By Chris Michlewicz; rendering courtesy of CPNMD

A rendering created by the CPNMD design firm, Design Concepts, shows plans for Coyote Ridge Park, where four pickleball courts are scheduled to be built.

There’s good news for pickleball players in the Castle Pines community – plans are in the works for several new courts in the near future.

The City of Castle Pines Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) held a virtual meeting with Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) leaders July 15 to discuss their dual plans to help satisfy demand for pickleball amenities in the area.

As a part of its 2021 Coyote Ridge Park Master Plan, CPNMD approved the construction of four pickleball courts and lighting in the first phase at a cost of $250,000, and two tennis courts and a shelter in the second phase. A new skate park will be built to the south of the courts – replacing the existing skate park – during the third phase of construction. Initial design is underway and the completion of the first phase of construction is tentatively scheduled for April 2022.

The PRAB is also in the preliminary planning stages for eight pickleball courts and is currently exploring potential sites. Both the City and CPNMD have said residents want more opportunities for pickleball.

The sport, in which players use a paddle and plastic ball with holes, has exploded in popularity among active seniors over the last decade and has since found a following among other demographics. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong.

One site the City had been considering was near Coyote Ridge Park. During the July 15 meeting, members of the PRAB suggested the two entities explore the possibility of working together to build pickleball courts at the park. CPNMD Board President David McEntire said CPNMD was moving forward with phase one, but that he would entertain a potential partnership with the City for the second phase of the Coyote Ridge Park Master Plan, the tennis courts and shelter.

When speaking to CPNMD leaders during the meeting, Stew Larsen, advisory board chairman said his board has made a commitment to develop a “first-class pickleball solution” for City residents and visitors, and added “it’s our highest priority right now.” The City first announced plans for pickleball amenities in 2019.

Voters in Castle Pines approved a ballot question in May to approve the inclusion of CPNMD’s water and wastewater assets into the Parker Water & Sanitation District effective January 3, 2022. Ownership of the three parks and other recreation assets owned by CPNMD were not included in the agreement and will remain with CPNMD.

The City of Castle Pines is home to roughly 12,500 residents out of the 35,000 anticipated at full build-out, and Castle Pines City Manager Michael Penny said he expects demand for pickleball courts to continue well into the future. Currently, there are a handful of pickleball courts in Parker, Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch, and private courts in The Village at Castle Pines as well as private homeowner associations in the City of Castle Pines.