Pickleball players soon will have four new reasons to come to Aspinwall.
The borough is building four pickleball courts at the ball fields along Field Avenue as part of an improvement package to the Aspinwall Recreational Area site.
Construction is expected to being next month — shortly after Aspinwall’s Big Night Out celebration Aug. 6.
The estimated $270,000 project was awarded to El Grande Industries in March. They were the lowest of 11 bidders.
Work includes the removal of the basketball courts and the dek hockey courts to make room for pickleball and a multiuse court. The batting cage also will be moved beside the garage on the far left side of the site from the main entrance.
Fencing, improved accessibility under the Americans With Disabilities Act, landscaping and signage also are part of the improvements.
The courts may be ready for play sometime in October.
Borough Manager Melissa O’Malley said it’s all part of an investment in the borough’s recreational future.
“These new amenities will provide more opportunities for residents of all ages to get outside, stay active and enjoy our parks,” O’Malley said via email. “Whether it’s pickleball, basketball or other recreational activities, the new courts will create a space where families, friends and neighbors can come together and build a stronger sense of community.”
O’Malley and Councilman Lou Curcio were among the driving forces for the project that has been in development over the past few years.
“I’m very excited for the new additions to the field,” Curcio said July 8. “Most importantly that both surfaces are getting redone and will be the safest they can be. That’s my driving force in this endeavor.”
Multiple cracks with vegetation creeping up throughout the courts make the uneven surface unsafe for play.
The park will be open during construction, which is not expected to impact Aspinwall Tee Ball or other baseball games.
Councilman Andrew Corey-O’Connor became parks and recreation chairman earlier this year.
He talked about the project while visiting the site July 3.
“It’s a great asset for the parks and for the community,” said Corey-O’Connor, who has lived in the borough for 12 years. “Anything to get kids and families out and active as a family or in friendship groups.
“Pickleball seems to be growing everywhere. I know Fox Chapel has a lot of pickleball, and pickleball seems to be very popular with the older residents. It’s something I would definitely look into.”
Fox Chapel installed pickleball courts last year in McCahill Park.
Corey-O’Connor, who does not play pickleball yet, said one of the goals is to host tournaments and potential fundraisers.
Financial support
Aspinwall received a $100,000 state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant toward the project.
Neighborhood Pickleball, a charity group led by Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Giuseppe Francioni, donated $50,000 to the cause.
“The local Aspinwall pickleball community is excited to the 10th degree,” Francioni said via email July 8.
“We can’t wait to stretch our legs, dink, drive and lob with our paddles. Plus, with the construction of dedicated courts, we can officially announce to USA Pickleball that Aspinwall has a place to play.”
Francioni called the project “thoughtfully planned,”noting it will improve public health, strengthen community ties, attract more visitors and provide an economical benefit to the local merchants.
“The construction of the new pickleball courts will be a tremendous asset to the community,” he said. “Situated away from nearby homes, the courts will provide a central gathering place where people of all ages can enjoy recreation, exercise and social interaction while minimizing potential impacts on surrounding neighbors.”