Pickleball enthusiasts in Evanston have something to look forward to, as James Park is set to become the new home for pickleball in the area. The City of Evanston’s Park and Recreation Board voted unanimously to convert all six existing tennis courts at James Park into dedicated pickleball courts, aiming for completion by July 1, 2025. This decision was reached after careful consideration of different options for expanding pickleball facilities in Evanston.
During the recent meeting, board members chose the James Park conversion over alternatives, which included building mixed-use courts at both James Park and Leahy Park, or creating new courts at Chandler Park. Evanston resident Michael Kloster expressed his support for the decision, emphasizing that James Park’s central location offers a great opportunity to foster community through pickleball. He believes the expansive area at James Park will allow for high-quality courts without crowding, which is important for the sport’s growth in Evanston. Kloster’s son, Parker, a local high school student, also showed enthusiasm as he hopes to start a pickleball club at school.
However, not everyone agrees with the board’s decision. Some residents, like Jim Cignorelli, are concerned about the new location making the courts less accessible for players living in other parts of Evanston. Cignorelli, a dedicated tennis and pickleball player, raised concerns about the financial challenges of supporting both tennis and pickleball and urged the City Council to increase funding to keep up with the sport’s popularity. Another resident, Fran Weichart, suggested that Chandler Park might have been a more inclusive option, as it would allow for new pickleball facilities without impacting tennis players at James Park and other local centers.
The board also discussed considerations for designing the new courts, with Parks and Recreation Director Audrey Thompson assuring the public that feedback from the pickleball community has been prioritized. Thompson noted that the city has already held numerous community meetings on the topic and that input will be key to finalizing a layout that works for everyone. Factors like fencing, wind interference, and ball containment are all being considered to create a practical and enjoyable experience for players.
The design proposal is expected to be presented to the board in December. With the project potentially coming in under the $650,000 budget, any remaining funds may be allocated to resurfacing tennis courts elsewhere in Evanston. This development has the potential to unite the community around a shared space for pickleball, while still balancing the needs of local tennis players across the city.