Construction Set to Begin on Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park Pickleball Facility

Chandler is expanding its recreational offerings with a new pickleball facility at Tumbleweed Park. The facility will feature 18 courts.Photo byAleksander SaksonUnsplash

CHANDLER – Chandler is set to expand its recreational offerings with the construction of a new pickleball facility at Tumbleweed Park, according to the City of Chandler.

The Chandler City Council approved a construction agreement change order for Hunter Contracting Co. on Sept. 12, 2024, allowing the project to move forward.

The facility, located at the southeast corner of Germann Road and Pioneer Parkway, is expected to open by fall 2025.

John Sefton, Chandler’s Community Services Director, highlighted the growing demand for pickleball in the community. “Pickleball’s popularity has grown rapidly in our city, and this new facility will nearly triple Chandler’s outdoor courts, offering affordable and accessible recreation opportunities for residents of all ages,” Sefton said.

Pickleball's rapid growth is evident in the latest data from USA Pickleball. According to the 2023 USA Pickleball Facts and Highlights (as of Jan. 4, 2024), the number of known places to play reached 11,885, with over 1,000 new locations added to the Places2Play database in 2023.

The total number of courts now stands at 50,003. Additionally, USA Pickleball’s membership grew by 15%, totaling 78,766 members. This growth reflects the sport’s broad appeal across recreational and competitive levels, according to USA Pickleball.

The Tumbleweed project includes the construction of 18 outdoor pickleball courts, complete with restrooms, practice areas, equipment storage, drinking fountains, and parking.

As part of the same initiative, three new tennis courts will be added, and LED lighting will be upgraded at the nearby Chandler Tennis Center, according to the city.

The Chandler City Council initially approved the facility’s design in October 2023 in response to the surge in pickleball’s popularity. The approved change order is valued at $8,415,867.

Notably, construction management services will be provided by Dibble CM, LLC, under a separate $482,135 agreement.

The Tumbleweed Park Pickleball Facility broke ground in early September, and construction is set to begin in October 2024.