The East Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the first season of reservable pickleball courts at Manhattan Park during its Nov. 24 meeting and provided guidance to staff for year two.

Director Derek said the courts opened July 18 and that reservation data show high demand for certain courts; reservation revenue through Oct. 31 was cited by a commissioner at about $5,000. Staff reported receiving roughly 810 pieces of feedback this summer about the reservation system; the most common request was to reserve at least one court for drop-in play so casual users are not displaced.

Commissioners discussed changes staff could pursue for summer 2026, including limiting how far in advance courts can be reserved (a 24-hour window was suggested), publishing peak-hour guidance and alternative courts online, and improving signage to show which courts are available for drop-in versus reserved play. Derek said the reservation software can be adjusted to limit bookings to 24 hours in advance and that staff would better publicize which nearby courts tend to be less used for drop-in players.

"We have the ability to limit it to, like, a 24-hour in advance," Derek said, describing a software option staff could enable to reduce last-minute reservations that displace drop-in players.

Commission consensus was to continue the current reservable structure for a second full season while using the collected data to refine communication, consider limiting the advance booking window and examine whether one court should remain drop-in only. Staff will return next year with updated usage metrics and community feedback.