Kerrville keeps basketball court after pickleball plan backlash

City leaders in Kerrville reversed course on a controversial park redesign, deciding to restore the decades-old basketball court at Guadalupe Park rather than replace it with pickleball courts. The move follows a city survey that closed Jan. 2 with 375 responses, in which 43 percent of respondents prioritized keeping basketball facilities at the site.

Guadalupe Park is being rebuilt after historic flooding, and the redesign has drawn intense local interest as residents weigh long-standing neighborhood uses against the rapid expansion of pickleball. City staff acknowledged that pickleball players are underserved in the area, but officials say limited park topography prevents accommodating both a full basketball court and dedicated pickleball courts on the same footprint.

The survey result and subsequent signaling from officials mark a practical win for pickup hoops, youth leagues and other players who have used the outdoor court for decades. Restoring the basketball court preserves established game times, local tournaments and informal play that serve as a social hub for families and young athletes. At the same time, the decision highlights a gap for pickleball enthusiasts, who have pushed for court space as the sport’s neighborhood footprint continues to grow.

Community reaction was mixed but passionate. Longtime residents defended the basketball court as a cherished community asset and an existing space for kids and adults to gather. Others pointed out pickleball’s momentum — new players, leagues and demand for court time — and urged the city to find alternative sites or scheduling solutions to serve both communities. With park topography cited as a constraint, conversations are likely to shift toward whether nearby parks or municipal land can host new pickleball courts.

Funding for the Guadalupe Park redesign comes from local foundations and NBA team partners, resources that officials say will enable a refreshed space while honoring the community’s priorities. That combination of local philanthropy and sports-industry backing has made the rebuild possible but also raised expectations that the final plan reflect broader neighborhood needs.

For players on both sides of the debate, the outcome matters now because it shapes where and how people play in coming seasons. Basketball players can expect restoration work to proceed, while pickleball players and organizers will need to press for alternative locations, shared-use schedules or future phased additions as the city evaluates space and funding. Keep an eye on city announcements for timelines and follow-up meetings where the community can help shape where Kerrville’s next set of courts will land.