On an upcoming summer evening, pickleball courts are filling up quickly, with the sound of paddles and footsteps shuffling around. New and longtime players – neighbors, friends – gather to enjoy the competition and the company. 

15 pickleball courts have replaced James Park’s six tennis courts, giving residents a refreshed space for summer recreation and an opportunity to stay active. 

The decision to convert the courts was made in October 2024 during a City of Evanston’s Parks and Recreation Board meeting. Construction began in July and was completed this past October, giving community members high-quality pickleball courts. This was part of a larger park improvement project, as the city made renovations to tennis courts at Leahy, Mason, and Ackerman Parks as well. 

Evanston has built a strong community where neighbors support one another, gather at shared activities and local events, and stay active together.   These new courts will strengthen it. Sandrine Gaupp-Scrim, an Evanston resident who regularly plays pickleball, added she loves how accessible and social the sport is. 

“It’s such a fun, easy way to stay active and connect with our community,” Gaupp-Scrim said.

On April 18, 2026, there will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new courts. From 1-3 p.m, Evanston residents are invited to celebrate the grand opening and participate in open play. 

This event provides an opportunity to meet local players, try a few serves, and participate in the first games on the fresh courts. Players of all ages will be able to get a feel for how the summer is looking out to be, and anyone new to pickleball might pick up a new hobby or skill. 

“[Pickleball] brings people together, no matter their age or skill level,” said Gaupp-Scrim. “We play it with our young adult sons, friends, neighbors, and even people we’ve just met on the courts.”