Warner Park Pickleball Courts

October 9 Public Information Meeting Recap 

Madison Parks appreciates all of the comments we received at the October 9th, 2025 Warner Park Pickleball Courts Public Information Meeting. We had over a dozen participants voice their interests and concerns. Please see below for a summary of the Q&A, a link to the presentation slides, and the recording of the presentation. 

SUMMARIZED Q&A

How was outreach done for this project? Was demographic equity considered for this project?

This project is part of the overall Southeast Recreation Area Development Plan, which involved a Public Information Meeting, meeting with Alders, and working with youth sport organizations that use the existing fields. What came out of these meetings was a new vision for the southeast field that included full-size multi-purpose fields for sports such as football and soccer, cricket pitches, a running track, a new basketball court, new paths, and a pickleball court.

The pickleball court and proposed path improvements are Phase 1 of the overall Southeast Recreation Area Development plan. Pickleball is a growing sport encompassing all age groups and demographics. Compared to neighboring communities Madison Parks has a very low number of dedicated pickleball courts available. Over the last few years Parks has seen a very high demand for pickleball courts. 

How is the project funded?

The funding for the pickleball court was authorized in the 2025 Parks Capital Budget, and is a combination of general obligation borrowing and Park Impact Fees. We are considering applying for a grant for Phase 1 of the project. Phase 2 of this project has received grant funding.    

Why will the tennis courts be eliminated completely, rather than being replaced?

The current tennis courts are in disrepair. This is due to age, and also due to the proximity to trees and leaf litter. Overtime, leaf-litter of certain trees mixed with rainwater can erode court surfaces, making it harder to maintain. This court is also more tucked away than we prefer, which is isn’t best practice for both maintenance and emergency reasons.

Madison Parks reviewed reservations for these courts going back to 2017. During this time there were 10 total reservations made for playing. Due to the demand for pickleball, Parks plans to construct the pickleball courts and not the replace the tennis courts in Warner Park at this time. 

Why is the existing lighting being reused? What is the plan for the future lighting?

The existing lighting is being reused on a temporary basis until Phase 2 of the project starts. It is to allow players to play as the evening/morning daylight hours get shorter during the seasons. Phase 2 of this project will bring a new modernized lighting system online and is slated to begin fall 2026. This will remove the existing lighting and provide lighting for the new fields. It will also remove some lighting that impacts the residences to the south and position new lighting in a way that will not shine into the woods. 

Will this impact festivals at Warner Park?

We are planning to put provisions into the construction contract to prohibit contractor work around times of larger events planned at Warner Park. 

Will the courts have a reservation system?

Yes. Due to the high demand, these courts will be on a reservation system. Madison Parks typically leaves 1 court as "free to play" and unreservable for walk-on players. 

PRESENTATION SLIDES

PRESENTATION RECORDING

The proposed site plan graphic was updated to reflect ongoing concept development. Most notable among changes are that the overall court dimensions where adjusted to allow for better play.