Udall Pickleball Expansion Project
Udall Park has the busiest public pickleball courts in Tucson. In 2026 the City proposed charging for open play and handing the courts to a private management company. Tucson Area Pickleball offered the City an alternative: let the community look after them instead.
The result is a five-year agreement that keeps all twelve courts free to the public — and commits TAP to building more.
What the agreement does
Under the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Tucson, effective August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2031:
- The City maintains the Udall Park pickleball courts as a non-fee public amenity for the term of the agreement and any renewals.
TAP serves as the designated community steward, supporting programming, activation, and user engagement at the facility.
TAP takes responsibility for court surface maintenance and resurfacing, along with nets, paddle racks, and player furnishings.
TAP commits to a capital campaign to fund and build at least three additional courts at Udall Park within the five-year term.
Renewal for a further five years depends on TAP meeting that commitment and maintaining the courts to the City’s standards.
What TAP has already done
TAP has invested approximately $100,000 in a facility it does not own and from which it receives no proprietary benefit:
- Resurfacing of all twelve courts, completed in 2026, at a cost of more than $45,000
- A professionally built shade structure
- Eight concrete benches for players and spectators
- A water bottle filling station
- Twelve replacement nets, plus paddle racks, windscreens, and court supplies
All of it funded by membership dues, tournament receipts, and donations from players.
What comes next
New courts are the largest undertaking in TAP’s history, and dues and tournament income will not cover them. The capital campaign is raising funds for construction, with continued court maintenance, quarterly professional cleaning, and windscreens to reduce dust from the adjacent dog park.
Membership is $25 a year and funds the day-to-day work of keeping the courts open.
Any amount goes directly to the courts.
Put your business name at the courts and support public pickleball.
Tucson Area Pickleball is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, and contributions are not currently tax-deductible as charitable donations. TAP has applied to the IRS for 501(c)(3) status. If the application is approved, contributions made on or after October 2, 2026 may be deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.
