sedona parks and recreation
Posse Grounds Unveils Exciting New Pickleball Courts!
Sedona officially inaugurated its new pickleball courts at Posse Grounds Park on Tuesday, October 22, marking the completion of a project that took several years and cost $1.6 million.
“I couldn’t sleep at all last night,” shared Julie Krasemann, a member of the Sedona Pickleball Club, reflecting the excitement and anticipation surrounding the new courts.
Prior to this development, pickleball players had to share tennis courts at Posse Grounds and utilize two basketball courts at Sunset Park. Sedona Parks and Recreation Manager, Josh Frewin, acknowledged the long-standing demand for dedicated pickleball courts, stating that community surveys overwhelmingly favored Posse Grounds Park for sound isolation and accessibility.
The new courts are situated on what was the north softball field, a decision influenced by diminishing interest in softball activities. The local softball league has since consolidated its games onto a single remaining field.
Mayor Scott Jablow expressed gratitude to community advocate Patti Childers for her support of the project, highlighting features like the dark sky lighting that enhances nighttime community engagement.
While installation work on additional features continues, including windscreens and a backstop expected in the next two weeks, some temporary closures of the courts may occur.
Future enhancements could include a ramada and scoreboards, depending on community input and budget considerations. Frewin also mentioned the potential for adding more parking spaces across the street for future phases of development.
During the ceremony, USA Pickleball District Ambassador Christine Sturgeon awarded Jablow a “golden ball” necklace, acknowledging his efforts in prioritizing the construction of the new courts.
“We all know we live in a special place, and now we have one of the best pickleball play sites in Northern Arizona,” Sturgeon remarked, emphasizing the significance of the new facility in the community.
The courts will operate primarily on a first-come, first-served basis, with structured open play times. Frewin noted the ongoing “pickleball open play” program, offering scheduled opportunities for players of all skill levels to engage in games.
A pickleball tournament is scheduled for April 26 and 27, organized by the Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with Pickleball is Great. Individuals interested in joining the Sedona Pickleball Club can contact Krasemann directly.
In a related development, the Sedona City Council last week directed staff to draft a new Land Development Code to limit the establishment of pickleball courts on private property.
