Three recreation facilities to receive new courts as parish responds to growing demand

PORT ALLEN — West Baton Rouge Parish has approved nearly $800,000 for pickleball facilities across three recreation centers, responding to surging interest in one of America's fastest-growing sports.

The Parish Council unanimously accepted a bid from Quality Court Industries, LLC for $784,100 to construct pickleball courts at Alexander Park in Brusly, Erwinville Recreation Center, and Port Allen Community Center during Thursday night's meeting.

Meeting Growing Demand

The investment reflects the explosive growth of pickleball nationwide. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball participation has increased by over 85% in the past three years, making it the fastest-growing sport in America for the third consecutive year.

The sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, played on a smaller court that's easier on joints while still providing competitive exercise.

Multi-Community Investment

The parish's approach spreads the investment across three distinct communities:

Alexander Park (Brusly): The facility serves the western portion of the parish and has been a hub for youth sports and community activities.

Erwinville Recreation Center: Located in the northern part of the parish, this center provides recreational opportunities for rural residents who might otherwise travel farther for organized activities.

Port Allen Community Center: The centrally located facility serves the parish seat and surrounding areas, making it accessible to the largest population base.

Community Partnership and Support

The unanimous approval came after presentations from Placid Refining representatives, who contributed $500,000 in matching funds for the project. Rob Beadle, CEO and President of Placid Refining Company LLC, emphasized the partnership aspect during his remarks to the council.

"We're honored to celebrate our 50th anniversary of being in business within West Baton Rouge this year by being able to contribute to the community," Beadle said. "Our half million dollar contribution combined with what you guys are going to do on the parish side shows that we're in partnership when it comes to enhancing the health and recreation quality of life for people in West Baton Rouge."

Council Chairman Carey Denstel, wearing a yellow Placid Refinery shirt and disclosing his 40-year employment history with the company, emphasized the value of public-private partnerships during the meeting. "It's awesome to do a partnership, especially when you work there and put time in," Denstel said. "They are very dedicated to the community and do so many other things when they reach out to the community."

Following the vote, council members posed for photos with pickleball community representatives and company officials, marking what appeared to be a celebratory moment for all involved.

Professional Installation

Quality Court Industries, LLC submitted the winning bid with proper licensing, bonding, and insurance certificates. The company's base proposal covers standard court construction, with the council rejecting an additional $180,400 alternate option for enhanced features after Parks and Recreation Director Anatole Vincent said he could obtain those items through his vendors at about half the cost.

The professional installation ensures courts meet USA Pickleball Association standards for tournament play while providing durability for heavy recreational use.

Budget Impact

The nearly $800,000 investment represents a significant commitment to recreational infrastructure. Unlike many parish expenditures that require ongoing operational costs, the courts are expected to generate revenue through organized leagues, tournaments, and potential rental fees.

Many communities have found pickleball facilities become self-sustaining through user fees and programming, while providing economic benefits through tournaments that bring visitors to local businesses.

Timeline and Implementation

Construction has already begun with site preparation work to ready the facilities. Quality Court Industries is coordinating with each recreation facility to minimize disruption to existing programs during installation.

The parish has not announced specific programming plans, though many communities offer beginner clinics, league play, and tournaments once facilities are operational.

Community Benefits

Pickleball's appeal crosses generational lines, offering competitive play for serious athletes while remaining accessible to older adults seeking low-impact exercise. The sport's smaller court size also allows more games simultaneously compared to tennis, maximizing facility usage.

The three-location approach ensures residents throughout the parish have reasonable access to facilities without traveling to neighboring parishes or private clubs.

What's Next

The project marks one of the largest recreational investments in recent parish history, demonstrating commitment to quality-of-life amenities that attract and retain residents. The successful public-private partnership model could serve as a template for future community development initiatives.

The West Baton Rouge Parish Council meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM at the Parish Government Building, 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen.