Shreveport, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The Caddo Parish Commission is deliberating on a proposal to build a $10 million pickleball park behind the Lash Family YMCA in Shreveport. The park will feature 19 courts and additional amenities, aiming to boost local fitness and tourism. Supporters argue it addresses community demand, while opponents question fund allocation towards community needs. The commission postponed the vote for further discussions after uncovering mixed community opinions during public meetings.
Shreveport – The Caddo Parish Commission is weighing a proposal to construct a $10 million pickleball park during its meeting on July 3. The proposed facility will be situated behind the Lash Family YMCA on Shreveport’s east side, sparking a community debate over its potential benefits versus pressing local needs.
Supporters of the pickleball park argue that the existing courts are overcrowded and that a new facility would serve a dual purpose: enhancing local fitness opportunities and attracting tourism. Proponents highlight that the park would feature 19 pickleball courts, a walking path, and ballfields, aiming to cater to the burgeoning interest in the sport. According to Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation Director, Patrick Wesley, the project is designed to meet community demand and could also host regional tournaments.
However, there is a counterpoint to the proposal. Opponents have raised concerns about the allocation of $10 million, questioning whether the funds could be more effectively directed towards critical community issues such as road repairs, underfunded schools, and local food programs. Concerns were voiced by resident Edward Best, who emphasized that investing in a pickleball park might not address broader community needs.
After substantial deliberation, the commission opted to postpone a vote on the matter, allowing further discussions and considerations. As part of the investigative process, public meetings in Cedar Grove uncovered both support and skepticism regarding the project. Many community members who initially had doubts began to support the proposal after learning more about its scope and potential benefits.
The funding model for the pickleball park relies on revenue bonds, with plans to collect fees from users to pay off the investment. This funding structure is designed to minimize the potential financial burden on taxpayers while addressing community demands. The interest in pickleball has surged in recent years, with it being recognized as the fastest-growing sport in America.
Wesley indicated that the park aims to establish Caddo Parish as a leading location for pickleball enthusiasts and to tap into the economic advantages, including tourism, associated with hosting such facilities. Partnerships with USA Pickleball are also in place, providing credibility and promotional support for the initiative.
As the debate continues, the proposal is slated for review by the Economic Development Committee before being discussed again at the commission’s next meeting in August. The commission will take additional community input into account as it seeks to balance recreational needs with critical local priorities.
Key Features of the Proposed Pickleball Park
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Behind the Lash Family YMCA, Shreveport East Side |
| Total Investment | $10 million |
| Court Count | 19 Pickleball Courts |
| Additional Amenities | Walking Path, Ballfields |
| Funding Source | Revenue Bonds |
| Projected Benefits | Fitness opportunities, tourism attraction, regional tournament hosting |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the proposed pickleball park?
The pickleball park aims to meet local demand for playing facilities, promote fitness, and attract tourism by hosting regional tournaments.
Where will the pickleball park be located?
The park is proposed to be built behind the Lash Family YMCA on Shreveport’s east side.
How much will the pickleball park cost?
The projected cost of the pickleball park is $10 million.
How will the pickleball park be funded?
The park will be funded through revenue bonds, which will be paid off by collecting usage fees from visitors.
When will the proposal be revisited by the commission?
The proposal is expected to be reviewed again at the commission’s next meeting in August after further evaluation by the Economic Development Committee.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lieutenant Governor Advocates for $10 Million Pickleball Facility
Bossier City Welcomes New Indoor Pickleball Facility
Bossier City Implements New Credit Card Payment Fees
LSU Health Shreveport Celebrates Match Day for Med Students
New Indoor Pickleball Complex Opens in Shreveport-Bossier
Additional Resources
- KSLA News: Caddo Parish Commission Postpones Vote on Pickleball Park
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Caddo Parish Pitches Pickleball Park
- KTAL News: Shreveport Filmmaker on Pickleball Documentary
- CENLA Now: Shreveport Residents Weigh In on Pickleball Court
- Wikipedia: Pickleball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickleball
- Google News: Pickleball News
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
