What’s Next For Shreveport’s Proposed Pickleball Complex?

The pickleball debate has been a hot topic in Shreveport and Caddo Parish for the past few months. The Caddo Commission is considering a measure to approve a plan to build a pickleball complex in southeast Shreveport.

Does Shreveport Mayor Support Proposed Pickleball Complex?

We know, this is a parish issue, but the park would be in the city of Shreveport. So we asked Mayor Tom Arceneaux if he supports the plan to build the park.

Arceneaux tells us:

You know I really try hard to stay in my lane and I expect other governmental entities to do the same. So I don't have the same perspective or information that they have so I will trust the judgment of the members of the Parish Commission to make a prudent decision and to look at.

How Much Would the Pickleball Complex Cost?

The Commission is proposing to spend $10 million dollars in revenue bonds to pay for the park which would be built on property next to the YMCA on Ellerbe Road. The Y would set up a long-term lease for the land with a very minimal price tag.

Mayor Arceneaux talks about what this could mean for the city.

“I do think it would be a benefit for the city.” We asked the Mayor if there was any chance the city would get involved in planning or building this park and he told us emphatically “no”. When KEEL asked the Mayor about what that part of town has no city or parish park. He told us the city already has 67 parks to maintain and the residents in that part of town “moved out there knowing there was no park”.

The Caddo Commission could take action on the proposed pickleball complex at its next meeting on August 21.