WORCESTER—Pickleball’s rise as the fastest-growing sport in the country is echoing throughout Worcester, where a recent city council meeting highlighted the growing push to create more spaces for the increasingly popular paddle sport. But the conversation also raised questions about balancing new demands with preserving traditional tennis facilities.
On April 15, city officials discussed a detailed report from the Department of Public Works and Parks outlining proposed renovations to the historic tennis courts at Newton Square in Elm Park — courts that have served the community since 1909. While the report focused on a comprehensive overhaul of the area, including lighting, walkways, and memorial features, the topic of pickleball quickly became part of the discussion.
Councilor Donna Colorio, who grew up playing tennis at Newton Square, acknowledged the sport’s personal significance to her but noted the growing call for pickleball courts.
“Pickleball now has become the new sport of many people,” Colorio said, asking whether any renovations could accommodate both tennis and pickleball. “Is there something in the future for pickleball?”
Assistant Commissioner of Public Works and Parks Robert Antonelli explained that while space constraints and topography at Newton Square prevent the addition of separate pickleball courts, line painting could be added to tennis courts to allow shared use — a practice already in place at other parks like Holmes Field.
“We would do something along those lines to be able to solve that problem,” Antonelli said. “The manager is also having us look at some other locations… we do have one scheduled for Mulcahy Field when we finalize the renovations there.”
Councilor Jenny Pacillo, chair of the Standing Committee on Veterans’ Memorials, Parks and Recreation, supported the idea and proposed adding an amendment to further explore pickleball options, noting that the sport’s noise level has been a concern in some neighborhoods.
“I’m happy to add a friendly amendment to suggest more inspiration for pickleball, whether it’s line painting or speaking to neighbors,” she said.
Colorio also raised a common question from constituents: How does someone reserve a court?
“Tennis and pickleball is usually first come, first serve,” Antonelli responded. “If they want to guarantee their ability to play at a certain time… the recommendation would be to have a permit from the parks office.”
Councilor George Russell also used the opportunity to again request a timeline for renovations at the Blithewood tennis courts, which he said have “been in disarray for years.”
Ultimately, the council unanimously voted to send recommendations to the parks committee for further review. The full-scale Newton Square renovation, if approved, is projected to cost between $2.5 million and $9 million and would include court rebuilds, landscaping, and lighting upgrades — a major investment in the long-standing park that also reflects the city’s growing interest in evolving recreational needs.
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
The Worcester Guardian is an independent nonprofit news organization. Support local journalism by making a DONATION today.
