Milpitas City Council discusses converting tennis courts to pickleball facilities

The Milpitas City Council held a regular meeting on May 20, 2025, focusing on community sports and park usage, particularly regarding the growing interest in pickleball. The meeting began with discussions on the importance of mutual respect among park users and the need for cleanliness, with suggestions for additional trash bins to accommodate increased activity.

Council Member Chua raised the question of conducting a study to determine the best use of Dixon Park for pickleball, emphasizing the need for a dedicated space for the sport. The council acknowledged the ongoing pilot program for pickleball and the feedback received over the past two years, indicating a desire to find a permanent home for the sport.

Council Member Lam echoed the call for an indoor pickleball court, suggesting the potential use of local warehouses and the exploration of partnerships with private entities to minimize reliance on city funds. The economic development team has been actively seeking such partnerships, although no concrete agreements have been finalized yet.

The council also addressed agenda item 14, which proposed converting two of the four tennis courts into six pickleball courts. This proposal included site improvements such as adding sound panels to reduce noise, enhancing parking efficiency, and implementing a court use queuing system. While there was general support for the proposal, some council members expressed reservations about the number of pickleball courts to be established.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the city's commitment to accommodating the growing popularity of pickleball while balancing the needs of the community. The council plans to further investigate the feasibility of dedicated pickleball facilities and continue discussions on the proposed improvements to existing park infrastructure.