(Photo courtesy of Santa Cruz County)
LIVE OAK — Joined by Supervisor John Leopold and the Santa Cruz Pickleball Club, the Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services on Friday debuted the county’s first dedicated pickleball courts at Brommer Street Park.
“We heard from residents that this fast-growing sport was something they wanted as part of the recreational options in Santa Cruz County,” Leopold said. “This court represents another step forward in making sure our parks meet the needs of the community and provide it with opportunities for a healthy lifestyle.”
“We dedicate these courts to the many pickleball advocates throughout the county,” Parks Director Jeff Gaffney said. “This project represents another step forward for our department as we improve and expand our wonderful network of parks and open spaces.”
Eliminated as a standalone department during the Great Recession, the Santa Cruz County Parks Department was reinstated in 2015. Since then, the county has created Seacliff Village Park, the Heart of Soquel Park and The Farm Park; renovated Seascape County Park, Hidden Beach County Park and Quail Hollow Ranch; and has raised $1 million toward Phase I construction at Chanticleer Neighborhood Park, which will include LEO’s Haven, the county’s first all-inclusive playground.
The department also partnered with the Boulder Creek Recreation and Parks District to acquire and manage the Bear Creek Recreation and Community Center; expanded summer recreational offerings and is creating a volunteer program; and launched the county’s first-ever Parks Strategic Plan.
For information, visit www.scparks.com.
