Exciting Upgrades: Lighting and Paved Parking Set for Dick Samp Park’s Pickleball Courts

Significant upgrades are on the horizon for the pickleball courts at Dick Samp Park, including the installation of lighting on four courts and the addition of a paved parking lot. This decision was agreed upon by the Lake Havasu City Council in a recent 6-1 vote, with one council member recusing herself.

A construction contract was awarded to Pioneer Earth Movers to oversee the parking lot project, following preliminary work by the city’s street department. The project, funded by a $139,480 allocation from the facility maintenance budget, aims to enhance both the parking area and the overall experience at the park.

Janie Morris, president of the Lake Havasu City Pickleball Association, expressed enthusiasm about the improvements. She noted that the paved parking will not only beautify the park but also extend the life of the courts by reducing wear caused by dust from the dirt parking area. “This is very good news for all our future events as we’re growing and growing,” Morris shared. The association now boasts over 500 members, a number that continues to rise.

Lake Havasu City distinguishes itself with a unique partnership setup between the pickleball association and the city, allowing for collaborative fundraising and improvement projects. Morris highlighted the importance of these partnerships in enhancing the city’s amenities.

In addition to parking enhancements, the association is also working on adding court lighting to accommodate play after dark. A donation of $35,000 to the city’s Parks and Recreation Board in July has facilitated this upgrade. Morris indicated that while the initial expectation was to have the lights installed by this month, completion may now be pushed to the end of November.

Further improvements are also in the pipeline. “We’re always perpetually fundraising,” Morris said, indicating upcoming efforts to pour concrete in areas designated as less developed. The association aims to establish Lake Havasu City as a premier destination for pickleball, especially amid the rise of both the Professional Pickleball Association and Major League Pickleball tournaments.