Corpus Christi officials are weighing whether to convert tennis courts at Al Kruse Tennis Center for pickleball as players debate growing demand.<\/p>\n
As pickleball continues its rapid rise in popularity, a dispute is growing over court space at the Al Kruse Tennis Center in Corpus Christi.<\/p>\n
The city is considering converting up to two tennis courts into pickleball courts at the public facility near downtown, drawing mixed reactions from local players of both sports.<\/p>\n
Pickleball coaches Jennifer and Billie Ryon said demand for court space has surged in recent years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe see 90% of the players that come in are here for pickleball,\u201d Jennifer Ryon said. \u201cThe other 10% are there for tennis.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Ryons said existing pickleball courts are often filled to capacity, forcing some players to wait or leave.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery day, people get turned away because there\u2019s not enough reservation spots,\u201d Billie Ryon said. \u201cThere\u2019s not enough court space for all the people that want to come out and play. And that\u2019s what the public parks are for, is to provide space for community to come have fun and get some exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the Ryons, Al Kruse currently has 10 courts dedicated to pickleball, with four additional dedicated courts planned at Commodores Park.<\/p>\n
But many longtime tennis players argue the proposed conversion could hurt one of Corpus Christi\u2019s few public tennis facilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s going to really destroy the footprint of Al Kruse,\u201d said Ron Woods, a former college player who said he has played tennis in Corpus Christi for more than 70 years. \u201cYou need six tennis courts to run an effective tennis program.\u201d<\/p>\n
Woods said he supports pickleball\u2019s growth but believes both sports can coexist without reducing tennis space at the center.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a need for pickleball,\u201d Woods said. \u201cI love to see people getting off the couch, getting out and playing tennis and pickleball. That\u2019s what it\u2019s all about. But you don\u2019t go, basically, in my estimation, destroy a perfectly fine Tennis Center, where you can be running tennis and pickleball programs for the community. It just doesn\u2019t make sense to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a statement to 3NEWS, the City of Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department said officials are still reviewing public input and evaluating the proposal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe City of Corpus Christi appreciates the public\u2019s feedback on the proposed conversion of up to two tennis courts to pickleball courts at the Al Kruse Tennis Center,\u201d the department said in a statement. \u201cWe are continuing to evaluate the best outcome for equitable access for recreational racquet sports in our community. No decision has been finalized at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
More from 3NEWS on KIIITV.com: <\/p>\n