Court compromise effective starting in early 2023
“After months of discussions with both local pickleball and tennis representatives – as well as recording comments from other players in the community – we have developed an equitable short-term solution to the exceptional local growth of both sports,” according to D. Tyrell McGirt, APR Director. “By adding dual lines to all of Asheville’s existing public tennis courts and instituting a structured play schedule, we’re following the lead of other recreation professionals in communities across the nation to support both popular racquet sports and minimize user conflict. We’re not removing tennis courts and the total number of lined pickleball courts will nearly double in a matter of weeks.”
Decision Timeline and ATA Tennis Advocacy
Asheville Parks & Recreation obtained a quote to convert the 3 tennis courts at Oakley Park to pickleball only courts. ATA board representatives met with City Parks & Recreation and Pickleball representatives Wednesday September 14 to discuss how to best accomplish providing courts for both racquet communities. City Parks & Recreation agreed to draft up options based on input provided from the community. These options were presented to both tennis and pickleball leadership on October 19, then afterwards each group was to meet with their respective constituents. The ATA board held an emergency meeting and drafted a big COURT COMPROMISE proposal. The racquet sports leadership met with the city again November 9 and the city where the City announced its decision. Thanks to all who have shared your thoughts and tennis perspective so far in helping work out a near-term compromise
https://www.avltennis.com/ata-blog/2022/10/27/atas-big-court-compromise-proposal, https://www.avltennis.com/ata-blog/2022-9-6-concern-for-oakley-tennis-courts
Recent Headlines
Pickleball, tennis make peace: Asheville announces compromise. How will your parks change?
Asheville's public tennis courts to be dual-lined for pickleball play
ACT: Tennis, pickleball players seek compromise as tensions rise; City to make court decision
NY Times: Pickleball Is Expanding. Tennis Is Mad. - Asheville listed as example
ACT: Asheville project updates: Will Murphy-Oakley Tennis Courts become pickleball courts?
WLOS: 'Pickleball is homeless in this town:' Players fight for their own courts
ACT: After yearslong fight, impassioned Asheville pickleball players call for dedicated courts