pickleball courts pelican bay

Upcoming Pickleball Courts in Pelican Bay, Naples FL | Earls Lappin Real Estate

  • Earls | Lappin Team
  • 07/29/25

 

Pelican Bay—the acclaimed coastal enclave in Naples—will soon feature one of the region’s most significant recreational upgrades: 20 newly constructed pickleball courts within Pelican Bay Community Park. Backed by a $6 million investment from the Pelican Bay Foundation, the project marks a milestone in public-private collaboration that benefits residents and the broader community.

 

Project Overview and Scope

The renovation, situated at 764 Vanderbilt Beach Road, encompasses a complete rebuild of the park’s existing facilities. Key components include 20 pickleball courts, refurbished Har-Tru clay tennis courts, an ADA playground, enlarged parking, a pavilion with restrooms and pro shop, maintenance buildings, and designated pickleball sound mitigation fencing.

Construction began in December 2024, with permitting, rough grading, and framing scheduled through spring, and full completion—including courts and amenities—projected between May and June 2025.  The site is temporarily closed as of January 20, 2025, with reopening anticipated in summer 2025.

 

Public Access and Operational Details

Under a 2024 amendment, 50% of the courts (10 out of 20) are allocated for public use during the same hours as those reserved for Pelican Bay Foundation members—8 AM until dusk.

  • Open Play from park opening to dusk

  • Designated reservation windows: 2–4 PM (with 2 lessons and 2 reservable courts)

  • A daily fee of $10 or an annual public membership estimated at $95

  • A registration system facilitating up to 100 players per block via PodPlay (spaces available for walk-ons)

  • Courts split by skill: 5 for players rated ≤ 3.5, 5 for > 3.5

Community and Real Estate Impact

This amenity reflects nearly a decade of advocacy from park users, many of whom had adapted racquetball courts for pickleball—often straining their knees. Through public town halls, negotiations, and sound mitigation consultation, the project achieves balanced development. It preserves about 78% of the park’s green space and introduces features like fencing, landscaping, irrigation, and expanded parking to benefit all users.

From a real estate standpoint, this addition elevates Pelican Bay’s lifestyle appeal. Buyers seeking active, wellness-focused communities now have even more reason to consider properties here. As private courts become increasingly common in Naples, access to quality public facilities within one’s neighborhood offers a competitive advantage.

 

What to Expect Next

  • The park will remain closed until September 2025, so residents should plan alternative play at Veterans Park or East Naples Community Park in the meantime.

  • Once opened (targeted for late spring/summer 2025), residents and public players will begin using the courts—likely accompanied by easily accessible registration and scheduling tools.

  • The Earls Lappin Team will continue monitoring development and stand ready to assist clients in finding Pelican Bay homes with convenient, on-site access to this sought-after amenity.

 

Why This Matters for Your Lifestyle

Proximity to top-tier recreational facilities has become a top priority for Naples buyers—especially pickleball, whose popularity keeps surging. Pelican Bay’s new courts deliver a significant upgrade without requiring membership in private clubs. This translates to greater enjoyment, stronger resale value, and stronger community bonds—all supported by Naples’s active, health-oriented culture.

 

To explore properties near Pelican Bay Community Park or receive updates on its opening, contact the Earls | Lappin Team to find out more. Our expertise ensures you understand not only Pelican Bay’s homes—but the lifestyle enhancements that come with them.

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