Encinitas residents push for expanded pickleball facilities amid rising popularity

The Encinitas Parks & Recreation Commission meeting on February 18, 2025, highlighted a growing demand for pickleball facilities, reflecting a significant shift in community sports preferences. Residents voiced their concerns and suggestions, emphasizing the need for more dedicated pickleball courts to accommodate the sport's rising popularity.

One resident, a former employee of the Encinitas Community Center, shared his personal experience with the center and advocated for the installation of security cameras to enhance safety. He expressed his love for the community center and its activities, particularly basketball and pickleball, underscoring the importance of these facilities for local residents.

Ron Grimes, another speaker, presented compelling statistics about pickleball's explosive growth, noting that participation has surged to 15 million players nationwide, surpassing traditional sports like organized basketball. He argued that the current allocation of gym time heavily favors basketball over pickleball, with a stark contrast of 52 hours for basketball compared to just 12 for pickleball. Grimes called for a reevaluation of facility usage to better reflect community interests.

Dennis Jile, a long-time resident and tennis club member, suggested implementing a punch card system for facility access, which could differentiate between local and non-local users. He emphasized the social benefits of sports like pickleball, particularly for older adults, and encouraged the commission to consider new ideas for improving access.

Daniel Menges, a pickleball enthusiast, praised recent upgrades to the community center, including new lighting and nets. He urged the commission to provide transparency regarding participation statistics for various sports, advocating for a more balanced allocation of gym time based on actual usage.

In response to the community's feedback, the commission acknowledged the growing popularity of pickleball and the challenges of balancing facility usage among different sports. They confirmed ongoing efforts to explore options for expanding pickleball courts at Encinitas Community Park, indicating a commitment to addressing the community's needs in future planning. The meeting underscored the importance of adapting recreational facilities to meet the evolving interests of Encinitas residents.