2 New City-Funded Pickleball Courts Under Construction in Downtown Tuscaloosa

Work is well underway on a pair of city-funded pickleball courts coming soon next to the YMCA of Tuscaloosa downtown.

Pickleball is often described as a cross between tennis, ping-pong and badminton, and it's also called the fastest-growing sport in America.

The sport gets people active, but it doesn't have to be so physically demanding as to exclude older players or those living with physical disabilities. Even so, pickleball popularity is surging with everybody - young people included.

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This explosive growth has seen about 70,000 pickleball courts built across the United States, including more than 18,000 last year alone, according to an annual report from USA Pickleball.

Dozens of courts are being planned at locations across Tuscaloosa County, including around Northport recreation projects like River Run Park and University Beach and others funded by the Tuscaloosa City Council near the Buddy Powell Pavilion.

The two courts are being built downtown beside the downtown YMCA on 13th Street by Amason & Associates. They'll be ADA-accessible and will cost the city just over $525,000 - an expense the council approved in October.

Now crews are working hard to build the pickleball courts and add other features, including new fencing, lighting and security cameras.

A city spokesperson said the project is expected to be completed this summer.

"I am pleased that the City is expanding ADA-accessible recreational opportunities in District 4,” said District 4 City Councilman Lee Busby, who represents the downtown area. “Enhancing access to outdoor spaces encourages community members to enjoy fresh air and physical activity, fostering a healthier community and improving our overall quality of life."

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