Pickleball enthusiasts soon will have a dedicated place to play on the Bradley University campus.
The university has scheduled an early February groundbreaking ceremony for its new outdoor recreation complex, with a pickleball tournament as part of the activities.
Anchored by a fenced space with six pickleball courts, the complex will be built along Clarissa Court just west of the Markin Family Student Recreation Center. The space is currently a gravel parking lot that is heavily used during the semesters.
Bradley spokesperson Libby Derry said the new complex will include a parking lot, but specific plans are still being finalized, based around a parking study for that area of campus to determine the extent of the need.
Derry noted the campus has “ample” parking available daily in the Main Street parking deck, on the opposite side of the Hardin Circle of Pride at the west end of the Alumni Quad.
Information on the total cost of the fully donor-funded project has not been disclosed. The university is targeting late summer for completion.
The project is among a series of Bradley initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience, including development of a campus entryway at the intersection of Main and University streets and a renovations at University Hall.
Other amenities planned for the outdoor venue include a sand volleyball court, a band shell, and a spacious lawn for bags games and other recreational activities.
The groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 6 kicks off at 3 p.m., followed by tournament check-in at Renaissance Coliseum at 3:30.
Following welcome remarks from Bradley President James Shadid, competition begins at 4:15. Anyone interested in participating can register online. Additional details can be found on the event website.
