Apache Junction outlines plan for 16‑court Prospector Park pickleball expansion

City staff on March 5 presented final design concepts and preliminary operating rules for a planned 16‑court pickleball expansion at Prospector Park in Apache Junction.

The project, funded through the city’s development fee account and designed by DIG Studio, would add 16 lighted courts, ADA‑accessible walkways and a dedicated championship ADA court, additional shade structures and ramadas, and synchronized dark‑sky‑friendly lighting tied into the existing Musco controller. Staff said the layout was constrained by a minor wash that carries stormwater through the park and that the design preserves the existing flow while connecting the new courts to the current complex.

“Part of the design had to incorporate how can we work around that wash, and still get 16 courts in there,” Superintendent Dave Butler said during the presentation. He said the design includes a mix of hard metal ramadas and shade canopy nets similar to existing playground shades.

Riley (staff member), who outlined operations, said the team aims to complete construction drawings by the end of March and go to bid; staff are targeting a May construction start but cautioned that final timing depends on bid results and available funds. “We’re hoping to have construction drawings done this month…we’re still hoping that by the end of this month, we’ll have full construction documents done and ready to go,” Riley said.

On operations, staff proposed keeping the current 4 reservable courts while dedicating the new courts primarily to open play, with a mix of reservable and first‑come, first‑served areas. Staff described a paddle‑queue system used by nearby cities where play is first‑come until demand requires rotation, an ADA court that takes priority for players with accessibility needs, and the possibility of designating beginner courts during peak times. Proposed rental fees for reservable courts were presented as $5 per hour for residents and nonprofits, $6.25 for nonresidents and $7.50 for for‑profit groups; staff noted the Prospector site is on a BLM lease that does not allow for‑profit businesses to rent those courts.

Commissioners asked about water availability and restroom proximity; staff said potable water lines were not confirmed for the new strip and that restrooms with water fountains are roughly 500–600 feet from the new court area in two directions. Staff also said shade canopies were drawn as an add‑alternate if the project needs to be phased to meet budget constraints.

No formal action or vote on the expansion was taken at the meeting; staff said they will meet with local pickleball players for additional input before finalizing operational rules.

Planning and construction timeline

• Design consultant: DIG Studio (selected last fall). • Site constraints: minor wash crossing the site, ADA access requirements. • Key features: 16 courts, one championship ADA court, ramadas/shade, dark‑sky lighting tied to existing Musco controller. • Schedule: construction documents by end of March; bids to follow; possible May construction start (dependent on bids and funding).

Jamie (Parks and Recreation staff) and Riley said they will return with a proposed operations policy after further meetings with local players and user groups.