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Southlake reports successful first year for Pickleball Complex; city looks to expand classes and rentals
Summary
City staff told council the Southlake Pickleball Complex marked its first year with more than 3,700 memberships, roughly 27,000 check-ins and multiple new programming and revenue streams; staff proposed adding contracted instructors and more flexible rentals in 2025.
The City of Southlake presented a one-year operations update for the Southlake Pickleball Complex, reporting strong membership, high utilization and new programming that generated revenue while expanding access.
Deputy director of community services (name not specified) introduced Pickleball Manager Eric Clay, who told council the complex recorded just over 3,700 total memberships from February to February, including about 3,500 resident and more than 200 nonresident memberships. Clay said the facility had roughly 27,000 check‑ins across reservations, lessons and open play and posted an 83.33 net promoter score from user feedback.
Clay described several revenue and cost‑recovery streams launched in year one: court reservations produced roughly $90,000 in revenue; nonresident membership fees generated about $45,000; retail sales of paddles and accessories brought in about $26,000; and light concessions added about $5,000. Group lessons and programming produced more than $10,000 in revenue, with a reported 93 percent program success rate. Clay also described operational adjustments—adding a daily $10 drop‑in pass, moving hour‑long reservations online and shifting hours seasonally—that staff said increased access and responsiveness.
Why it matters: Council members praised the facility for meeting community demand while recovering a share of operating costs. City staff said the complex’s combination of membership, reservations and programming allows the park system to cover more operating expenses than typical day‑use facilities.
Council discussion and next steps: Council members asked whether a cost‑recovery target had been set before opening; staff said no explicit target was set for the first partial year but reported a 33 percent cost recovery for an earlier sampling and 44 percent year‑to‑date tracking. Councilmembers suggested outreach ideas—opening fee‑reduced hours for younger players during hot months and adding more contracted instructors to expand intermediate and advanced lessons. Clay said staff plans to hire contract instructors in 2025, expand private and group rental flexibility and continue to tweak hours based on usage data.
The city framed the complex as both an amenity and a revenue source that can help offset operations while expanding programming. Staff shared metrics and said they will return with program and staffing updates as new instructors and rental options are added.
