Pickleball Courts

Pickleball is a fast-growing, very popular activity on Vashon Island and across the country. There are no dedicated, permanently-lined public courts on Vashon. Pickleball is currently a drop-in sport supported and hosted by Vashon Park District (VPD). These events are well attended and often over capacity. The temporary courts created for pickleball are available in limited time slots and access is often canceled to accommodate other activities that take priority. With the permanent infrastructure of a court complex, the opportunity for additional programming and community pickleball events would be substantially expanded to meet the growing enthusiasm and demand for play.

The vision is for a 4-court complex to accommodate the current and growing interest. Adding permanent courts will open this sport to more players searching for a place to be active. VPD is currently considering a two-phase project: the first phase is construction of two initial courts, and the second phase would be for two additional courts with the potential for lights and a cover to increase their functionality and available play times. VPD plans to place the complex at the BARC on VPD property.

VPD has long-term plans to engage with  community members and pickleball enthusiasts to support a design and construction for designated pickleball courts on District property. There are no current funds allocated in the present Capital Improvement Plan. However, it is noted in the plan as a grant and fundraising project. Moving forward with a design phase is anticipated in 2026. The Burton Adventure Recreation Center (BARC) remains under top consideration for locating pickleball courts. Detailed planning has been delayed due to required installation of permanent restrooms at the location, a necessity that impacts the design and construction of other uses. A fundraising target and grant resources are yet to be determined. Fundraising goals will be updated here as the project takes more defined shape. 

Community donations and grants will enable the VPD to create a high-quality pickleball court complex built to extend the opportunities for islanders to engage in this fun and welcoming sport.