Cerritos City Council reviews plan to convert tennis courts to pickleball at Liberty Park

The Cerritos City Council meeting on April 10, 2025, spotlighted the growing popularity of pickleball, with a proposal to convert one of Liberty Park's tennis courts into four dedicated pickleball courts. This recommendation follows a unanimous vote from the Parks and Recreation Commission, which highlighted the increasing demand for pickleball facilities in the community.

Currently, Cerritos boasts 15 pickleball courts, with five located at Liberty Park. However, the existing courts lack fencing and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The proposal aims to enhance accessibility and safety by creating dedicated pickleball courts, which would allow for more organized play and reduce conflicts between players.

Mr. Sameer Patel from the Recreation Services Division presented the feasibility of the conversion, outlining costs ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for dual-use configurations, and up to $20,000 for complete resurfacing if necessary. The council discussed various configurations, weighing the benefits of dual-use courts against the need for dedicated pickleball spaces.

Public comments reflected strong community support for expanding pickleball facilities, with residents advocating for additional courts at Cerritos Park East and other locations. Many expressed frustration over the limited availability of courts and the need for more options to accommodate the sport's growing popularity.

Council members acknowledged the need for further surveys to assess tennis court usage at Cerritos Park East, emphasizing that the conversation about pickleball should not be limited to Liberty Park alone. The council is expected to deliberate on the proposal and consider the broader implications for pickleball access throughout Cerritos in future meetings.