Want More Darien Pickleball Courts?

DARIEN, IL – Pickleball is gaining in popularity, with Darien a part of that trend.

During an economic development discussion Monday, Mayor Joseph Marchese said he would love to see pickleball courts inside the vacant 13,500-square-foot building that once housed CVS Pharmacy at 8325 Lemont Road.

Responding, Greg Bedalov, CEO of Choose DuPage, said at a City Council meeting, "We have a million contacts in the pickleball world."

He added that every town's community development director is dealing with pickleball facilities.

Dan Gombac, the local official who serves in that role, said pickleball could go inside the old CVS, provided the ceilings are high enough.

"What is the owner of a pickleball (business) willing to pay for it?" Gombac said.

In February, an auto body shop chain withdrew its plan to open in the old CVS Pharmacy after facing opposition from neighbors.

During the winter, the Darien Park District sets aside space in the Community Center gym for three pickleball courts. It also has two outdoor courts at Smart Oaks Park. Four more outdoor courts are expected to come online at Darien Community Park in the late spring or early summer, according to the district.