On a bright afternoon at Roger Farmer Park in West Asheville, the community gathered to discuss the city’s latest initiative—a new pickleball complex. Maps were reviewed, ideas were exchanged, and conversations with Parks and Recreation staff unfolded as the city explored two potential sites for this eagerly anticipated facility.
This event marked the beginning of a series of meetings where the city is inviting public feedback on the prospective locations for the facility, which will feature eight to ten courts dedicated to pickleball.
Christina Dupuch, president of the Asheville Pickleball Association, expressed her excitement about the project’s advancement, describing it as “really a dream come true.”
“I mean, this is a huge week for the pickleball community, to have community meetings and see the reality of a vision coming,” Dupuch said. “And so, now we just want to make sure we all show up and provide feedback and continue to be a great partner with the city and the Parks and Recreation department.”
The demand for dedicated pickleball facilities has been a long-standing request from local players, and previous efforts resulted in dual lines being added to existing tennis courts. The support for this new complex became more tangible in 2024 when voters approved a bond package, securing $20 million for investments in Parks and Recreation, a portion of which is allocated for the pickleball project.
The city has shortlisted two sites for the pickleball complex: Aston Park located downtown and Roger Farmer Park in West Asheville. According to the city, using existing park land allows them to “maximize the bond investment without the expense of new land acquisition.”
Al Kopf, a landscape architect with Asheville Parks and Recreation, noted the selection criteria for the parks included topography, accessibility, and proximity to residences—important factors given that noise concerns are often raised by nearby residents.
Felicia Sonmez
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BPR News
In the past, tension has existed between Asheville’s pickleball and tennis communities due to limited court availability. However, Kopf reports no negative feedback about the new pickleball project and highlights the community’s enthusiasm.
“I’ve been with the city of Asheville for over 40 years now — in the Parks and Recreation department for almost all of those,” Kopf said. “And I don’t think I’ve seen a sport with this much passion in a short period of time.”
The final decision on the site is expected by the end of summer, though no completion date has been provided. Dupuch recognizes the challenge in choosing between Aston Park and Roger Farmer Park. Aston Park is renowned for its tennis facilities, while Roger Farmer Park offers its unique potential.
Teri Lyng, another board member of the Asheville Pickleball Association, believes the complex will greatly enhance the chosen park.
“I mean, pickleball players come together,” Lyng said. “They’re very social. And I think you would see it today – if there were pickleball courts here right now, this parking lot would be full. There’d be a buzz. And so, wherever it gets built, we’re going to bring that energy, which I think will be a real add to that neighborhood.”
Lyng recalled moving to Asheville six years ago, initially knowing no one. Through pickleball, she quickly found a welcoming community.
“We came here and started playing at the public parks,” she said. “As soon as you get on the court with people, you introduce yourselves. And then once you play together, you’re friends. And then you’re mixing up with the other people that are there. It was just such a fast ramp up to feeling like this was home.”
Feedback from the community on the project can be submitted here through May 11.
