St. Joseph unveils new Pickleball Complex

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The City of St. Joseph celebrated the opening of its long-awaited new pickleball courts Monday afternoon.

The new pickleball courts are located at North 22nd Street between James and Douglas streets. The North 22nd Street site previously housed tennis courts that were removed several years ago.

The complex features eight new courts, two shade structures, picnic tables, a water fountain with a bottle-filling station and LED stadium lighting.

The $796,000 project was funded through the City’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and the parks sales tax.

Jeff Atkins, St. Joseph Parks and Recreation director, said the pickleball court inventory in the city has doubled with the new addition.

"The courts at Bode just get used heavily and hopefully this will be able to take some of the pressure off there," he said.

Pickleball is a popular sport in the city. The Pony Express Pickleball club was in attendance at the ribbon-cutting to show support.

"They have been waiting since Fall for these courts to open. They have been very patient with us, as you can tell today, they were ready for these new courts," he said

Atkins encourages everyone to pick up a paddle and play.

"Find someone that you know that does play and come play with them," he said. If you're thinking about playing, give it a try, it's a good activity to get you out and get you moving, get you out of the house."

The courts will open for public use immediately following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.