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).
During the March 9, 2022 City Commission meeting, Resolution No. 2022-32066 was passed directing Administration to line up to ten additional tennis courts at City parks to allow for both tennis and pickleball play.
However, to meet the short- and long-term needs of pickleball players, staff has developed three (3) recommendations
Recommendation 1: Constructing new pickleball-specific facilities within existing City parks and property.
This is a long-term solution that would have go through the budgeting, design, procurement, and construction process. A preliminary cost estimate ranges between $50,000 per unlighted court and $153,000 for a lighted court. These numbers may fluctuate between different sites as the scope of each facility is further defined. Developing courts within underutilized greenspace in existing parks will minimize the need for other improvements, such as parking and restrooms, to accommodate new amenities.
Flamingo Park and Normandy Isle Park are the preferred sites to activate within a reasonable timeline. Both sites currently host active recreation amenities and underutilized areas favorable for positive activation. Flamingo Park will have three (3) lighted permanent courts and Normandy Isle Park will also have two (2) lighted permanent courts. The timeline for building out new facilities at these preferred locations is approximately 12 to 16 months. A preliminary cost estimate for Normandy Isle Park is $306,000 and $459,000 for Flamingo Park for a grand total of $765,000.
Recommendation 2: Purchasing a portable flooring system and activating underutilized spaces throughout the City for temporary activations.
Temporary courts could be installed at the locations such as the ones identified below using a portable flooring system. The total fiscal impact of temporary activations is estimated $40,000 to $47,000 per court. This includes the estimated buildout cost, which is between $30,000 and $35,000 per court, and operational costs for set-up, breakdown, and on-going maintenance, which is estimated between $10,000 to $12,000 per court. This does not include additionally facilities common to pickleball facilities such as fencing, windscreens, and seating. These courts would operate on a sunrise to sunset schedule which will limit playability in the evening hours between October and March. The timeline for this option is approximately 6 to 8 months. The Department would like to purchase four (4) portable flooring systems.
Potential sites: Altos del Mar Park, Collins Park spoil, Crespi Park, Lummus Park, Indian Beach Park, and street closures for special events and tournaments
Recommendation 3: Striping of one (1) tennis court to create two (2) pickleball courts in Palm Island Park
The Palm, Hibiscus, Star Island Neighborhood Association conducted a poll to find consensus from residents for a proposal to stripe a single tennis court at Palm Island Park for a pickleball option. Palm Island currently has 3 tennis courts. The conversion would allow up to 8 players to play pickleball at one time, or still allow for a traditional tennis match. This plan was one of the options presented at the PHS Association annual meeting in December. 69% of the voters were in favor of the conversion and 31% were against it.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost for these recommendations is the following:
Recommendation 1: Constructing new pickleball-specific facilities within existing City parks and property.
Two (2) lighted courts at Normandy Isle Park: $306,000
Three (3) lighted courts at Flamingo Park: $459,000
Grand Total: $765,000.00
Recommendation 2: Purchasing a portable flooring system and activating underutilized spaces throughout the City for temporary activations.
4 Portable Flooring Systems: $188,000.00
Recommendation 3: Striping of one (1) tennis court to create two (2) pickleball courts in Palm Island Park
Striping of 1 Tennis Court: $800.00