SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Building off the success of the Larsen Pickleball Complex at Carl Larsen Park, which opened last month, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department officials announced today the department is continuing to provide more pickleball opportunities with dual lines planned for Moscone Park Playground.
Under the plan, the two tennis courts at Moscone Park Playground adjacent to the Marina Branch Library will be dual lined to create 6 pickleball courts. The courts are anticipated to be ready in spring of this year.
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, with the organization USA Pickleball reporting a 30 percent increase in membership in 2022. The sport’s explosion over the last few years has led Rec and Park to work steadily to increase the number of places to play.
In December, Rec and Park converted a tennis court and a basketball court into 8 new dedicated pickleball courts at Carl Larsen Park.
In 2018, the sport was beginning to grow, with just 12 courts throughout the park system. As the sport’s popularity continued to soar over the years, Rec and Park increased that number to 87 total places to play, including 63 outdoor pickleball courts and 24 indoor pickleball facilities.
Demand for the sport continues to grow. To meet that demand, every tennis court that Rec and Park repaves will now include dual-painted lines for pickleball. Of the park system’s 139 tennis courts, more than 12 percent have been dual lined for pickleball—and more are on the way.
The new dual line courts will be a welcome addition to the Marina District. They were made possible through existing budget funds from Supervisor Catherine Stefani’s Office. “I’m excited to champion the expansion of this dynamic and social sport.
Pickleball has uniquely brought San Franciscans of all ages together and fostered a vibrant community,” Supervisor Stefani said. “I will continue to do all that I can to work with Rec and Park to support this ever-growing sporting community.”
“Pickleball is an incredibly social and fun sport and its growth over the last years proves that,” Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg said. “We’re moving as fast as we can to get the ball rolling to identify new potential sites and we will continue to work closely with the pickleball community and our other sports communities to find creative solutions that work for everyone.”
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