Council approves entering into sublease for pickleball courts at COD’s existing city campus
The city hopes to convert three vacant tennis courts into 12 pickleball courts while the permanent facility at Demuth Park undergoes an eight-month expansion to double its capacity.
The Palm Springs City Council approved a plan Wednesday evening to create temporary pickleball courts at existing College of the Desert (COD) property while permanent facilities undergo a major expansion.
After a brief discussion with staff, councilmembers backed a sublease agreement with Desert Community College District that will allow the city to convert three vacant tennis courts into 12 pickleball courts at the college’s temporary campus on East Baristo Road. If COD’s board also approves of the plan, the courts could be open by this summer.
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The temporary courts will provide an alternative for pickleball players during the renovation and expansion of the city’s courts at Demuth Park. Construction there is expected to begin this summer and last approximately eight months, according to Parks and Recreation Department staff.
The Demuth Park project will double the number of pickleball courts from 12 to 24 when completed. The temporary facility at 1452 E. Baristo Road will help bridge the gap during construction.
Under the agreement, the city will pay a monthly lease of $1,637 through Nov. 1, when the amount will increase slightly to $1,655 per month. The conversion costs for transforming the tennis courts into pickleball facilities are approximately $75,000.
City Manager Scott Stiles said the expenses will be covered by the approved operating budget for the Parks and Recreation Department.
The conversion work will include minor repairs to existing fencing, removal of debris and vegetation, creation of an access path, and surface painting to convert each tennis court into four pickleball courts.
The temporary courts will have some limitations. No public restrooms will be available on site, parking will only be available on surrounding streets, and the courts will only be open during daylight hours since there is no plan to repair nonfunctional lighting that exists at the courts.
The city will also close the facility when the college has exams or special events.
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