By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Construction is officially underway on three new pickleball courts at Joe Buck and Mary Jo Camp Island Legends Park, expanding recreational opportunities as the sport continues to grow in popularity on South Padre Island.
City officials, parks staff and community members gathered Aug. 5 for a groundbreaking ceremony at the park, located at the corner of Laguna Boulevard and West Huisache Street.
The new courts will complement the Island’s existing pickleball facility at 610 Padre Blvd., which currently features four dedicated courts behind the future South Padre Island Historical Museum. Those courts, first opened in 2023, have become a popular year-round destination for both residents and visitors.
Once completed, the additional courts are expected to help meet increasing demand for the fast-growing sport while providing more space for recreational play, tournaments and community events.
The new location is also expected to offer players added protection from the wind, a feature several residents welcomed.
“Awesome, a shield from north winds,” resident Bryan Hansen commented following the groundbreaking announcement.
The project is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to expand parks and recreational amenities while encouraging active lifestyles for residents and visitors alike. The South Padre Island Capital Improvement Plan identifies additional pickleball facilities as a priority as participation in the sport continues to increase.