Residents press council for pickleball courts; Parks & Rec meeting set to refine plans

A resident urged the Napoleon City Council to move forward on new outdoor pickleball courts, saying demand has grown in neighboring towns and current local facilities are limited to seniors.

“I'm Beverly Nelson. I live at 1146 Kenilworth, Napoleon,” the resident told council during the public-comment period, noting other area communities have built multiple courts and that Napoleon’s indoor senior facilities limit play after 4 p.m.

Council staff said money is budgeted for courts in the 2025 budget and the Parks & Recreation Board will meet the first week of March to consider locations. “The initial plan was for Swearingen Park on the south side,” a staff member said, adding that staff and the parks director are evaluating other sites including Overhouse Park and Oakwood and that a board recommendation will come to council for approval or denial.

Why it matters: Council members noted pickleball’s rapid growth and identified likely issues for a neighborhood site, including noise, parking and restroom access.

Details: Staff confirmed a Parks & Recreation meeting intended for March 4 or March 5; staff encouraged supporters to attend. The council member explaining the timeline told Beverly the board will make a recommendation and “at that point, council will approve it. Or deny.” The speaker also said the 2025 budget includes money for courts and that staff will determine this year’s plan in the next month to month and a half.

Next steps: Parks & Recreation will meet in early March to discuss site options and then send a recommendation to council. Council asked residents to attend the parks board meeting to provide feedback.

Ending: Council did not take immediate action; staff directed the matter to the Parks & Recreation Board and noted the 2025 budget includes funding for courts.