15-05-2025
Jefferson Parish opens $2 million pickleball complex
Jefferson Parish opened a $2 million pickleball complex over the weekend in Metairie at Mike Miley Playground.
Why it matters: Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S.
The big picture: The pickleball complex has nine new covered courts and four refurbished ones with lights for free play, leagues and tournaments, according to the parish.
It also has two small covered areas for spectators and players, along with a new parking lot.
By the numbers: At the groundbreaking in 2023, the parish estimated the project would cost about $1 million, which would be funded from the recreation millage tax.
The actual pricetag came in a touch over $2 million, parish spokesperson Rachel Strassel tells Axios New Orleans.
She said the original project ended up costing more than quoted.
The parish paid $1.25 million from the millage, and council member Deano Bonano covered the remaining $800,000 from a discretionary fund, she said.
Zoom out: Pickleball participation nationally has grown more than 220% in the past three years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
Even Drew Brees is getting in on the action. He hosts an annual pickleball tournament in New Orleans and is part owner of a Major League Pickleball team in Austin.
New Orleans metro has at least 30 pickleball facilities, including options through NORD and City Park, according to which maps courts and their amenities.
The Exchange Pickleball + Bar on Tchoupitoulas Street, Brees' Pickle N Pins and Ochsner Fitness Center in Elmwood have indoor courts available for a fee too.
If you go: The new pickleball facility is open daily from 8am to 9pm.
It's next to the Ree Alario Multi-Purpose Center at 500 Pickleball Court.
