Game on, Carol Stream: Pickleball courts coming to Armstrong Park
The pickleball craze is coming to the largest park in the Carol Stream Park District.
Six outdoor pickleball courts are set to be installed on the existing in-line skating rink at Armstrong Park off Illini Drive. The courts will be permanent and lighted for evening events.
The courts also will accommodate outdoor tournaments, classes and lessons, parks officials say. Pickleball enthusiasts will be able to take advantage of free practice play during all other hours.
The park district expects the project could be complete as early as Memorial Day.
Park board commissioners approved the purchase and installation of the courts from Elmhurst-based Sport Court Midwest for $155,600. About a third of the project cost will be funded with a $50,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
“The board's decision to move forward with the installation of Pickleball Courts at Armstrong Park supports our dedication to enhancing recreational opportunities and options for our residents,” Executive Director Sue Rini said in a written statement. “With no current existing outdoor Pickleball courts in the area, this initiative will meet a pressing need in our community.”
The work will involve prepping and repairing the asphalt of the existing rink. The Sport Court pickleball surfacing will be installed with six sets of nets and fencing between the courts. Sport Court Midwest is a member of Sourcewell, a government purchasing cooperative.
The park district currently has no outdoor pickleball courts — one of the most requested amenities in its 2023 Community Needs Assessment survey. About 26% of respondents wanted the district to develop outdoor pickleball courts when given a list of options. A zip line feature was suggested by 30% of those surveyed.