Pickleball, other amenities, to open in Kiwanis Park this year

Soon, pickleball enthusiasts from Battle Ground will not have to travel far to play the popular game.

Last week, city officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Kiwanis Park improvement project, which will include building six pickleball courts for the growing community.

In May, the City of Battle Ground awarded Tikka Masonry $1.2 million for various improvements to Kiwanis Park, 422 SW Second Ave., in the city’s center. Monday, July 15, city officials celebrated the start of the project with a groundbreaking ceremony. The improvements include the installation of six new pickleball courts in the southeast corner, replacing two basketball courts. Subsequently, a new basketball court will be constructed to the north.

Pickleball was the highlight of conversation among those attending last week’s groundbreaking, including Mayor Troy McCoy. Several pickleball enthusiasts expressed their interest in bringing the sport to the community at previous City Council meetings. Though he has yet to try the sport, McCoy hopes pickleball will give locals another reason to visit.

“[Kiwanis Park] is in the heart of our city. It has our Veteran’s Memorial, so it’s nice to make it even more popular,” McCoy stated regarding the amenities. “We’re excited to hear the children’s voices.”

Jennifer Rosenberger, a member of the City’s Parks & Community Engagement (PACE) Board, said the additional courts have been in high demand for some time. She noted that participants of the fast-growing sport have had to travel to Vancouver and Portland to play games, which can be a travel expense.

“It’s a great game for exercise and community spirit,” Rosenberger said. “There’s been a lot of folk asking for pickleball courts in the local area. It fills a void that we really don’t have.”

The six pickleball courts will come with a cover for shade and a sound barrier. The barrier will be placed within the tree line between the courtyard and south-bordering residential buildings.

Additional amenities in the scope of work include:

• A new open-sided, covered picnic shelter, which will replace the open-top gazebo originally installed in 2006.

• A new covered basketball court, which will be installed in the park’s northeast, replacing an existing horseshoe pit. Additional lighting will be installed to ensure visibility in the forested area. No surrounding trees will be removed during construction, city staff said.

• A set of 14 street lights on the park’s east half to enhance public safety. The lights will be located on the north and east entrances of Kiwanis Park and will light the community center, pickleball courts, splash pad and the area surrounding the basketball court. The lights will be installed in early 2025 due to supply delays.

The City will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony once the project is complete. The new sports courts and picnic tables are expected to be open by late fall of this year.