Flagstaff Council considers multi-sport courts and pickleball expansion at Bushmaster Park

The Flagstaff City Council held a regular meeting on May 6, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the proposed redevelopment of Bushmaster Park to include new pickleball, basketball, and tennis courts. The meeting began with a presentation detailing the current state of the park's facilities, which are reportedly in poor condition, particularly the existing basketball courts.

The proposal includes resurfacing two existing tennis courts to create six pickleball courts, along with the addition of two new pickleball courts and two new basketball courts. The existing basketball courts, which are severely damaged, will be demolished and relocated approximately 16 feet north to mitigate damage caused by nearby trees. The plan also involves the removal of 13 trees, which has raised concerns among council members and community members regarding environmental impact.

Council member Matthews clarified that the $2.1 million budget discussed is solely for construction, as the design costs have already been covered. Public comments were invited, with several community members expressing strong support for the project. Christine Sturgeon, a representative from USA Pickleball, emphasized the economic benefits of expanding pickleball facilities, citing the sport's rapid growth and potential to attract tourism and local spending.

Alicia Hendricks, president of the Flagstaff Pickleball Association, highlighted the community's demand for more dedicated pickleball courts, noting that the current facilities are insufficient for the growing number of players. Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of pickleball as a community-building activity that fosters connections across age groups.

Concerns about noise from the new courts were raised, with some council members questioning whether noise abatement measures had been considered. However, it was confirmed that such measures were not included in the current proposal. The council discussed the potential for revenue generation through permits for tournaments and events, although it was noted that recreational play would remain free.

As the meeting progressed, council members debated the appropriateness of the park's location for the new facilities, particularly in light of the environmental impact of tree removal. Some members suggested exploring alternative locations that might better accommodate the new courts without sacrificing existing green space.

In conclusion, the council's discussions reflected a balance between community recreational needs and environmental considerations. The proposal for Bushmaster Park is set to be revisited, with further deliberations expected as the council weighs the benefits of enhanced recreational facilities against the ecological impact of the project.