Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is hosting a second round of public engagement meetings for its Outdoor Racquet Sports Strategy, including a meeting in Ballard later this month.
According to SPR, the strategy was developed in response to the growing popularity of tennis and pickleball, as well as feedback gathered during an earlier round of public engagement.
The upcoming meetings will present findings from the first phase of outreach and give community members an opportunity to provide additional feedback.
SPR has scheduled four in-person sessions across the city:
- June 23 at 6:30 p.m. — Dakota Place Park Building, 4304 SW Dakota St.
- June 25 at 6:30 p.m. — Mt. Baker Rowing & Sailing Center, 3800 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
- June 27 at 10:30 a.m. — Magnolia Community Center, 2530 34th Ave. W.
- June 30 at 6 p.m. — Loyal Heights Community Center, 2101 NW 77th St.
All meetings are scheduled for 90 minutes, with doors opening 30 minutes before the start time.
The strategy follows ongoing discussions about how Seattle’s park system should accommodate growing demand for both tennis and pickleball courts. Earlier this year, Seattle Parks outlined preliminary concepts that could change the use of some existing courts, including facilities near Ballard. SPR’s draft concepts included converting the four tennis courts at Gilman Playground into dedicated pickleball courts, while adding new tennis courts at Salmon Bay Park and Soundview Playfield. The proposals were presented as part of a broader effort to address growing demand for both sports citywide.
Residents who are unable to attend a meeting in person will be able to review the presentation materials online and participate in a survey through the project engagement hub.
Photo: Seattle Parks