Jefferson Parish opens $2 million pickleball complex
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Jefferson Parish opened a $2 million pickleball complex over the weekend in Metairie at Mike Miley Playground.
Why it matters: Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S.
The big picture: The pickleball complex has nine new covered courts and four refurbished ones with lights for free play, leagues and tournaments, according to the parish.
- It also has two small covered areas for spectators and players, along with a new parking lot.
By the numbers: At the groundbreaking in 2023, the parish estimated the project would cost about $1 million, which would be funded from the recreation millage tax.
- The actual pricetag came in a touch over $2 million, parish spokesperson Rachel Strassel tells Axios New Orleans.
- She said the original project ended up costing more than quoted.
- The parish paid $1.25 million from the millage, and council member Deano Bonano covered the remaining $800,000 from a discretionary fund, she said.
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Zoom out: Pickleball participation nationally has grown more than 220% in the past three years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
- Even Drew Brees is getting in on the action. He hosts an annual pickleball tournament in New Orleans and is part owner of a Major League Pickleball team in Austin.
- New Orleans metro has at least 30 pickleball facilities, including options through NORD and City Park, according to Pickleheads.com, which maps courts and their amenities.
- The Exchange Pickleball + Bar on Tchoupitoulas Street, Brees' Pickle N Pins and Ochsner Fitness Center in Elmwood have indoor courts available for a fee too.
If you go: The new pickleball facility is open daily from 8am to 9pm.
- It's next to the Ree Alario Multi-Purpose Center at 500 Pickleball Court.
Go deeper: Pickleball popularity picks up in New Orleans
