Locals praise new Tuffree pickleball courts and ask city to expand facilities

Residents and organizers urged the Placentia City Council on Feb. 18 to support growth of pickleball activity at Tuffree Park, saying volunteer efforts and modest city help could expand access and safety.

Heather Gabic, introduced by the clerk as a community organizer, said the group has recorded more than 2,000 players since courts were installed in April 2022, raised roughly $6,500 that has been reinvested into court upkeep, and is holding tournaments, lessons and camps. Aaron Mills and other players described a broad age mix, volunteer purchases of nets and equipment, and local businesses seeing increased lunchtime and retail traffic when tournaments draw out‑of‑town players. “We have really made it a thing,” Gabic said, thanking the council for the lighting and the courts.

Speakers detailed operational strains as usage has grown: long waits (roughly 40 people waiting to play four courts), safety concerns for people seated near sidelines, and limited night play before lighting upgrades. Speakers asked staff to explore low‑cost options the community could help execute, including re‑striping to create additional on‑site parking near Tyne’s Gym, removable indoor striping for three courts inside Tyne’s if the floor is ever redone, and identifying potential sites in South Placentia. Council members thanked volunteers and asked staff to schedule a follow‑up study session to identify low‑cost expansion options.

The council did not commit funding at the meeting but expressed interest in returning to the topic during budget and CIP discussions.