Bubble operations update adjusts winter court use policies for tennis and pickleball

The bubble at the PC MARC. Photo: TownLift // Dani Miles

PARK CITY, Utah — To meet rising demand, Park City has implemented a revised operational plan for its indoor courts, starting Nov. 25. The plan stems from months of deliberation by the Recreation Advisory Board (RAB) and a dedicated Court-Usage Subcommittee and attempts to address the dual needs of tennis and pickleball players.

In the winter months, court options are reduced to seven indoor facilities, which is a challenge for balancing demand. “We have a very high demand for both tennis and pickleball court space,” said Cole Johnston, racquet sports division manager, in a Nov. 8 memo. The sub-committee, including representatives from both sports and city staff, proposed exclusive scheduling blocks to maximize court utilization. “Either sport will occupy the entire bubble at their dedicated time,” the memo reads. Park City’s communications manager, Clayton Scrivner, added, “Both user groups are expected to fill courts to capacity during prime-time.”

While prime-time sessions will not allow side-by-side play, mixed-use may occur during slower hours. Free morning play from 6–8 a.m. aims to encourage usage during underutilized times. “Free Play will be available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for tennis and Tuesday and Thursday for pickleball,” the memo clarifies.

Unused court times will be released with 48–120 hours’ notice to the other sport, facilitated via the PlaybyPoint app and email notifications. “Our intention is to get maximum utilization of the space,” Scrivner stated.

Open-play pickleball in the gymnasium is another option. It is offered on select mornings for a $12 drop-in fee or is included with a facility pass.

Johnston shares in the memo his hope that the changes will balance the growing demand:

“Our hope is that this will give players the ability to plan with the understanding that they can play their respective sports on dedicated days and times.”

Further updates, including plans for a pickleball facility at Quinn’s Junction, remain under consideration.