New trailhead along Legacy Trail offers pickleball courts, a playground and more
A new county park is providing Sarasota-area pickleball fans with a much-needed venue to play their sport.
The new Pompano Trailhead of the Legacy Trail features 12 outdoor pickleball courts, complete with lighting that allows for evening play.
The park, at 601 S. Pompano Ave., is the latest trailhead of the popular Legacy Trail. Cyclists can park at the trailhead and ride the Legacy Trail westward to Payne Park or southeastward to south Sarasota and Venice.
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Community members can also use the park’s amenities, which include the pickleball courts, a new playground and pavilions. While building these amenities, Sarasota County also renovated a building on the property. It will provide office space for the county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department and will also serve as a community meeting space.
The Pompano Trailhead also has areas where food trucks can park.
County officials recognized the grand opening of the trailhead at a ceremony last Friday.
“What a wonderful amenity this park is,” Commissioner Ron Cutsinger told the crowd. “With the addition of these pickleball courts, a children’s playground, rest stops, free parking, connection to neighborhood parks and more, this is a great place to enjoy what Sarasota County has to offer.”
Pickleball paradise
The Sarasota Pickleball Club has been working with Sarasota County for a while to get more pickleball opportunities in north Sarasota County.
“We have a sense of accomplishment, a real sense of accomplishment,” said Cathy Denault, director of communications for the club.
Previously: DeSantis vetoes funds for St. Armands Circle, Main Street and Legacy Trail projects
North county residents have had limited options for playing pickleball outdoors. Several parks have tennis courts with lines for pickleball play. The Sarasota Pickleball Club has had to share usage of these courts with tennis players, so it prefers courts that are dedicated to pickleball.
The Pompano Trailhead’s courts are already being used by club members, including some who prefer to play in the evening to avoid the extreme heat.
“It’ll get well-used, no question,” Denault said.
Anne Snabes covers city and county government for the Herald-Tribune. You can contact her at asnabes@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter at @a_snabes.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New Legacy Trail trailhead opens, complete with pickleball courts
