Corona Council urged to approve budget for El Cerrito pickleball facility

The Corona City Council meeting on June 18, 2025, focused on the controversial decision to pause the approval of the budget for the proposed El Cerrito pickleball facility. Community members expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing the growing demand for accessible public pickleball courts.

Bob Devries, a local resident, urged the council to reconsider its decision, arguing that the presence of a nearby private pickleball complex would not diminish the need for a free, city-funded facility. He highlighted the increasing popularity of pickleball and the importance of equitable access to recreational opportunities. Devries pointed out that the council's suggestion to wait and see how the private facility impacts usage reflects a lack of engagement with the local pickleball community and insufficient research into the demand for public courts.

Rob Morgan, another resident, echoed these sentiments, sharing statistics about the sport's rapid growth and comparing Corona's potential pickleball participation to other cities with more established facilities. He urged the council to conduct further research on the sport's popularity and the necessity for public courts, citing examples from other cities that have successfully integrated pickleball into their recreational offerings.

The council members acknowledged the community's interest in the El Cerrito facility, with some recognizing that the private complex would not significantly affect the viability of a city-provided alternative. The discussions underscored the importance of responsive local governance and the need for facilities that cater to the community's recreational needs.

As the meeting concluded, the council was urged to lift the pause on the budget approval, with residents emphasizing that the El Cerrito pickleball facility represents a vital investment in the community's health and well-being. The outcome of this discussion remains to be seen, but the strong community support suggests a continued push for the project.