Opening celebration for Pickleball Courts at Nike Sports Complex Sept. 22

The community is invited to celebrate the opening of four new pickleball courts at Nike Sports Complex at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22.

The event will begin with a ribbon cutting, with remarks by Park Board Vice President Rich Janor, followed by an opportunity to watch or play pickleball on the new courts.

Light refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Dunkin' Donuts store at 702 S. Washington St.

Those who would like to play are encouraged to bring their paddles and balls.

The event will take place at the new courts, which are located on the north side of the park, just east of the tennis courts.

Parking is available at the north entrance at 288 W. Diehl Road or at the west entrance at 1520 N. Mill St.

Naperville Park District introduced pickleball to the community in the fall of 2012 by painting pickleball lines on one of the tennis courts at DuPage River Sports Complex.

Since that time, the sport has grown in popularity, creating a demand for more courts.

The park district responded by adding pickleball lines to more tennis courts at DuPage River Sports Complex, Ashbury Park and Ranchview Park, resulting in a total of 8 outdoor pickleball courts sharing space with tennis.

When Fort Hill Activity Center opened in 2016 with gymnasium space for indoor pickleball, the weekly pickleball open gyms attracted many players from Naperville and the surrounding area.

With enthusiasm for the sport continuing to grow, the park district looked for a way to provide outdoor courts dedicated only to pickleball.

"The location just east of the tennis courts at Nike Sports Complex is an ideal place for pickleball courts," explained Director of Planning Eric Shutes. "We're excited to offer four courts that are dedicated to pickleball in a park that is accessible, with parking, restrooms, drinking fountains and many other amenities."