Eight new courts at John Street pickleball complex projected to open Saturday
The Champaign Park District expansion doubles the site to 16 free courts; a ribbon cutting is set for Nov. 14.
CHAMPAIGN - Eight new pickleball courts at the John Street Pickleball Courts, 2203 W. John St., are projected to open to the public Saturday, Oct. 31, the Champaign Park District said in an Oct. 28 release. Construction is nearly complete, the district said.
The expansion adds a shade structure over four courts, a restroom building and a parking lot for players, bringing the complex to 16 free-to-use courts. The district calls it the largest outdoor pickleball facility in Central Illinois.
"The courts at John Street are often at full capacity with four players per court and others waiting their turn," said Sarah Sandquist, the district's executive director.
The courts first opened in October 2022 with eight fenced public courts. The district added DarkSky-certified lighting in February 2025 for evening play, gathered community feedback on the expansion in June 2025, and contractor Petry-Kuhne began construction this summer on a design by Architectural Expressions, LLC.
A ribbon cutting and special event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon, with refreshments, giveaways, learn-to-play space and open play. If the weather doesn't cooperate, it moves to Thursday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m.