“Dear PoPville,
This is a huge issue throughout all of DC! The problem lies in the pickleball players continuously moving their nets onto established tennis courts which violates the rules set in place DPR stating that
“DPR will not allow pickleball to be played in any spaces that do not have lines drawn for this sport (i.e., pickleball is not allowed on tennis courts unless that location has been converted for dual use).” There’s a lot of tension between pickleball and tennis players, but from personal experience the pickleball players are continuously breaking the rules leading to frustration from tennis players.
Overall I agree that no “bully” like behavior should occur, there just needs to be a more common understanding of the rules and where the frustration from the tennis players comes from. And also for the pickleball players to follow them 🙂”
and
“The letter writer is incorrect. Pickleball is only allowed on DPR courts that have pickleball lines painted on them. None of the courts at Banneker have PB lines painted on the courts. Also, PB players don’t need tennis courts, they can play any place with a flat concrete surface.”
From DPR’s pickleball page:
“In response to the explosive growth and popularity of the pickleball sport in the District of Columbia, DPR seeks to develop strategic policies that promote the future growth of the pickleball sport, while safely balancing the needs of other sports that are played in the same outdoor spaces and facilities.
To date, DPR has painted pickleball lines on numerous tennis courts, basketball courts, and other appropriate spaces in our inventory to meet growing demand. Since 2019, DPR has gone from no pickleball facilities to 58 dedicated or blended outdoor courts, and 19 indoor use sites with marked lines for playing pickleball. DPR currently hosts pickleball programs at 19 facilities with over 1,500 participants in FY23. Additionally, DPR hosted one of the largest amateur pickleball tournaments in the country with over 275 participants in 2022. DPR is committed to identifying additional locations to serve this growing sport.
In the interim, DPR will adopt the following measures to accommodate safe usage::
DPR will clearly mark, though drawn lines, on outdoor tennis courts where pickleball can be played on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-up pickleball play is not permitted on basketball courts except during the times listed below.
DPR will not allow pickleball to be played in any spaces that do not have lines drawn for this sport (i.e., pickleball is not allowed on tennis courts unless that location has been converted for dual use).
DPR will clearly mark, though drawn lines, on outdoor courts where pickleball can be played on a first-come, first-served basis. DPR will not allow pickleball to be played on any spaces that does not have lines drawn for this sport (i.e., pickleball is not allowed on tennis courts unless that location has been converted for dual use).
DPR will provide appropriate signage that identifies specific courts and provides guidance on proper use.
DPR prohibits residents from installing their own lines to convert tennis courts and/ or other DPR designated spaces into pickleball courts without prior written agreement and approval from DPR.
A full list of sanctioned DPR pickleball courts can be found on this page and will be updated as additional courts come online.”
