Players ask Corona to extend lighting, add shade and nets at Border Park pickleball courts

Several Border Park pickleball players and residents urged the Parks and Recreation Commission to make safety and amenity improvements to the Border Park courts, including extended or staggered court lighting, permanent nets, shade structures, water fountains, seating and bike parking.

"Border is more than just a place for pickleball — it's a hub for connection, recreation, and overall community health," said Steven Young, a resident who told the commission he lives about a mile from the park. Young asked the city to "support and fund our requests" for shade, permanent nets, water fountains, better lighting for safety, a first aid kit, seating and "foremost, a bike rack to secure others, as well as my bike while we're playing pickleball."

Dana Lopez, another Border Park player, described a recent fall she said occurred when the park lights and a safety light were turned off at 8 p.m., leaving areas in darkness. Lopez said her injuries required physical therapy and that she is asking the commission to consider keeping the court lights on until 8:15 p.m. (and safety lights until 8:30 p.m.) to give players time to secure equipment and safely leave the courts. "This small change would enhance safety to all of to up to those of us navigating to our vehicles after 8PM," Lopez said.

Player and volunteer Mike Wagner told the commission the Border Park pickleball refurbishing project was completed largely through volunteer labor and donations, including "$5,000 plus donation from the Parks and Rec Foundation" and about $5,000 in individual donations; he said hundreds of volunteer hours went into resurfacing the courts at no cost to the city. Wagner requested the city consider leaving a temporary wooden stairway put in during construction as a permanent entry in addition to the ADA ramp, and asked staff to consider adding shade over waiting areas for spectators.

A written comment from Debbie Cortez made similar requests, suggesting permanent signage, extended lighting or a 15- to 20-minute post-closing lighting buffer, permanent nets and additional courts with individual courts, proper lighting and restrooms.

Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and thanked players for their volunteer work. Several commissioners noted the presence of an AED at Border Park and expressed support for exploring lighting adjustments and shade solutions; there was no formal action or motion on Border Park improvements during the meeting.

The commission did not set a timeline for any facility changes; staff and commissioners asked players to continue providing feedback and indicated the matter could return to a future agenda for further discussion and possible formal action.