for. Unlike some other regions that convert tennis courts entirely, Pasco plans to maintain its existing tennis facilities while expanding pickleball options at new parks and dedicated sites.
Key Points:
- Pasco County has approved $700,000 in funding for nine dedicated pickleball courts at Wesley Chapel District Park.
- The new courts will be the first dedicated public pickleball courts run by parks in the entire Pasco County.
- Construction is expected to begin in December and wrap up by early summer 2027, though earlier progress is hoped for.
- The facility will include 35-by-15-foot shade structures between court pods and some bleacher seating underneath for spectators.
- Access to the courts requires a $10 annual fee or an existing county membership card.
