New Pickleball Park Funding Secured for Shreveport’s Lash YMCA Site

The pickleball park plan for southeast Shreveport generated tons of debate in the community over the past 6 months. But it looks like the project will move forward. The Caddo Parish Commission has voted to move forward with selling revenue bonds to pay for this complex.

The actual bond sale will be just under $10 million dollars. The sale of the bonds would provide the money to build a pickleball complex on property next to the Lash Family YMCA at Ellerbe Road and Flournoy Lucas. Supporters say this complex will attract tournaments from across the south and will bring in players and their families from all over the region.

What Was the Vote on the Pickleball Bond Sale

Commissioners voted 11-1 to proceed with the bond sale. Only Commissioner Chris Kracman voted no on this move. The money from this bond sale will fund construction of the complex. Caddo Commissioner John Atkins tells KEEL News he has crunched the numbers and he says at 40% daily use, the pickleball complex will generate enough revenue to pay back these bonds. He says he is convinced we will get to these numbers.

Stacy Brown, the executive director of Visit Shreveport Bossier says

Pickleball has exploded in popularity here and nationwide. We’ve already had organizations express interest in bringing tournaments here — this facility will finally give them a home.

What the Pickleball Park Will Feature

Parish leaders are planning to build a complex that will include 19 lighted, regulation pickleball courts. 8 of the courts will have shade coverings. There will also be a championship court which will include seating for as many as 1,000 spectators. The Caddo Parks Plan also includes “a clubhouse (approximately 6,000 sq. ft with seating for up to 50 people on each side with (2) pickleball courts (1 on each side).” This complex will also have picnic areas, walking trails and about 500 parking spaces.

READ MORE: See What Local Leaders Support Pickleball Complex

When Will the Pickleball Complex Be Open

Construction is expected to begin later this year. Parish Administrator Erica Bryant has told commissioners the money from the revenue bond sale should be available in the next 30 days and the parish can proceed. Construction is expected to begin later this year. Parish leaders say a grand opening is expected next year.

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Who Will Run the Shreveport Pickleball Park

The Caddo Parish Parks website says “the pickleball complex will be managed by the Lash Family YMCA, a facility experienced in operating recreational facilities and connecting communities throughout the United States.”