Columbus has finished converting the old tennis court area at Centennial Park into a new multi-use space with four pickleball courts and a basketball court, giving the southeastern Columbus park a fresh draw for players of all ages. The $47,200 project, approved by the Columbus City Council in July, was originally pitched as a two-court pickleball build before the contractor realized the footprint could handle twice that.
A Bigger Build Than Planned
City officials say the project involved resurfacing and reconfiguring the former tennis courts to fit four pickleball courts alongside a basketball court, according to the City of Columbus, Nebraska. The original plan called for just two pickleball courts, but contractor Pro Track and Tennis determined the space could accommodate four, effectively doubling the project's pickleball capacity without a redesign. As The Norfolk Daily News reports, the sport has grown in popularity among players of all ages, a trend that likely factored into the city's decision to lean into the expanded layout. Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, played with solid paddles and a perforated plastic ball.
Columbus Parks and Recreation Director Sydney Mroczek called the finished courts a vibrant addition to the park. The city's broader approach, per the same city account, aims to provide a mix of recreational opportunities rather than identical offerings at every park — which is part of why pickleball court counts vary across town. Pawnee Park has six pickleball courts, while Gerrard Park has three, leaving Centennial's four courts in the middle of that local range.
Why Centennial Park Got the Upgrade
Centennial Park was prioritized for the project because of its existing activity and the growth happening nearby, the city's account notes. Dozens of new homes and apartments have gone up near the park, with more planned, and the park already hosts Columbus Youth Baseball League activities on its diamonds. Mroczek said the park is expected to see a lot more foot traffic in the upcoming years as that residential growth continues.
The park sits near Centennial Elementary School, Dollar General, Casey's and the Charlie Louis Fire Station, putting the new courts within easy reach of both families and neighborhood businesses. Beyond the new courts, Centennial Park offers baseball diamonds, a playground, an outdoor archery range and open green space. Mroczek said the city wants to provide accessible amenities to everyone, a goal reflected in the park's mix of offerings.
Part of a Larger Pattern of Investment
The court project follows other recent work at Centennial Park, including previous updates to its concession stand and restrooms. The city's capital projects records show the City Council approved construction of a new restroom and concession building back in December 2023, and that building has since been completed. That earlier project was described as part of a comprehensive Master Plan aimed at enhancing park amenities and improving the visitor experience.
City officials describe updating parks as an ongoing, every single year, process rather than a one-time push — meaning Centennial Park's new courts likely won't be the last upgrade Columbus residents see rolled out across the city's park system.
