THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (July 25, 2023) – Several hundred residents of The Woodlands, adults and children alike, celebrated as The Woodlands Township opened eight new dedicated pickleball courts on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Falconwing Park. Event highlights included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, demonstrations by local pickleball instructors, program information, open play, concessions, door prizes and more.
“It is always the goal of the Board of Directors to create welcoming spaces and facilities for every resident age group, from the children who love to play on the playgrounds and spraygrounds to the adults who love pickleball, tennis and adult recreation leagues,” said Township Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder. “The Township is pleased to open these courts to the community today and know our residents look forward to many years of enjoyment on the courts, whether individuals play leisurely or competitively.”
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with more than 8.9 million players documented in 2022. With a $650,000 investment, authorized by The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, the Township Parks and Recreation Department has overseen the construction of the eight dedicated pickleball courts. This project is one facet of a $4.23 million renovation at Falconwing Park, which includes the parking lot expansion, LED light conversions on the sports fields and courts and an upcoming pool renovation.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to play on the courts using the paddle-up system, learned how to make court reservations and about upcoming programming opportunities, and enjoyed demonstrations from instructors regarding specific game variations.
These eight pickleball courts bring the total to 51 pickleball courts in The Woodlands Township. There are 19 tennis courts throughout The Woodlands that include pickleball line overlays, totaling 38 pickleball courts (two pickleball courts per one tennis court). In addition, there are five pickleball-lined courts at the outdoor multi-use sports court location at Bear Branch Park. The new Falconwing dedicated pickleball courts include nets while other locations are shared spaces and require players to bring their nets.
For more information about pickleball in The Woodlands, including how to play, leagues, program registration and more, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pickleball.
Photo 1: The Woodlands Township Board of Directors celebrated the grand opening of eight new pickleball courts at Falconwing Park in The Woodlands on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Pictured left to right, Director Brad Bailey, Secretary Linda Nelson, Chairman Dr. Ann K. Snyder and Treasurer Richard Franks.
Photo 2: The Woodlands Township Board of Directors marked the opening of the new pickleball courts with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pictured left to right: Treasurer Richard Franks, Director Dr. Shelley Sekula Gibbs, Chairman Dr. Ann. K. Snyder, Director of Parks and Recreation John McGowan and Secretary Linda Nelson, along with some of the children at the event.
Photo 3: Residents enjoyed open play on the new pickleball courts at Falconwing Park during the grand opening on Saturday, July 22, 2023. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pickleball.