Project Description
This project will convert both tennis courts at East Norbeck Local Park to six dedicated pickleball courts. The purpose of this project is to expand pickleball opportunities in the county by creating a small hub of multiple, dedicated pickleball courts.
Background
Demand for pickleball is growing rapidly both nationally and here in Montgomery County. Montgomery Parks has a strong inventory of shared pickleball and tennis courts throughout the county, however, the inventory of dedicated pickleball courts remains low.
Dedicated pickleball courts offer guaranteed play opportunities for pickleball players, while shared courts do not. Converting tennis courts to pickleball courts is the quickest and most cost-effective way to increase the inventory of dedicated pickleball courts.
Montgomery Parks added pickleball striping to both tennis courts in East Norbeck Local Park in 2021. Analysis of court use indicates this is a popular location for pickleball.
A dedicated pickleball hub
The dedicated pickleball hub at Bauer Drive Local Park has been hugely successful, and we are seeing additional demand for similar pickleball destinations or hubs. East Norbeck Local Park is suitable for a pickleball hub based on the following criteria:
- The park is far enough away from homes and buffered by the Intercounty Connector and Md. Route 28 to prevent noise issues.
- The park is accessible by public transportation and has ample parking for people who choose to drive.
- There is good lighting, a nearby picnic shelter with bathrooms, and the park is ADA accessible.
- The dedicated hub can accommodate tournaments.
Nearby availability of tennis
While this project proposes to remove tennis courts from this park, there are 18 tennis courts at Olney Manor Recreational Park, just a five-minute drive from East Norbeck Local Park. In addition, there are dozens of other public tennis courts within a three-mile radius.
Summary of Community Outreach and Engagement
Park planners presented the proposal to the Norbeck Crossing HOA Board of Directors (May 1), the Greater Olney Civic Association (May 9), and the Mid County Citizens Advisory Board (May 17) as well as had a Survey open for public comment from May 2 until July 31. Click to view Open Town Hall Survey Results. For more information about the project, view the presentation from the project manager, Chuck Kines.
Status / Project Update
Project start date scheduled for spring 2024.