By John Morton
Six new dedicated pickleball courts are now operating at the Siesta Key public beach. They sit alongside two existing tennis courts that will serve as tennis-only courts.
The pickleball courts were made a reality by converting two other existing tennis courts, including the installation of new markings designed for pickleball play.
All the courts were also repaired and resurfaced.
Work began Sept. 18 and was completed Oct. 10. The project, conducted by Sarasota County, also included the installation of new fencing and additional gates.
Court repairs and resurfacing cost $42,368 and the fencing and additional gates cost $21,802, the county reported.
“They feel worthy of being located close to the No. 1 beach,” Jann Webster, a Siesta Key resident who advocated for the new pickleball courts, said. “It’s great for Siesta Key pickleballers to stay on the Key instead of traveling off the Key to play – so, an added benefit is reducing traffic congestion on the bridges.”
Webster thanked fellow Siesta Key resident Ken Scoggins for leading a grassroots effort in working with the county.
“We all thank him for his determination on and off the court,” Webster said of Scoggins, who is also an administrator for a Facebook page entitled Siesta Key Pickleball that discusses life on the new courts.
Author: John Morton
