Jefferson Parish Council has given the green light to a major new almost-$100 million pickleball court project at Mike Miley Playground in Metairie.
Reason To Celebrate
Pickleball enthusiasts in Jefferson Parish have reason to celebrate as plans have been unveiled for the expansion of pickleball facilities at Mike Miley Playground in Metairie.
The surge in demand for this sport has prompted the creation of nine new pickleball courts, along with the renovation of four existing ones.
Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng told nola.com that pickleball has achieved remarkable growth recently, leading to the establishment of a dedicated pickleball complex at the Miley Playground.
“Pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport over the last three years. The project will create a true dedicated pickleball complex at Miley.”
A Contract Worth Nearly $1 Million
The upcoming Miley Pickleball Complex is intended for various uses, including free play, leagues, and tournaments. The Jefferson Parish Council recently approved a contract of $938,000 with Crescent Commercial Construction to oversee the construction of the new courts.
According to Jefferson Parish Recreation Director Mario Bazile, work is scheduled to commence within the next month.
Ms. Sheng underscored that the introduction of the pickleball complex aligns with her administration’s endeavor to enhance and optimize the use of recreation facilities throughout the parish.
This initiative is particularly significant in response to varying levels of engagement, influenced partly by demographic factors. As some segments of the population showed decreased usage, efforts were channeled towards accommodating sports with higher demand, such as pickleball.
“While some playgrounds were bustling with activity, we had others that didn’t have as much activity — not due to our parents, not due to our coaches, it is strictly a demographic issue,” said Shenk.
Indoor And Outdoor Pickleball
The parish has already incorporated indoor and outdoor pickleball free play at multiple locations, including Delta, Johnny Bright, Little Farms, Wally Pontiff Jr., Miley, and Belle Terre playgrounds.
The introduction of new courts at the Miley Complex will facilitate the separate allocation of tennis courts for tennis activities, addressing the preferences of traditional “tennis purists.”
The evolving popularity of pickleball, predominantly among individuals aged 40 and above but also increasingly embraced by younger generations, is attributed to its inclusive and energetic nature.
“It’s just a fun, fast-paced sport that anyone can play,” Sheng said.
Miley Pickleball Complex
Mike Miley Playground is located at 600 Eisenhower Ave, Metairie, LA, 70003, USA.
Call (504) 736-8461 or go to jeffparish.net for further details.
Mike Miley Playground is one of the most popular places to play pickleball in Metairie, LA. It currently has four outdoor hard courts with permanent line.
Portable nets are available and access is available to restrooms and water. You just turn up to play as there is no court reservation system.
Click here to read more of our articles about the New Orleans pickleball scene.
