Springfield’s interest in pickleball is exploding and State Senator Doris Turner has introduced legislation that would increase the number of pickleball courts in Springfield.  Turner says, “We have seen a tremendous growth in the interest of pickleball over the past few years, and the addition of courts at Centennial and Iles parks would provide an economic boost to the city.”

The Springfield Pickleball Club has 435 members and has averaged about 24% more new members each of the last three years, according to the senator.  Currently, there are 15 pickleball courts in Springfield.

Senate Bill 2599 would provide funding to add 14 new pickleball courts at Centennial Park in an undeveloped space and would include a new concrete slab with a six-foot walkway separating the courts. The measure would also fund the replacement of a 60-year-old concrete slab at Iles Park, which currently has eight courts, and add four courts to allow for more participation in an annual summer tournament. Senate Bill 2599 awaits committee assignment in the Illinois State Senate.