During the May 12, 2021 City Commission meeting, a discussion regarding bringing the sport of Padel to the City of Miami Beach was referred to the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee.
Padel is a fast growing sport worldwide and in Florida. The sport is a variation of tennis and can easily be played by all ages and abilities. There has been an interest in bringing this sport to the City for several years.
At the March 11, 2015 City Commission meeting, a discussion was held on adding Padel tennis courts to the Flamingo Park Master Plan. The Administration was directed to find locations for Padel tennis and come back with options for discussion.
On July 14, 2015, a Certificate of Appropriateness for the previously approved design of the Master Plan was reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Board (“HPB”). As part of the HPB application, the Administration proposed modifications to the remaining portions of the previously approved plan, which included the removal of the additional handball courts and added the construction of new Padel ball courts to replace the existing Robert C. Haas handball courts. However, the HPB did not permit the approved Padel courts.
At the January 13, 2016 City Commission Meeting, a discussion was held on the Flamingo Park Master Plan as it relates to the demolition of the Robert C. Haas Racquetball Building and the possible incorporation of Padel courts. The item was referred to the Neighborhoods/Communities Affairs Committee (“NCAC”).
At the February 12, 2016 NCAC meeting, the Administration recommended proceeding with a plan which includes the demolition of Robert C. Hass handball court building, constructing four new single wall courts, renovate the Joe Rubin courts and the incorporation of Padel courts with a small control office. The NCAC did not accept Administration's recommendation, and motioned to keep and renovate the Robert C. Hass handball court building, and that the previously approved option to include four additional single wall handball courts and four new Padel courts not be incorporated into the Flamingo Park Master Plan.
At the March 9, 2016 City Commission meeting, Commission adopted a resolution to renovate the Robert C. Hass Handball Court building, and that the previously approved option to include four additional single wall handball courts and four new Padel courts not be incorporated into the Flamingo Park Master Plan.
Since 2016 there has been continued interest from our residents to bring Padel to Miami Beach. The main obstacle has been the space to build the courts. The Mayor has requested we bring this for discussion and if in agreement direct staff to explore bringing Padel to the city of Miami Beach.