Pickleball expansion: How will it impact existing courts at one local park?

The city of Palm Springs is considering finalizing an expansion project to the pickleball courts in Demuth Park at Thursday's city council meeting.

According to Palm Springs Parks & Recreation, the project will cost $6 million and will double the number of courts at Demuth from 12 to 24. It will also renovate the existing courts. Measure J funds will help to pay for the project.

But some residents are concerned about the availability of facilities during construction and the timeline for renovations to the existing courts.

“Keep it open and build your new courts and let them play, then once they’re down with those courts then come over here and resurface these. Don’t tear them out. It’s a waste of money.” 
Tim Ehlers, Cathedral City resident

In a statement to News Channel 3, Nicholas Gonzalez, Director of Parks & Recreation, says in part:

"This decision responds to growing demand from residents for updated courts to meet the needs of our expanding pickleball community."

Kitty Alvarado, Palm Springs PIO, says the existing courts will be closed during construction, but plans for a temporary location are in the works.

If approved, the project is set to begin in April and be completed by winter 2026.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.