SE Valley Times

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, Mesa is opening 12 new pickleball courts this week. Eight new pickleball courts are at the Mesa Tennis and Pickleball Center at Gene Autry Park, 4125 E. McKellips Road. The City will also open four new courts at Monterey Park on Saturday as part of its much-anticipated park expansion.

“I appreciate the Mesa Parks and Recreation staff’s vision to expand one of Mesa’s crown jewels in our parks system, Gene Autry Park. I have no doubt the new pickleball courts will be well-used and well-loved,” said Mayor John Giles. “As pickleball continues to gain popularity, I’m thrilled for more residents to have the opportunity to play at a Mesa park.”

In addition to the new courts at the Mesa Tennis and Pickleball Center at Gene Autry Park, the award-winning facility offers 16 lighted tennis courts, nine lighted pickleball courts and four sand volleyball courts for rental. The center also has updated its signage and windscreens.

“The overwhelming demand and need for more pickleball courts in our community speaks volumes about our residents’ passion and enthusiasm for this fantastic sport. We eagerly look forward to expanding these facilities further to meet the desires of our active and engaged community,” said District 2 Councilmember Julie Spilsbury.

Founded in 1965 by a group of neighbors in Bainbridge Island, in Washington, Pickleball is now played by more than 4.8 million people in the United States alone, according to USA Pickleball. Mesa now has 30 pickleball courts within its exceptional parks and recreation facilities network. For more information about our sports facilities and programs, please visit mesaparks.com. 

Original source can be found here.