Temecula Pickleball Courts Open At Ronald Reagan Sports Park

TEMECULA, CA—The Temecula Pickleball Courts have opened at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park. This is a "first come, first serve" complex with 17 courts, including a championship court, fencing, and bleachers.

On Saturday, hundreds gathered for the courts' grand opening and ribbon cutting at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park's new Pickleball complex at Margarita and Rancho Vista roads. The courts are divided by skill level and open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Local dignitaries and City of Temecula Public Works personnel were on hand for the event that opened the courts for public play. Pickleball experts, including the USA City Pickleball Tour, Recreational Pickleball Players Association, and Temecula Pickleball Facebook group members.

The #1 court is considered an ADA court; there are handicap-accessible courts, and wheelchair play is allowed.

There is no cost to play at this complex.

Local pickleball ambassador Bret Bucher has watched this project grow from an idea into reality. It's taken 10 years since the idea's inception to the reality of this state-of-the-art, $3.8 million, 17-court facility.

"In 2015, we moved up here from San Diego, and there was nothing up here. Eventually, they started painting lines for us, and we helped So Cal Pickleball Club with tournaments," he said. He and a friend introduced the idea to the city, which has evolved and planned what is now this massive complex.

"When we started, there wasn't a place online to tell people where to play. So, we started the Temecula Pickleball Group on Facebook. Now, it has over 2,400 members. If you want to get involved or learn how to play, find us on Facebook. We'll be happy to help."

City Council Member James "Stew" Stewart spoke at the opening on Facebook, saying the facility is "what I believe to be the largest public pickleball facility in SoCal. We at the city of Temecula strive to be leaders in all things…so why not pickleball?"

When the ribbon was cut, people brought their paddles to begin playing. As is pickleball etiquette, paddles were lined up for "order of play. "

The city is still working to iron out the kinks with the new courts, including adding net straps and cranks. "Be patient with them," Bucher said. "We are very blessed to have this great facility. See you on the

If you want to learn how to play, join the Temecula Pickleball Group Facebook Page.

"It's hard to believe we've come this far," Bucher said of what the city has built, "but I'm beyond grateful to everyone who played a part in this journey."

The rules of the court, per signage, are as follows:

COURT USE & PLAYER ROTATION:

Challenge Courts: Courts 1-5 (ADVANCED PLAYERS)
Winners stay on until they lose. Anyone can advance play. Games played to 11 points (win by 2).

Challenge court players will rotate in, using the Paddle Racks designated for each court area.

Social Courts: Courts 6-11 (INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS)

Courts 12-17 (BEGINNING PLAYERS)

Winners stay on until they lose unless more than four players are waiting.

When four or more players are waiting, then it is two wins and off. Social Players will rotate on the designated courts according to skill level using the paddle racks.

• Waiting players will place their paddles in the holder to await their turn.
• When your turn to play arrives, please wait until players have exited before entering. Be courteous to all players on the courts.

COURT RULES & ETIQUETTE:

• Challenge Court #1 is a designated (ADA) handicap-accessible court, and wheelchairs are allowed.
• Use of courts is at your own risk. Use of foul language, fighting, alcohol, or smoking is prohibited.
• No food or glass containers are allowed.
• No pets, bicycles, e-bikes, rollerblades, or skateboards allowed.
• Appropriate attire, including tennis shoes or soft-soled shoes, is required.
• BE FAIR - BE A GOOD SPORT - HAVE FUN