Pickleball enthusiasts continue push for new outdoor courts

BEAUMONT -- Pickleball enthusiasts in Beaumont continue to advocate for new outdoor courts. 

The push for the construction of eight new pickleball courts traces back to 2024 when the matter was first brought before Beaumont City Council. Though the designs for the new courts were established last year, the major project has yet to secure funding through any of the City's recent budget cycles. Originally, the City had deferred the project due to its financial implications on municipal reserves. 

Local advocates, who have continued to voice their support for the project, once again appeared before City Council on March. 10. The presentation was led by Kashmir Gill, who outlined the benefits that constructing the new courts would have for the community. He says that the demand for more pickleball infrastructure continues to rise, with more than 300 players and limited spaces.

"There's a strong case to be made for moving ahead now," said Gill. "Beaumont's population is increasing, bringing many new residents seeking active lifestyles. Secondly, community demand is already established with hundreds of active players. And third, moving this project forward would demonstrate Beaumont's commitment to building a healthy, active community."

The pickleball community is now requesting that the City of Beaumont, including funding for the eight new courts in its next capital budget cycle, slated for this fall. Beaumont Councillor Steven vanNieuwkerk says the project has a good shot of moving forward soon.

"All the work is done, and the options have been looked at," said vanNieuwkerk. "The spot has been picked and the plan is there, so it’s right in front of Council at this point."

vanNieuwkerk applauded the work of the local pickleball community in its tireless advocacy for the project and its work through the City's Parks and Recreation Committee. However, whether or not the funding will be officially secured during the upcoming budget deliberations is still yet to be determined.

We'll have more information on this story as it becomes available.