Riverside has its own cryptid legend—the chupacabra. While skeptics point to mangy coyotes, eyewitnesses claim something larger and more menacing lurks in the shadows.
The City of Riverside plans to build nine new pickleball courts at Arlington Park as part of its effort to meet growing demand and revitalize a neglected area at the corner of Van Buren Boulevard and Magnolia Avenue.
"The Riverside Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department designs recreational amenities that deliver innovative experiences and unite community members," said Anthony Zamora, parks deputy director. "The future pickleball complex at Arlington Park exemplifies our commitment to fostering connections, encouraging active lifestyles, and creating an inclusive space for all residents."
The Arlington Park Pickleball Court Project will include two courts designed for tournament play with spectator bleachers. Plans also call for shaded waiting areas, drinking fountains with bottle fillers, and LED lighting for evening play. The City will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the project on March 26 from 1-3 p.m.
This development is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Van Buren and Magnolia intersection, which has suffered neglect in recent years.
While these municipal projects take shape, community-driven pickleball opportunities have already flourished. Riverside Pickleball organizes free play sessions at Shamel Park, located at 3650 Arlington Ave., on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. The group provides instruction for beginners and equipment for those without paddles or balls. The group attracts players from diverse age groups, according to descriptions on their Facebook page. The inclusive nature of the sport allows for intergenerational play and community building.
In the Orange Terrace neighborhood, The Grove Church operates four courts that are available to the public through online reservation, providing additional access points for players.
Beyond Arlington Park, Riverside will include pickleball facilities in the $25 million repurposing of the National Guard Armory at Fairmount Park. This project has moved past the request for proposals stage and is under review by city officials. Construction timelines have not yet been released.
The City's investment comes as pickleball grows rapidly across the United States. The sport grew by 85.7% nationwide in one year, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association in a report released in August 2023. With participation up 158.6% over three years and reaching 8.9 million players in 2022, communities nationwide face pressure to build more courts.
National data shows major metropolitan areas lack sufficient pickleball facilities, with many cities 98% below the national average for dedicated courts per capita.
About 70% of pickleball courts are temporary conversions rather than dedicated facilities. Riverside's plan for permanent courts addresses what experts see as a lasting recreational trend.
The SFIA data challenges common perceptions about who plays pickleball. The average player age is 35, with the 25-34 demographic representing the largest participation group.
The Riverside City Firefighters Association’s Pipe and Drum Band will march through Downtown Riverside for its 5th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl, celebrating Irish and Scottish firefighting traditions with live music, food, and firefighter merchandise.
