URGENT UPDATE: Plans for a new pickleball court at Civic Center Station in Denver have been paused due to budget constraints. The consulting firm Stantec proposed a project that included six pickleball courts, a seating area, and a shade canopy, but city officials announced the decision earlier today.
City spokesman Jon Ewing confirmed that the project is on hold. “Due to budget restrictions, we have paused the pickleball plan. We look forward to continuing our partnership with RTD and others and are exploring alternative options to activate this property in the future,” he stated.
The proposed site is located at 1523 North Lincoln St., a half-acre lot adjacent to the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) Civic Center Station and just a block from the Colorado State Capitol. Currently, the area is fenced off and filled with large rocks, offering little more than a few small trees and bushes.
Evan Dreyer, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Mike Johnston, expressed enthusiasm about the site’s potential when the plans were initially announced. “That piece of property has sat empty for years and years, and we’re all excited about the possibility of being able to do something really fun and cool there,” he told the Denver Post.
Despite the setback, city officials are actively seeking ways to utilize the land. While the idea of pickleball courts could still be revisited, Ewing noted that they are also considering other, more budget-friendly options. The land is owned by a family trust that has leased it to RTD, which has long-term plans for the area but has agreed to allow the city to use it for an interim period of three to five years.
As this situation develops, residents and pickleball enthusiasts are left wondering what alternatives may emerge to activate this long-neglected space. City officials are urged to act swiftly to engage the community and transform this lot into a vibrant public area.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story and what it means for the future of recreational opportunities in Denver.
