Corona public debate over El Cerrito pickleball courts heats up; council pauses project and agrees to revisit

The Corona City Council on Tuesday put a temporary hold on planned funding for a dedicated pickleball facility at El Cerrito Sports Park after lengthy public testimony that exposed competing community priorities.

Dozens of speakers — including long-time Corona residents, pick-up pickleball players, tennis teams and youth athletes — filled the council chamber. Supporters described pickleball as a fast-growing, low-cost public recreation need that draws multi-generational participation and argued a public facility would provide affordable, accessible play for residents who cannot or will not pay to use private clubs. Opponents, including organized tennis players and some youth athletes, said converting El Cerrito’s tennis courts would remove scarce tennis court capacity and urged the council to fund a purpose-built pickleball facility rather than repurpose…