Think of the youth, Shreveport residents weigh in on $10 million pickleball court

CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A public meeting took place at A.B. Palmer Community Center, where Caddo Parish leaders listened to community members voice their concerns over a proposed pickleball project.

Attendee Tanya Bowman believes the project will be helpful, especially for the younger generation.

“I think it’s worth it because it would give the kids and the young adults a chance to be more active because a lot of kids nowadays are so video game oriented. They don’t get out and experience new things,” said Bowman.

Many citizens are concerned about the proposed 10-million-dollar plan to build 19 new courts next to the YMCA in South Shreveport.

“I know it’s kind of costly, but at the end of the day, everything is costly now. So, we just need to get things done to get our youth and young adults more active,” said Bowman.

The project will be funded by revenue bonds that are expected to be repaid. Pickleball fans, including District 10 Caddo Parish Commissioner Ronald Cothran, remain hopeful that this plan will happen.

“Pickleball is a great thing. It would be outstanding for us to be able to display this type of venture here in Shreveport. It’s a game that the parents, the students, and even grandparents can play together at one time,” said Cothran.

If approved, officials expect the pickleball courts to be finished in 2027.