Maple Grove Opens 18 New Pickleball Courts at Lakeview Knolls Park
After years of work, 18 new pickleball courts at Lakeview Knolls Park are ready for play in Maple Grove.
These days, pickleball is a sport for the ages– and all ages. The Maple Grove Parks Department recognizes that.
“Right away at 6 this morning there were, you know, 25-30 people out here playing. So that was cool to see,” said Ben Jaszewski, the city’s parks and planning superintendent.
This project was years in the making. Work started in 2021, and construction started in 2023. Jaszewski said the community– and area pickleballers– were heavily involved in the design process.
“There’s been a movement, and obviously some trends, in pickleball where they’ve had 50 percent increases in participation in pickleball. Year after year,” Jaszewski said.
Work and Play
The work is almost complete. While 18 courts are ready for play, they’re still missing shade– something Jaszewski said is coming soon. Contractors are still completing a shelter with bathrooms that will go next to the courts. Those should be complete within the next month.
“We’re thankful our contractors were willing to allow the courts to open while they continue to work,” Jaszewski said.
Even in breezy conditions, pickleball players were guarded by wind-protected courts.
Even with men at work off to the side, the space was good enough for these players. Some came in groups, while others met up with friends both old and new. Michelle Carstensen arrived at the court in the morning and happened to see one of her business partners.
“We ended up just coming here, and I was like ‘Hey! I know you!” Carstensen said.
This space is the biggest outdoor pickleball park in Minnesota, according to data from the court-finding website Pickleheads. Carstensen said that makes play much more seamless.
“It’s awesome! Because I was just thinking… most courts we go to, you’ve got to wait 20 minutes to play,” Carstensen said. “Here, it’s open courts, so I know I’ll never have to sit and just wait.”
Play for All
More courts also mean more players at every level– both people who play competitively or just for fun. A few courts over from Carstensen’s game, Rick Ernst was putting in the hours. He said he usually plays between 2-4 hours of pickleball a day.
“It’s a great way to meet people and be social. And also, it’s good for your mind, your reflexes. It’s just, all-around, a good recreational sport for everybody, all ages,” Ernst said.
The new courts are available for all-ages, including 86-year-old, self proclaimed “oldest person on the court” Ron Lucas. Lucas, in the yellow hat, plays in tournaments across the country.
Ernst, alongside the other players, say the carefully-constructed court is a victory. He complimented the city’s use of wind guards and gates for each play space.
“I want to give them a hats-off,” Ernst said, lifting up his hat, “to all their help and how they made this really happen. They really support us a lot.”
At the city level, Jaszewski said the courts were designed with Maple Grove residents in mind, but anyone can come play. He said he expects it to have a regional draw for tournaments and competition.
“I think there are enough courts here where really anybody could come any time and find a court available for them,” Jaszewski said.
The city is holding its inaugural Pickleball Tournament at the courts on July 11 during Maple Grove Days. Registration is due by Monday, June 24. More details are available on the Maple Grove Community Organization page.
Related: Maple Grove Adding 18 Pickleball Courts to Lakeview Knolls Park
