Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center proposes a $65M tennis and pickleball complex at Joe Creason Park. A major new sports facility can become a possibility in Louisville, with the Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center announcing plans for a $65 million complex at Joe Creason Park. The group is looking to obtain a $20 million bond from the city and hopes to lease 25 acres of the park to make the vision a reality.
The new facility would completely renovate the current Louisville Tennis Center as a first-class venue for tennis and pickleball players. The plan includes 12 indoor and 24 outdoor tennis courts and 14 indoor and four outdoor pickleball courts. A restaurant and pro shop are also included in the proposal, with hopes of offering a full-service option for players and visitors.
Raising Louisville’s Profile
Supporters of the project hope the new facility will place Louisville on the world map of racket sports, hosting regional and national tournaments here with the promise of tourism boosts. As icing on the cake, the complex is projected to generate about 75 full-time jobs and 450 construction-related temporary jobs, spurring the local economy.
According to a TAG Management economic study, the proposed tennis and pickleball complex at Joe Creason Park could generate an estimated $17 million in visitor spending per year. The report also estimates about 700,000 hotel nights, as well as yearly revenues of $1 million in state sales tax and $1.2 million in city bed tax.
In addition to sports facilities, the complex has several community and environmental improvements. These include improved walking paths, a monarch butterfly habitat, enhanced tree canopy, and a rooftop solar panel system to supply green energy initiatives.
“Our goal is to make this facility a place that serves everyone—from local families and underserved youth to college athletes and pros,” said Will Davis, CEO of Kentucky Tennis & Pickleball Center, Inc. “We’re building more than a sports venue; we’re building a community space that puts Louisville on the map for tennis and pickleball.”
Community Response and Next Steps
There has been public split. While most of the residents are delighted at the prospect of a new, state-of-the-art tennis and pickleball complex, others have voiced concerns over public money and its impact on available parkland. City councilors have indicated that these concerns will be taken very seriously as the proposal is developed.
Mayor Craig Greenberg has also made public vocal support for the project, touting the opportunity to enhance the city’s tourist industry and recreation opportunities.
A series of May public meetings will be held to ensure that the project reflects the values of the community. Residents will have opportunities to provide comments before the plan officially goes to the Louisville Planning Commission.
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$65M Tennis and Pickleball Complex proposed at Joe Creason Park: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
$65 million sports complex planned for Joe Creason Park, Louisville
Complete renovation of current Louisville Tennis Center
Seeking $20 million bond from city and 25-acre park lease
Facility Features
36 tennis courts (12 indoor, 24 outdoor)
18 pickleball courts (14 indoor, 4 outdoor)
Restaurant and pro shop
Enhanced walking paths
Monarch butterfly habitat
Improved tree canopy
Rooftop solar panel system
Proposed Tennis and Pickleball Complex at Joe Creason Park: Economic Impact
75 projected full-time jobs
450 temporary construction jobs
$17 million estimated annual visitor expenditure
700,000 projected hotel nights annually
$1 million in state sales tax revenue yearly
$1.2 million in city bed tax revenue yearly
Project Status
Public meetings scheduled for May
Mixed community response: support for recreational opportunities with concerns about public funding and parkland use
Mayor Craig Greenberg has expressed support
Proposal to be presented to Louisville Planning Commission following public input
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