Park City advances plan for new indoor pickleball facility at Quinn’s Junction

Pickleball courts at Willow Creek Park. Photo: Basin Recreation

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City is moving ahead with plans to build its first public indoor pickleball facility, a project that could bring 12 year-round courts to the Quinn’s Junction area.

On Aug. 26, the Park City Council voted to enter into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Wadsworth Development Group to pursue the facility on roughly three acres of city-owned land near Park City Hospital. The agreement gives both parties 90 days to negotiate a formal ground lease.

As currently proposed, the 35,000-square-foot facility would include 12 indoor courts and supporting amenities. The Picklr, a fast-growing operator of pickleball venues in Utah and across the country, would manage day-to-day operations.

The public-private partnership structure would keep financial risk off city taxpayers. Wadsworth would assume all development and construction costs, while the city would lease the land for $1 per year, provided the site remains a pickleball facility. Big-D Construction, LARC Architecture & Design, and Design West Architects are part of the development team.

“The P3 model provides Park City with a pathway to deliver high-demand pickleball amenities in a cost-effective and community-focused way, while avoiding the risks and expenses of direct municipal development and operation,” wrote Chris Eggleton, the city’s economic development program manager, in a report to council.

The proposal has been in the works for more than a year. In May 2024, the city identified growing demand for indoor courts after hearing from local players frustrated with limited winter options. A temporary setup at the Utah Film Studio proved unsuitable, leading officials to seek a permanent solution.

Under the draft terms, the ground lease would run for 15 years, with nine five-year renewal options—potentially extending the partnership to 60 years. At the end of the lease, all improvements would revert to the city.

The agreement also includes public benefits: at least a 15% discount on memberships and fees for Park City residents, youth and nonprofit programming, and pedestrian and bike connections to nearby recreation sites. The city would retain oversight provisions, including approval of any lease assignments and first rights if the developer chooses to sell.

Residents will have opportunities to weigh in before any final decision. A public benefits analysis—required under Utah law for below-market land transactions—must be completed before council approval of a binding lease.

Pickleball remains the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and Park City officials say the facility would help meet strong community demand.