Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is extending an invitation, to the local community to provide input on the new Pickleball Court Planning project at Warren G. Magnuson Park. The public engagement session is set for September 5th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the Magnuson Community Center. This session offers a platform for community members to see the preliminary designs and share their thoughts directly with the project team.
The site chosen for this project is the decommissioned Children’s Hospital park-and-pool lot, north of NE 65th Street. Budget plans currently pave the way for 8 to 10 new pickleball courts complete with lighting, with expectations to open them by late 2026. "We are excited to bring this project to the community and hear your thoughts on the design concepts," said AP Diaz, the Superintendent of SPR, in a statement obtained by Parkways Seattle.
Pickleball, seeing a sharp rise in popularity within the Seattle area, is often described as a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It appeals to a broad demographic and is lauded for its accessibility to players of varying ages and abilities. The upcoming community session is not just an avenue for feedback but also acts as a beacon for rallying community support and fostering a sense of belonging through sport.
Despite current limitations in funding, SPR's ambitions for the project do not end with the initial batch of courts. They are now looking to revise the park's master plan to potentially accommodate a grander setup, featuring 16 to 18 courts, and possibly even 24 lighted courts contingent on securing additional grants or donations, according to plans shared on the project's page. As it stands, no further SPR funding is set aside for this enhanced vision.
Those interested in having a say in the future of Magnuson Park’s sporting facilities and contributing ideas for the pickleball court designs are encouraged to attend the upcoming session. For those unable to make it in person, SPR provides additional channels for community feedback, ensuring everyone's voice can be part of the pickleball landscape shaping up in Seattle's beloved park.
