A proposal to introduce fees for pickleball at Udall Park has sparked pushback from players in Tucson, Arizona, with efforts now underway to keep the sport free at one of the city’s busiest community courts.
According to a report by kvoa.com, Ward 2 Council Member Paul Cunningham is working with local group Tucson Area Pickleball (TAP) to explore alternatives to the city’s budget proposal, which would charge $3.50 for 90 minutes of play at outdoor courts like Udall.
“I think all the council members should come here, whether they play pickleball or not and see the culture and community, the happiness, the lack of depression,” said Sue Watts, a long-time player at Udall Park.
Players say the courts have become a hub for social interaction, where life moments are shared beyond the sport itself. Cunningham emphasized the importance of preserving the current paddle rack system, which allows players to rotate in and join games organically.
“Which basically allows community play, without check-in and you can kind of walk on and play with different partners and get an opportunity. It’s not just athletics, it’s a social community,” Cunningham said.
Under the alternative proposal, TAP would manage the courts for the next five years, maintain facilities and raise funds for additional courts, while keeping play free for users. Cunningham said he does not believe a fee is necessary at present and, if introduced later, it should remain minimal.
Players remain firm that the issue goes beyond cost, focusing instead on preserving the atmosphere built over time.
“Parks and Rec. is here to build community but we’ve built it,” said player Hank Greenberg. “Don’t destroy what Parks and Rec. was meant to be for everybody of all ages.”
Cunningham said discussions will continue with other council offices and Tucson Parks and Recreation, with plans to bring a motion regarding pickleball at Udall Park before the City Council on May 19.
