The Parks and Recreation Department requests approval to line up to ten tennis courts at City parks to allow for both tennis and pickleball play.

Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis on a court with players using paddles and a polymer ball similar to a wiffle ball. Pickleball has experienced tremendous growth in the last five years. The ease of play, and its low impact on joints, has made it popular for groups of all ages and skill sets. The 2021 Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (“SFIA”), Sports, Fitness and Leisure Activities Topline Participation Report estimates there are 4.2 million pickleball players nationwide. Participation increased by 21% from 2019 to 2020, with a five-year average annual growth rate of 11%. These trends make it the fastest growing racket sport in the country.

The City of Miami Beach (“City”) has experienced significant pickleball participation growth over the past few years. The Parks and Recreation Department (“Department”) receives numerous requests per month for additional courts and is in regular contact with a Miami Beach pickleball advocacy group which has more than 150 members. Additionally, the Department is working closely with the USA Pickleball Ambassador, Lily Azel, in promoting and expanding the sport of pickleball within the City.

The City, like many others across the country, has met this exponential growth by retrofitting existing tennis and indoor recreational facilities into multi-purpose courts to accommodate pickleball. Currently, there are five convertible outdoor tennis/pickleball courts at four facilities throughout the City.  Fairway Park (2), Polo Park (1), Normandy Shores Park (1) and Miami Beach Golf Club (1).

In order to meet the immediate needs of both tennis and pickleball players within the City, the Department is recommending for existing outdoor community tennis courts to be striped to allow both raquet sports to be played, until which time dedicated pickleball courts may be constructed  (Exhibit A). This would create an opportunity for our residents to enjoy the racquet sport of their choice at their neighborhood courts.

Existing Neighborhood Tennis Courts (15):

·       Fairway Park – 2

·       Miami Beach Golf Club – 2

·       Normandy Shores Park – 4

·       Palm Island Park – 3

·       Polo Park – 4

The Parks and Recreation Department has identified funds in their current FY 2021-2022 budget to complete this project. An estimated maximum of 10 tennis courts may be restriped, at an average cost of $1,000 each. The total projected maximum cost impact is $10,000.

Budget Account: 011-0950-000343-28-406-545-00-00-00- Line 1