Pearland’s recreational facilities aren’t keeping up with the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., according to local pickleball fans.
“There are no real pickleball courts open to the public in Pearland except those two tennis courts at Centennial Park,” said Leslie Malone, who addressed a recent City Council public forum. “The rec center and the Y are for members only, and they only allow pickleball at certain times of the day.”
Her request was an inexpensive one: that pickleball court stripes be added to four tennis courts at Independence Park and two more at Centennial Park. Two courts are currently striped for pickleball at Centennial Park.
However, a growing number of communities are catering specifically to the pickleball crowd and building separate courts, which are significantly smaller than tennis courts.
Funded through voter-approved bonds, a new phase of Independence Park is in the early design phases and pickleball courts have been among requests, Mayor Kevin Cole said during a summer Talk of the Town, a live Q and A session with citizens.
“I hope we see some pickleball courts before that, but I think those are going to be some things you’ll see in the park,” he said.
Phase II of the park will add waster amenities, inclusive features and playground expansions.
Pickleball courts are also being considered for the Centennial Park and the Shadow Creek sports complex. An updated parks master plan contracted by the city to the firm Baxter & Woodman is expected to be complete in 2026.
Often described as a cross between ping pong and badminton, pickleball is played with paddles similar to those used in table tennis, and a plastic, perforated ball. For players looking for public courts in their area, USA Pickleball provides an online locator at www.places2play.org
“It’s not a stretch to turn that into a festival space,” Cole said regarding the area that recently hosted the first Arts and Eats Festival. “That’s something I can see happening early to get some momentum.”
The full draft plan of the Old Town plan can be accessed online at tinyurl.com/OldTownPlan
