City Council debates new pickleball court proposal amid Eagle Glen openings

The City Council meeting held on June 4, 2025, in Corona, Riverside County, focused on the proposed construction of a new pickleball court at El Cerrito, with a budget of just under $1.1 million. The discussion revealed concerns about potential oversaturation of pickleball facilities in the area, particularly with 17 new courts set to open at Eagle Glen by Labor Day.

Council member Tony expressed hesitation regarding the investment, suggesting a pause on the El Cerrito project to assess the impact of the new Eagle Glen courts on community demand. He emphasized the importance of understanding whether the new facility would be utilized or if it would lead to underused infrastructure.

In response, Council member Wes countered that the demand for pickleball is high and that delaying the project could negatively affect the community's access to free courts. He argued that the new Eagle Glen courts would be pay-to-use, which could deter local residents who currently enjoy free access to existing facilities. Wes highlighted the need to support the pickleball community, which has been actively seeking more courts.

The discussion included input from city staff, who indicated that the design phase for the El Cerrito project would begin after budget approval, with an estimated completion timeline of 18 months, pushing the opening to 2026 or 2027. This timeline raised further questions about the necessity of pausing the project, as the new Eagle Glen courts would be operational much sooner.

Ultimately, the council members debated the merits of pausing the El Cerrito project to evaluate community needs against the backdrop of the new Eagle Glen facilities. The conversation underscored the balancing act between investing in community resources and ensuring they meet the actual demand of residents.

The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution, but the council agreed to further consider the implications of the proposed pause on the El Cerrito pickleball court project. Future discussions will likely focus on community feedback and the impact of the new Eagle Glen courts on local pickleball participation.