The City of Lubbock is celebrating the opening of its new pickleball facility at McAlister Park, a development that promises to bring both excitement and opportunity to the community. This nearly $2 million project, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and a generous contribution from the McMahan family, marks a significant enhancement to local recreational offerings. The new facility is set to accommodate players of all ages, making pickleball accessible to residents from every walk of life.
Parks and Recreation Director Colby VanGundy expressed his enthusiasm for the new facility, emphasizing its broad appeal. “Pickleball is a sport that can be enjoyed by people from eight to 80,” VanGundy said, noting the diverse range of participants who will benefit from the new courts. He further highlighted that the project’s funding aims to maximize community use, ensuring that the facility will serve as a long-lasting resource for local residents. The hope is that this facility will become a popular spot for recreational play, socializing, and healthy activity.
The facility will also offer a variety of programs to suit different skill levels. Karen Penkert, the Recreation Services Superintendent, explained that the city plans to organize pickleball leagues in partnership with the Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center. “We will be working with our tennis pro, Tucker, to coordinate leagues, and we’re also looking at hosting classes and private lessons in the future,” she said. The intention is to make the sport accessible to both beginners and more experienced players while fostering a sense of community engagement.
In addition to its recreational functions, the city is committed to maintaining the facility’s quality and safety. VanGundy emphasized the importance of community involvement in keeping the space clean and well-maintained. The facility will feature security cameras, automated locks, and security lights to ensure the safety of users. The Parks and Recreation team will include the pickleball courts in their regular maintenance schedules, but they are also asking the public to take responsibility for keeping the area tidy. “We ask everyone to help us maintain the space by cleaning up after themselves and leaving it better than they found it,” VanGundy added.
Finally, Penkert encouraged the community to continue voicing their recreational needs and desires. “Speak up for what you want and push for spaces that can be inclusive for everyone,” she said, noting that the department strives to create spaces that serve a wide range of interests. The goal is to provide facilities that are welcoming and accessible to all residents, whether they are long-time Lubbock residents or newcomers to the area.