Playing pickleball in Collier County: A guide for everything you need to know
Kendall LittleAs the weather starts to cool off, it's the perfect time to get your pickleball practice in.
Naples has been cementing itself as the "pickleball capital of the world" over the past few years by hosting the national Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championship tournament. Last year, the tournament brought in 40,000 spectators and 3,000 players.
If you're a part-time resident or full-time local looking to practice your pickleball skills before the tournament this spring, here's everything you need to know about Collier County's pickleball facilities.
Where can I play pickleball in Collier County?
- LOCATION:Big Corkscrew Island Regional ParkCOURTS: 6HOURS: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.LIGHTS: Yes. Until 10 p.m.
- LOCATION: East Naples Community ParkCOURTS: 59HOURS: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.LIGHTS: Yes. Until 10 p.m.
- LOCATION: Veterans Community ParkCOURTS: 14HOURS: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.LIGHTS: Yes on courts nine through 14. Until 10 p.m.
More:Here's why pickleball is so popular in Florida. It's not because of retirees
What's the cost to play pickleball in Collier?
- Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park: Free
- East Naples Community Park: $50 annual membership, $5 drop-in fee
- Veterans Community Park: $50 annual membership, $5 drop-in fee, $12 to rent a court during 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. using courts one through eight
What's the parking situation like pickleball locations Collier County?
- Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park: Plenty of parking
- East Naples Community Park: Crowded from November to April
- Veterans Community Park: Plenty of parking unless it's Saturday
Are there any new pickleball courts being built in Collier County?
Pelican Bay Community Park in North Naplesis going to have 20 new pickleball courts after renovations to the park are completed next year.
The $20 million project became controversial after locals who live in Pelican Bay and the surrounding neighborhoods spoke out against the project. Residents are concerned the courts will be loud, bring more traffic, and be a liability for the area.
But the Collier County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve the project in August. Now, the Pelican Bay Foundation is working with the county to finish the renovation plans.
The most recent timeline the county gave us was that construction may begin late spring 2024 and finish by the end of summer 2024.
Are there public pickleball courts on Marco Island?
Marco Island is also building new pickleball courts. The city is working on converting the existing Racquet Center into 24 pickleball courts for around $5 million.
The Marco Island City Council wants to work with Collier County to fund the project, as it'll bring tourists for competitive and recreational play.
The project has been broken up into phases of construction with phase one beginning in May of next year. Phase one will demolish the existing building, championship court, and two tennis courts. Eight paved pickleball courts will take their place.
Phase two would demolish the remaining four tennis courts and build the additional 16 pickleball courts for a total of 24 courts. This phase has not been funded yet.
More:Construction on Marco Island pickleball center to begin in May. What happens to tennis?
More:Pickleball update: Collier County approves upgrades at Pelican Bay Community Park
What tips does the Collier County have for pickleball players?
- Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park: "We have pickleball board that players can use to rotate into games," County Parks and Recreation Marketing Manager Peg Ruby said. "Courts can be reserved from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.."
- East Naples Community Park: "Please be patient during season," Ruby said. "If you don’t want to wait to play, show up at or around 11:00 a.m.."
- Veterans Community Park: "If the courts are full, sign your name on the white board and you will be rotated in," Ruby said. "We have the courts divided up by level of play during the day."