Plus, other nearby spots to try the fast-growing sport.
Anthem Community Center’s four new additional pickleball courts are on track to be finished by the end of this month.
The pickleball court expansion project was approved during the ACC’s facilities master plan in 2023, and groundbreaking took place in May.
Four new pickleball courts are being added to the existing 10 courts at the Anthem Community Center
funded by the ACC Community Enhancement Fund.
All of the existing 10 courts have remained open during the construction, and the new courts will add more availability to residents for use, as well as the ACC’s own pickleball programs, including clubs for youths beginning as young as age 7, as well as separate clubs for adults, including co-ed, and both men’s and women’s clubs and league play.
“The ACC has hosted multiple tournaments and events and with four more courts we can continue to host these while having courts available for residents to use and possibly at some point in the future host even larger events,” said Scott Newell, ACC Director of Programs and Aquatics.
The fast-growing sport continues to increase in popularity, growing 311 percent over the last three years, attracting a younger age group as the sport evolves, according to a joint report between USA Pickleball and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
Alexis Malave, Ann Malave, Tanya Tomasso and Tanner Tomasso (left to right) enjoy playing pickleball at the courts Anthem Community Center.
Anthem’s new post-tension concrete pickleball courts have been designed to meet the USA Pickleball association’s preferred standards. When the project is completed in September, each 64-by-34-foot court will contain a play surface, striping, posts and nets. LED lighting will be installed to allow for evening play, matching the existing court lights.
The project also includes 8-foot coated chain link fencing with windscreen around the perimeter and 4-foot fencing between the courts. Each court will have individual entry gates, shade canopies with seating will be installed for player comfort and respite during games.
Additionally, a retaining wall, a 12-foot storm drainage pipe, catch basin, and sidewalk removal and repour are part of the plan.
The project is being funded by the ACC Community Enhancement Fund, which was established from Anthem’s governing documents and made available through the collection of one-quarter of 1 percent the sale price of each resold property in the Anthem Community.
Enhancement funds are used to build new recreation projects, like Anthem’s dog park, or enhance current amenities, such as the expansion to the Community Center.
Following completion of the new courts, the existing courts are slated to be resurfaced. Access to the pedestrian bridge that connects the community center parking lot to the soccer fields/park has been shut down during the project, and will reopen when the project is complete.
A grand opening celebration is planned to unveil the project to residents and pickleball enthusiasts.
Anthem Pickleball Courts Grand Opening Celebration
8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18
Anthem Pickleball Courts
41130 N. Freedom Way, Anthem
www.anthemcouncil.com
More Pickleball Fun
USA Pickleball’s website, www.pickleheads.com helps interested pickleballers find available courts, open play times, connect with local groups, and organize games.
3 Nearby Public Courts
Deem Hills Community Park
5050 W. Andrea Lane, Phoenix
www.phoenix.gov
Info Two courts open daily,
5:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Deer Valley Park
2001 W. Wahalla Drive, Phoenix
www.phoenix.gov
Info Six courts open daily,
5:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Paseo Highlands Park
3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix
www.phoenix.gov
Info Six courts open daily,
5:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
623-879-3011
By Valley Vibe Staff Writers
info@valleyvibenews.com