COLUMBIA — Changes are coming for pickleball players at Albert-Oakland Park in Columbia.

The park has undergone renovations and construction for several months to add more pickleball courts to the facility.

According to the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, there will be 16 pickleball courts once the renovations are complete, nearly doubling the original number of courts.

“It’s just nice to come out, hang and have laughs with friends,” Olivia Shackleford, an MU student, said.

Shackleford said she and her friends usually go to Albert-Oakland to play once a week.

“I’ve only really played, for fun, out in public at Albert Oakland,” Shackleford said. “It’s always been like the go-to place.” 

But because Albert-Oakland Park is a go-to spot for many, the construction means longer wait times for people wanting to play pickleball.

“Sometimes, the waits can get up to 15 or 30 minutes,” said Justin Vogel, an MU student who plays pickleball regularly. “Sometimes it’s a little disappointing because you have to wait.”


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The department said going to play during non-peak times means shorter wait times and more pickleball.

“Early bird gets the court, I guess,” Shackleford said.

The explosion in pickleball has been significant across the country and in mid-Missouri. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball was the fastest-growing sport in the United States in 2025 for the fourth consecutive year, rising over 300% in popularity.

“I think as soon as those courts are finished, they’re going to be very well used,” Tammy Miller, Columbia Parks and Recreation Department communications coordinator, said. “And we’re going to see a lot of pickleball players out there.” 

According to previous KOMU 8 reporting, the project also includes upgrades to shelters and playground replacement at the park. The Show-Me Pickleball Club will donate nets and posts for the complex.

However, the pickleball court renovations mean Albert-Oakland Park will have three fewer tennis courts. 

The Parks and Recreation Department said the improvements to the courts cost $640,000. The renovations are being funded by the 2021 Park Sales Tax.

According to the Parks and Recreation Department, the renovations are set to be complete for this summer’s playing season.