1. Plan

    Winter 2024/25

  2. Design

    Spring 2025

  3. Build

    Summer/Fall 2025

  4. Complete

    Winter 2025/26

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Current Phase
Build

Project Overview

Boulder Parks and Recreation's (BPR) Racket Sport Court System Plan revealed a need for dedicated pickleball courts throughout BPR's system. The Parks Planning team is working with consultants on a design for 12 dedicated pickleball courts at Tom Watson Park.

This underutilized site with no nearby neighbors provides the city the opportunity to quickly build dedicated pickleball courts, addressing the need for pickleball courts and relieving pressure on current multi-sport (tennis and pickleball) courts.

These courts will be in addition to the existing four tennis courts at the site.

Other planned improvements, to be finalized as funding is confirmed, include new restrooms, a shade shelter, nature discovery play area, updated walkways for improved circulation and accessibility, and a resurfacing of the parking lot.

Parks and Recreation will share project progress as the team moves through the phases outlined above.

August Project Update

Construction of the new pickleball courts at Tom Watson Park is experiencing a slight delay due to necessary site preparations. Abatement work was required to safely remove hazardous materials from an aging onsite building. While such materials are common in structures of this age, addressing them safely is a critical first step before other work can proceed.

To preserve mature trees on the site, five trees located within the future court footprint were transplanted to other areas of the park the week of August 18. Additionally, the court layout was slightly adjusted to protect a large Cottonwood tree on the south end of the park. This adjustment does not affect the total number of courts being constructed: 12 dedicated pickleball courts.

These essential preparations have modestly extended the project timeline. Mobilization for construction fencing and tree protections is planned to begin the week of August 25, with site-preparations and court construction following. The target opening remains late 2025, though weather or unforeseen site conditions could shift this timeline.

What’s Included in Phase 1

  • Twelve (12) regulation-size, post-tension pickleball courts
  • Lighting and fencing for all courts
  • Site furnishings and three small shade cabanas near courts
  • Concrete walkways with pedestrian lighting
  • A plaza for mobile food vehicles and social gathering
  • Temporary restrooms

  • Basketball court resurfacing

    Park Access During Construction

  • During Phase 1 construction, designated sections of the southwest area of the park will be closed to the public.
  • Temporary sidewalk access will remain open to connect visitors to the loop trail and tennis courts.
  • A small section of the parking lot will be unavailable due to construction staging.
Aerial map of Tom Watson Park showing construction closure area, temporary pathways, and closed basketball court during resurfacing.

Construction map for Tom Watson Park showing closed areas, temporary pathways, and basketball court resurfacing.

Support the project

The PLAY Boulder Foundation is proud to support the development of a state-of-the-art public pickleball facility at Tom Watson Park and cutting-edge tennis and pickleball courts at East Boulder Community Park.

Through your financial support these community courts will become vibrant, accessible gathering spaces where families, friends, and neighbors come together to play, connect, and grow. Contributions can enhance these projects with amenities like a shade structure, benches, picnic tables, or drinking fountains to support comfort and usability.

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