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Pickleball is taking over Pierce County. Where are they building new courts?

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories highlights the rapid expansion of pickleball across Pierce County.

Lakewood decided to repurpose a skate park for new pickleball courts, drawing mixed reactions from the community. Meanwhile, a chain of indoor pickleball facilities, The Picklr, plans to transform a former retail space in Tacoma.

Gig Harbor recently opened Doris Heritage Park, boasting six new pickleball courts among its amenities. At Parks Tacoma, pickleball programs occupy a significant portion of indoor gym time, illustrating its rising demand.

Read the stories below.

Harry Todd Park is the proposed site of a pickleball court, on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Lakewood, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 1: NEW PICKLEBALL COURTS COMING TO LAKEFRONT PARK IN PIERCE COUNTY. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

Construction on four courts is expected to begin next year. | Published June 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

The skate park located at Harry Todd shown on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 in Lakewood, Washington. The skate park is set to be demolished to make way for a new pickleball court. By AMBER RITSON

NO. 2: ARE SKATE PARKS PASSE? THIS PIERCE COUNTY CITY TO REPLACE ONE WITH PICKLEBALL COURTS

It turns out not everyone is happy with the decision. | Published June 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

The former Big Lots on North Pearl Street, that is a proposed site of an indoor pickleball chain, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 3: AN INDOOR PICKLEBALL CHAIN HAS DESIGNS ON TACOMA. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

Indications are it might open in the former home of a national discount retailer that recently went bankrupt. | Published April 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

Lyn Syler, right, dives to return the ball while warming up with fellow Tacoma residents Christy Burdyshaw, left, and Brooke Berry, center, for a game of pickleball on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Wash. By Liesbeth Powers

NO. 4: FROM KIDS TO 94-YEAR-OLDS, EVERYONE IS PLAYING PICKLEBALL IN TACOMA

Pickleball is having a moment. Here’s how Parks Tacoma is meeting the appetite for the fast-growing sport. Plus: some local spots to drop in and play. | Published May 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Manley

This photo shows Doris Heritage Park’s playground before its grand opening. This sea-like playground has a slide, jungle gym and tunnels.

NO. 5: NEW PIERCE COUNTY PARK HAS PICKLEBALL COURTS AND A SHIP-THEMED PLAYGROUND

The $6.6 million park is named for a legend in the running community. | Published June 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sephora Charles

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.