Panama City officials move forward with plans for pickleball courts and skate park

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. ( WMBB ) – On Thursday morning, Panama City Beach Council members found themselves in the middle of a misunderstanding.

It began with a standoff between skateboarders and pickleball players.

For months now, Panama City Beach officials have been planning a state-of-the-art skatepark for Frank Brown Park. But the need for the facility recently came under question.

“A skate park had just been built at Publix Sports Park. The question was, OK, we just built this. How much is it being used? How much is the community? Did we have pickleball, which is exploding in popularity,” Panama City Beach Mayor Stuart Tettemer said.

Those questions brought out both pickleballers and skateboarders for Thursday morning’s meeting.

Each side feared they would be cut in favor of the other.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand how difficult it can be as a skateboarder growing up in a place like this without proper amenities for anyone in this sport, I’ve been ticketed, I’ve been trespassed,” a skateboarder said. “I’ve even had to appear in court before just simply for having a skateboard downtown. It’s been a pretty hostile place to be a skateboarder.”

“A new skate park and facility at Frank Brown Park would greatly improve the urban landscape with curb appeal for residents and visitors alike. It would give the youth a place to gather, build their community, and develop their skills,” another skateboarder said.

Pickleballers said their sport is growing quickly and they need more courts.

“Constructing pickleball courts, would not only cater to the growing community of pickleball enthusiasts but also attract tournaments and events that can bring economic benefits to our area, especially in the off-season. The sport’s popularity spans all age groups for any physical fitness, social interaction, and sense of community,” a Pickleball player said.

“Four years ago, four courts weren’t enough, today, eight courts aren’t enough, and in four more, 12 courts won’t be enough,” the President of the Panhandle Pickleball Club said.

Council members decided both sides were right. They’ll move forward with the skate park at the front of Frank Brown Park, and they voted to build Pickleball courts right next door.

“There are times when we’re going to make hard decisions, but there are times when we can give a little and get a little and work to make sure that we do get those win-wins,” Tettermer said. “And we always look for those, it’s not we’re not trying to pit anyone against each other. We’re trying to find the win-win.”

The $1.4 million skate park will be designed for beginning skaters.

The Pickleball courts are in the 2025 budget, but the city is moving forward now with design plans.

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