The Wichita City Council has approved the design concept and funding for a planned pickleball complex in the south part of the city.

Park and Recreation Director Troy Houtman told the council that pickleball continues to grow in popularity and there are even professional players in Wichita.  He said a project for a pickleball complex has been in development since 2021 and the plan is to have the complex at South Lakes Park at 5300 South Meridian.

He said the redevelopment of the Stryker Sports Complex in northeast Wichita has reduced league sports play at South Lakes Park, and that has provided space to meet the demand for pickleball courts.  He said the goal is to have regional and national tournaments at South Lakes, similar to the activity at Stryker.

The design for South Lakes will have 24 pickleball courts, with indoor and outdoor facilities with seating areas and shade structures for spectators, areas for food trucks, and a building with indoor concessions, restrooms, offices and storage areas.

The project cost is estimated to be $6.1 million.  The design is expected to be complete and ready to bid this summer.

City Council member Jeff Blubaugh said he’s excited to have this project in south Wichita, and he moved for approval.

City Council member Bryan Frye made a substitute motion to delay consideration until the city’s capital improvement process is complete in June, to see where the project fits with other priorities in the city.  He says he continues to hear about needs for road improvements, public safety and infrastructure needs and other priorities.   He said the project could be brought back to the City Council by the end of June.    His motion was defeated 5-2, and the Council then voted unanimously to approve the South Lakes project.