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
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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, a food court, 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.

June Project Update

The Parks Planning team, along with our design consultant HDR, is finalizing the full construction documents for upcoming improvements at the park. Construction for the new pickleball courts and other Phase 1 work is expected to begin in late-July to early-August.

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.

What’s Included in Phase 1

  • Twelve (12) regulation-size, post-tension pickleball courts
  • Lighting and fencing for all courts
  • Site furnishings and four small shade cabanas near courts
  • Concrete walkways with pedestrian lighting
  • A new food and beverage truck plaza
  • Wood-rail fencing for a future natural play area
  • Temporary restrooms
  • Basketball court resurfacing

Looking Ahead: Phase 2

Tentatively planned for 2026, Phase 2 will include:

  • A permanent restroom
  • Walking trail improvements
  • A resurfaced parking lot
  • Natural play area
  • Signage Updates
  • Additional trees, shrubs, and landscaping
  • Site furnishings

May Project Update

The Parks Planning team together with design consultant HDR are advancing plans for the 12 pickleball courts at Tom Watson.

Laid out in groups of 4 with taller external and lower internal fences for ideal playing conditions, the courts will also have lights to allow for extended hours of use.
Shade cabanas will add comfort during warm summer days as players gear up, or watch an ongoing match.

The location of the courts was chosen with existing trees, grading and accessibility in mind.

While the courts are certainly the priority, the team also looks at circulation, new tree plantings and the creation of an event plaza.

After the initial construction phase, the parking lot will be resurfaced.

During a second phase of the project, BPR hopes to install a new restroom structure, nature play playground, food truck area and renovate the perimeter walking trail.

Tom Watson Park Concept for 12 pickleball courts, an event and food truck plaza as well as a nature play playground

Courtesy of HDR

Concept rendering of the 12 pickleball courts coming to Tom Watson Park later in 2025.

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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