Champaign to Open Eight New Pickleball Courts
The city will expand its John Street facility to 16 total courts on October 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Champaign Park District is set to open eight new pickleball courts at its John Street facility on October 31, 2026. This expansion brings the total number of available courts at the complex to 16.
Why it matters
The upgrade comes as the Champaign Park District addresses the growing demand for the sport since the facility first opened in 2022. The project aims to provide more space for residents looking to participate in the popular recreational activity.
The expansion project cost a total of $2 million to construct. This addition increases the facility count to 16 courts, with four of the new additions featuring permanent shading for players.
The players
Champaign Park District
This local government agency manages public recreational facilities and park programs throughout the city of Champaign.
The details
The facility is located on John Street near Centennial High School and now includes improved amenities such as bathrooms for visitors. Management will utilize a paddling system to help players coordinate court access across the now-expanded complex.
Timeline
The pickleball facility on John Street originally opened in 2022.
New lighting was installed at the complex in 2025.
The eight new pickleball courts open to the public on October 31, 2026.
An official ribbon cutting ceremony will occur in November 2026.
Market Landscape
This expansion follows the nationwide surge in pickleball participation reported by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association as local demand outpaces existing infrastructure. It positions the Champaign Park District to better compete with private recreation centers by offering increased public access to the sport.
Residents can utilize the expanded facility starting October 31, 2026, with four of the new courts providing needed relief from the sun. The addition of these courts aims to reduce wait times for players using the park district's official paddling system.
The takeaway
The facility expansion reflects the significant growth of pickleball as a community staple. Players are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the park district's scheduling systems to make the most of the increased court availability.
What happens next
An official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new courts is scheduled to take place in November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local recreational developments in the Champaign Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCIA.
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