A summer construction project at Stanley Park has some folks in a real pickle.
Many avid local pickleball players knew they would face a few months of pain this summer, but knew at least four more outdoor courts were needed.
Others weren’t aware that the project would be happening and are taken aback when they show up ready to play, only to find a construction area.
That’s because in recent weeks Estes Valley Recreation and Park District staff have been removing the existing courts to prepare for the contractors’ arrival to build eight new courts with higher fencing, more space between courts, and generally, better play conditions for all, according to Tom Carosello, executive director of the district.
That construction means more crowded conditions on shared court facilities inside the Community Center.
“We have indoor play daily,” Carosello said. “Mornings on the courts are reserved for pickleball, so they have four to five hours” of dedicated play, he said. “Afternoons are open gym time, and it’s first come, first served.”
Pickleball play has been increasing in the gym area because of the construction process and the number of younger people interested in the sport. That puts more pressure on court time usage, as Carosello told the board during their meeting.
“Pickleball is overflowing in the gym,” he said. “We had a little dust-up last week.” Carosello said he had to explain that people “just have to hold on for a couple of months. We’ll have eight outdoor courts and still have these four courts inside.”
Construction is expected to take six weeks if the weather cooperates. Pickleball fans should be able to try out the new facility by late August and September.
The district anticipates spending more than $300,000 to install the eight pickleball courts. That amount is combined with building one new basketball court for a total line item budget of $500,000.
During Tuesday’s monthly board meeting, Carosello said he expects the district will soon receive its building permit from the town for full work to begin.
Talk about expanding pickleball facilities began about a year ago when residents began discussing the possibility with Carosello. In June, a petition signed by more than 40 people asking that more courts be constructed was submitted to the district’s board of directors. In July 2024, just as the board was discussing capital expenditures for this year, residents Dennis Gehlhaus and David Cordes made a direct in-person request.
At the time, Gehlhaus estimated that there are about 85 regular pickleball players, not including a group from the Estes Park Newcomers club who use the recreation district courts. He said the players use shared court space created inside when inclement weather hits.