Sawyer Point Pickleball & Tennis Complex Opens With a Slam

The new pickleball courts at Cincinnati Parks’ Sawyer Point are installed and open to the public. This project represents a collaborative effort between the City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Parks, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, and the Cincinnati Pickleball Community.

The occasion was marked by a grand opening and ribbon cutting this morning on the courts including Mayor Aftab, Jim Goetz, President of the Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners, Gary Lessis, President of Pickleball at Sawyer Point, The Cincinnati Parks Foundation and many pickleball enthusiasts. Scores of pickleballers immediately began breaking in the new courts.

The upgraded facility is now equipped with state-of-the-art technology including a 12-layer cushioned surface, LED lights, an AED courtesy of the REALTORS® With Heart, A Committee of the REALTOR® Alliance of Greater Cincinnati and a professional sound system. City capital dollars and $72,000 in donations from generous community members and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation made this project possible. 

“Pickleball is quickly becoming one of the most exciting new activity options for Cincy residents of all ages and backgrounds. Not only will this new facility attract local players, it positions us as the premier pickleball destination in the Midwest. We’re ready and excited to welcome large events and tournaments bringing crowds from all over the country to enjoy Cincinnati and all we have to offer,” said Mayor Aftab Pureval. 

Cincinnati now contains the greatest number of pickleball courts in one location in the Midwest. There are 18 dedicated pickleball courts, 3 tennis courts and 6 additional overlayed pickleball courts with the ability to provide 24 pickleball courts for national tournaments. In fact, according to the Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors’ Bureau the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) tour event in May 2023 alone would bring in $2-3 million in economic impact to Cincinnati.

“It's tremendous to see this marquee project come to fruition, rejuvenating an underused amenity, and truly creating a destination for pickleball players from all over the region, and the US," said Jim Goetz, President of the Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners. He continued, "The enthusiasm of the pickleball community in Cincinnati is second to none, and we're proud to have their partnership, led by Mr. Lessis."

In addition to the above improvements, the courts also include ball barriers and benches, added gates for court access and office renovations.

Gary Lessis, President of Pickleball at Sawyer Point and longtime champion of this project said, “For the sport and the city, this is an exciting day seeing these new courts in use. On behalf of the entire local pickleball community, we are grateful for the support from Mayor Aftab, City Council, the City of Cincinnati and especially the Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners, and their talented staff, for embracing this project and helping get us to today.”

Cincinnati Parks Deputy Director Jenny Mobley said. "Cincinnati Parks prides itself on providing parks and greenspaces where visitors can enjoy the outdoors and recreate. We are happy this project will give pickleball enthusiasts across the city a space where they can do just that.