Steiner Ranch residents vie over pickleball court proposal

Two groups of Steiner Ranch residents are at odds over the proposed introduction of pickleball courts within the homeowners association community.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two groups of Steiner Ranch residents are at odds over the proposed introduction of pickleball courts within the homeowners association community.

On April 4, a group of residents created a petition that advocated for converting one tennis court at the Bella Mar Community Center into four semi-permanent pickleball courts. The petition alluded to a recent meeting between the HOA board and the tennis committee, which included conversations on the proposed initiative.

"Our aim is to enrich our community's recreational facilities to reflect the growing interest and participation in pickleball, a sport enjoyed by residents of all ages," the petition read in part.

Then on April 6, a counter-petition emerged in opposition to the proposed conversion. In that petition, organizers said their desire is to "maintain our community's established tennis amenities to preserve court availability for recreational players, families, and established tennis leagues."

In its petition, opponents to the conversion added they support allowing pickleball players to reserve and play on any of the tennis courts at John Simpson Park and the Bella Mar Community Center.

The contested proposal comes amid an explosion in the sport's popularity nationally. Data compiled by USA Pickleball — the national governing body overseeing the sport in the U.S. — revealed the number of known pickleball locations nationally increased to 11,864 locations in 2023, an increase of 1,140 locations compared to 2022 figures.

Steiner Ranch's competing thoughts on whether or not to convert a tennis court aren't isolated, either. Last April, KXAN reported on a similar issue impacting the South Austin Recreation Center, where pickleball players were left waiting in long lines due to limited pickleball courts available.

Some went rogue, permanently painting pickleball court lines on the center's tennis courts.

For Steiner Ranch's pickleball enthusiasts, the petition said they want to facilitate dedicated spaces for the sport and its community members. They said not having a permanent space has caused wear and tear on equipment, safety problems as well as limited seating concerns.

However, those opposed said residents haven't voted on any conversions, advocating for majority community support before any HOA amenity changes are made.

KXAN reached out to the Steiner Ranch HOA regarding the competing petitions. We will update this story if a response is received.