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12 New Pickleball Courts Have Officially Opened at Glendale Park- is Your Head in the Game?

Why pickleball?

Community demand

In 2022, the Department of Public Lands released a community-informed Vision Plan for Glendale Park – a redevelopment of the former Raging Waters/Seven Peaks waterpark site – informed by extensive community input. A subsequent round of engagement in 2023 revealed demand for additional pickleball facilities. In response to feedback through online surveys, neighborhood events, and one-on-one conversations, the Vision Plan and project phasing were revised to repurpose four tennis courts into 12 pickleball courts, rather than adding just four new courts the plan originally called for.

“This project stands as a powerful example of what can happen when cities truly listen,” said Mayor Mendenhall. “These courts are the direct result of community voices shaping their own public spaces, and we’re proud to deliver this kind of meaningful, equitable investment to the Glendale neighborhood.” 

Sport Popularity

In 2026, Salt Lake City will have 40 pickleball courts open, 26 of those being on the west side.

Salt Lake City pickleball court locations:

• Fairmont Park: 6 courts
• 11th Avenue Park: 6 courts
• Rosewood Park: 8 courts
• C Street & 5th Avenue: 2 courts
• Glendale Park: 12 courts
• Pioneer Park: 6 courts (not yet completed)
• Sunnyside Park: 6 courts (not yet completed)
• Poplar Grove: 2 courts (completed by 2026)
• Fairpark (Fire station Tennis): 4 courts (completed by 2026)

 “Pickleball isn’t just a trend, it’s a movement,” said Mendenhall. “It brings people together and creates community. These courts will be a gathering place for learning, laughing, competing, and connecting.” 

Why now?

Reinvesting in Westside Parks

The Salt Lake City Public Lands Master Plan, Reimagine Nature, called for the need to invest in parks on the west side to enhance the Jordan River Parkway and increase community spaces. Glendale Park is a groundbreaking project because it will mark the opening of the City’s first regional park in more than 60 years.

“This is community-led planning in action,” said Kim Shelley, Director of Public Lands. “We’re proud to help create a space that reflects the vision of Glendale residents– and one that will bring people together for years to come.”

GO Bond funding

$27 million of Public Land’s General Obligation Bond funding is being allocated for the first construction phase of Glendale Park. This is part of the $85 million GO Bond funding for Public Land projects voted on in 2022.

What about the rest of Glendale Park?

Phase one of Glendale Park, which will be completed in fall 2025, will include an all-abilities playground, full basketball court, walking paths, shaded canopies, a large open lawn space, and a lot of parking. Phase two design plans are currently underway, with construction to come in the following years. To learn more about the vision for the future of the park, take a look at the Glendale Regional Park Master Plan.