8 Pickleball Courts To Be Built At Western Regional Park In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Construction of eight dedicated pickleball courts will begin this fall at Western Regional Park in Howard County. They will be built near existing tennis courts. A pathway will be constructed between the tennis and pickleball courts, which will include benches and shade structures for spectators and players. The outdoor pickleball courts will be used for casual play as well as Howard County Recreation & Parks programs.

“We are pleased to add more pickleball courts here in Howard County because we recognize the popularity of the sport as well as the need for increased outdoor activities in our communities,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “Our residents, especially those who are part of our active-aging community, enjoy the exercise, competition and camaraderie that pickleball provides.”

Howard County set aside $250,000 in the FY2023 budget for this project, which is part of an historic $26.4 million investment in state and county funding for parks improvements in FY2023.

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in Howard County. In addition to the addition at Western Regional, the county announced in May that it had secured funding to build six pickleball courts at Blandair Regional Park in Columbia. The county currently has two standalone pickleball courts, 31 outside blended-lined courts in its parks and 28 indoor lined courts at HCRP facilities.

“The Howard County Pickleball Association is excited to have this new facility,” Joanne Griesser, president of the Howard County Pickleball Association, said. “We look forward to more open play sessions, introductory classes to support new players and enhanced facilities for existing players.”