1. Plan

    Winter 2024/25

  2. Design

    Spring - Winter 25/26

  3. Build

    Spring 2026

  4. Complete

    Summer 2026

Current Phase
Design

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.

April Project Update

The project’s Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) and associated permitting applications are currently under review. Once approved and permits are issued, the project is anticipated to break ground in May / June.

Construction is expected to take approximately four months following groundbreaking.

To help expedite getting the pickleball courts constructed and available for community use as quickly as possible, the original Phase 1 scope has been adjusted. The initial phase will now focus on the construction of 12 lighted pickleball courts, adjacent accessible concrete walkways, and resurfacing of the existing basketball court adjacent to the project area. See site plan image below for defined limits of Phase 1.

The demolition of the existing restroom and construction of the community gathering plaza have been shifted to Phase 2, which will also include a new restroom facility and resurfaced parking lot. Additional enhancements, including a replacement play area and a refurbished loop path, remain part of the broader project scope and will be implemented in coordination with the overall project.

Site Plan of Tom Watson Park showing limits of construction for phase 1.

March Project Update

The project’s Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) and associated permitting applications are currently under review. Once approved and permits are issued, the project is anticipated to break ground between late April and May.

Construction is expected to take approximately four months following groundbreaking.

This initial phase of the project includes the construction of 12 lighted pickleball courts, new accessible concrete walkways, and a community gathering plaza. The existing basketball court adjacent to the project area will also be resurfaced in conjunction with this phase.

Additional park enhancements are being evaluated for future phases, pending available funding. Potential improvements include a new nature discovery play area, resurfaced parking lot, new restroom facility, and a refurbished loop path.

September Project Update

As part of a permitting review, additional requirements were identified that extend the project timeline. Because of this, concrete pouring will not be able to meet the key milestones required to complete the pickleball courts in 2025. The project is now planned for 2026, with the goal of opening in summer 2026.

BPR staff are also reviewing opportunities to include amenities originally planned for phase 2 into the initial project, creating the potential for an even better opening experience.

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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